MARTHA'S CLASSES AT WILBUR HOT SPRINGS

Martha's Artist Workshops

at Wilbur Hot Springs

What better place can you think of to find artistic inspiration than amongst the natural beauty and serenity of Wilbur Hot Springs?!
Martha Esch, a lifelong artist, art teacher and gallery owner will be hosting some exciting, fun and soulful Artist Workshops at Wilbur for artists of all skill levels.
Friday through Sunday weekend workshops each include two painting demonstrations and a friendly Plein Air (open air) Painting Competition for cash prizes!
The Sunday through Tuesday workshops skip the competition and focus on a particular technique, medium or subject. They include a step-by-step novice painting lesson and a second demonstration for artists of more advanced skill levels to follow or observe.
(Note: For these three day schedules, a two-night stay is suggested or day use of the hot springs may also be available.)

2009 Wilbur Hot Springs Artist Workshop Dates:
April 3 - 5 Fri - Sun ~ Painting Workshop and Plein Air Competition
April 17 - 19 Fri - Sun ~ Painting Workshop and Plein Air Competition
May 22 - 24 Fri - Sun ~ Painting Landscape and Sky in Oils with Palette Knives
June 14 - 16 Sun - Tues ~ Still Life Painting with Pastels
July 3 - 5 Fri - Sun ~ Painting Workshop and Plein Air Competition
August 14 - 16 Fri - Sun ~ Painting Workshop and Plein Air Competition
September 11 - 13 Fri - Sun ~ Painting Workshop and Plein Air Competition
September 27 - 29 Sun - Tues ~ Portrait Painting in Acrylics
October 10 - 12 Sat - Mon ~ Columbus Day Weekend ~ Painting Workshop and 2009 Season Wrap-up ~ Wilbur Artists' Paintings Exchange

Friday - Sunday ~ Painting Workshop and Plein Air Competition Schedule:

Friday 3 p.m. Check-in time.

Friday 6 p.m. Welcome gathering to meet the other artists in the ramada. We'll discuss plans for the following two days. Bring along your sketchbook if you have one. We'll do a few thumbnail sketch warm-ups and art book or magazine sharing.

Saturday 8 a.m. Plein Air Painting Competition begins. Get your blank canvas(es) of any size stamped as early as 8 a.m. and pay a $5 cash entry fee for each of as many canvases as you wish to enter into the competition - no limits.
What to bring: Artists should bring their own portable, lightweight easel and artist materials canvases or papers and medium of their choice. (Please use only no-odor thinners). Call Martha (916 776-1000) if you want a more specific suggested art supply shopping list. Martha will bring basic watercolor kits along for novice artists to create two small paintings. Artists choose their own location(s) anywhere on the 1800 acre preserve of Wilbur's grounds and paint at their own pace. Oh, and don't forget your sunhat and sun lotion.
Saturday 10 a.m. 30 - 45 minute step-by-step painting lesson for novice artists in plein air or still life painting with watercolors.
Saturday 2 p.m. 30 - 45 minute speed-painting demonstration from live figure(s) or portrait, or landscape painting in oils, acrylics or pastels. This demo will be geared for intermediate and advanced level artists. During this demo, all artists are welcome to paint along or just observe. When the demo is over, guidance is offered to those artists who request suggestions to improve their paintings.
Saturday 7 p.m. Artists' Potluck Critique: Share something you've cooked up in Wilbur's fabulous kitchen and show us one of your artworks you brought from home - not the one(s) you're entering into the Plein Air Painting Competition. Each artist takes a turn with their artwork on the spotlight easel for a five-minute, supportive ñsandwichî critique by all the other artists.
Sunday 12 noon. Check out of your room.
Sunday 2 p.m. Remove your food from the kitchen.
The Plein Air Painting Competition entries are displayed and judged by all Wilbur guests, staff members and artists who are present. One voting ballot per person, and yes, artists may vote for their own painting. The painting judged 1 st place wins 50% of the cash pot! 2 nd place wins 25% of the pot; 3 rd place wins 10%. Paintings done by novice artists will be judged separately with their own cash prize pot for 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd place. The cash prizes are then ceremoniously awarded to the winners.
Say goodbyes and leave Wilbur's grounds to return to the real world.

Sunday - Tuesday Artist Workshop Schedule:
Sunday 3 p.m. Check-in time.
Sunday 6 p.m. Welcome gathering to meet the other artists in the ramada and discussion of painting plans and locations for the following two days. Famous artist discussion relating to focus of the workshop.
Monday 10 a.m. 30 - 45 minute step-by step lesson on the focused subject. Artists should meet at the pre-determined location with their own portable easels and artist materials, (please, only no-odor paint thinners). Martha will have basic watercolor kits available for purchase to get you started.
Monday 4 p.m. 30 - 45 minute speed-painting demonstration on the focus subject and medium. This demo is geared for intermediate and advanced level artists. During this time, all artists are welcome to paint along or just observe. When demo is over, assistance is offered to those artists who request guidance with their paintings.
Tuesday 9 a.m. Artists continue with their paintings. Guidance offered as requested.
Tuesday 12 noon. Check out of your room.
Tuesday 12:15 p.m. Artist group lunch Potluck Critique of the wet paintings or one or two brought from home.
Tuesday 2 p.m. Remove your food from the kitchen.
Tuesday 5 p.m. Say goodbye, leave Wilbur's grounds and go back to your busy life.

Participation Fees: $30 Artists' Workshop Fee per artist is payable at time of check-in at Wilbur. A basic watercolor kit consisting of eight Prang colors, a long-handled B grade watercolor brush, two 8 x 10î watercolor papers a drawing pencil and two sheets of sketching paper is available at the desk for $15.
Room Reservations: Accommodations and use of the hot springs are arranged directly through Wilbur Hot Springs at (530) 473-2306.
Day Use: If you're only able to join us for the day, or if room reservations are filled during the Artist Workshop you wish to attend, day use of Wilbur Hot Springs may be available from 10 am - 5pm.
Getting to Wilbur: Please see the Wilbur Hot Springs website for directions, map and guidelines before your first visit, or call Wilbur at (530) 473-2306