DEPOSIT / Balance due May 10, 2011
2011 IRIS SHORT TRIP - PLEIN AIR
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About the Workshop
This workshop could be called a plein air painter’s paradise for artists who love to
paint flower gardens on location. It’s one of the most colorful places to visit in the late spring
and early summer in the Pacific Northwest. This year’s visit to the gardens where the irises grow
promises to be one of the best! From all reports Mother Nature is smiling on us and it looks like
the dates we have scheduled might be during the peak of this years bloom season. Of course
we all know that weather in the Northwest is very fickle and things are always subject to change
on a day by day basis. Bring your umbrella! You’ll need it for both sun and a possible rain
drop or two. There is usually plenty of shelter for us to get under in case of a passing shower
but we may be sharing it with other artists and garden visitors.
Painting 'gardenscapes' at Schreiner’s and Cooley’s Iris Display gardens has got to be a bit of heaven on earth. Both of
these growers fill their beds with many annuals of complementary colors and textures that showcase their prize winning irises. Just
when you think you have found the perfect iris in the perfect setting you peak around another corner and find another and another.
During your visit, you’ll find a wealth of subjects to paint. As the light moves across the landscape it gives the painter an endless
stream of possibilities for discovery. The locale was selected for our workshop because of it’s variety in the landscape and beautiful
garden settings.
This workshop will be as much about painting on location in the
garden as it is about painting the anatomy of the iris. I will work
with each of you individually at your skill level and help you reach
your painting goals. Each day we will have a group critique to
share our painting experience and benefit from each other.
I hope you’ll consider joining me for this wonderful workshop!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email
or call me. I am looking forward to working with you as we paint
the irises en plein air!
Keep those brushes wet!
Susie
The painting on the easel was painted on location!



When painting en plein air bring the materials you are familiar with using. Painting outside will present enough challenges
without trying to paint on new paper, brushes, etc. Some of you may want to test and try travel brushes…that’s ok. But bring
a couple of your favorite brushes too.
Painting Supplies:
- Brushes (Bring what you normally use to
paint with) 2-3 round brushes, a flat for larger
washes, a rigger, Susie’s Cutter brush
- Paint Palette (Click here for Susie’s Travel
Palette) Unless you absolutely insist on
painting with fresh paint, I suggest you
prepare your travel palette in advance and
allow it to air dry at least a week before the
workshop. Use your favorite colors. Keep it
simple – include the basics.
- Paper Arches 140# CP sheets or blocks
are recommended. Unless you always work
on full sheets; ¼ sheets or 1/8 sheets are
best for the time we have allowed.
- Drawing & Sketchbook Notebook or sketch
book for taking notes
- Pencils & Pens –Eraser
- Paper Towels
- Misc painting stuff: 2 plastic containers for
water, bulldog clips, sponge or towel or toilet
paper wrapped with paper towels. Masking or
art tape. Plenty of paper towels.
- Drawing board - fomecore – lap table – etc -
used to clip paper to while painting. Where
and how you plan to paint will determine what
will work best for you. (i.e. If you plan to paint
in your lap you might choose a different
support than you would if you plan to use an
easel. )
- Easel (optional)
- Misc painting stuff: 2 plastic containers for
water, bulldog clips, sponge or towel or toilet
paper wrapped with paper towels. Masking or
art tape. Plenty of paper towels.
NOTE: You may want to bring containers to take
home cut flowers. Five gallon buckets will hold 1-2
dozen irises. They are cheap and usually last for a
week or more. Oh, they usually have some buckets
for sale too!
Plein Air Gear:
- Sturdy, lightweight easel or pochade box or
TV tray
- Easel umbrella if desired
- Wheeled cart w/ bungee cords; or rolling
carry-on
- Waste bags (grocery store bags are great for
used paper towels and misc paper waste.)
- 3-4 large plastic leaf bags to put over easel
and painting gear in case of raindrops.
- Portable folding chair or light weight lawn
chair. You may want to bring an old rug to sit
your chair on in the muddy garden. I have
seen artists use empty tuna cans to place
under the legs of chairs to keep them from
sinking in the wet ground.
- Personal umbrella to clip to chair – beach
umbrella to stick in the ground beside your
chair.
Personal Gear:
- Drinking water
- Hand wipes or hand cleaner
- Rain coat or jacket (just in case)
- Rain Umbrella
- Good walking shoes (chances are they will
get muddy)
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat – Rain hat
- Sun glasses
- Jacket for cool mornings (Dress in layers,
afternoons may be warm)
- Snacks
- Thermal Lunch bag or box
- Small Personal Ice Cooler
Camera Gear
- Plenty of film or flash cards
- Tripod(s)
- Extra Batteries/ charger
HOW TO GET THERE and WHERE TO STAY:
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Just 32 miles south of Portland and 5 miles north of downtown Salem,
Schreiner's Iris Gardens is located at 3625 Quinaby Road NE in Salem,
Oregon.
From Seattle take I-5 South to Portland, Oregon. Just 32 miles south of
Portland and 5 miles north of downtown Salem, Schreiner's Iris Garden is
located at 3625 Quinaby Rd NE Salem, Oregon.
From Salem, and points South, take I-5 north to the Chemawa exit 260. Go
west on Chemawa Road, turn right just west of I-5 following signs to Volcano
Stadium. Continue heading north past stadium and turn right on Quinaby
Road.
From Portland, take I-5 south to the Brooks exit 263. Go west on Brooklake
Road, turn left on River Road for 1 mile, then turn left on Quinaby Road
http://www.schreinersgardens.com
Cooley's Gardens is at 11553 Silverton Road NE, just outside of Silverton and nine miles east of Salem,
Oregon.
From Salem: Simply drive out Silverton Road (Hwy 213). If you're on Interstate 5, take the Market Street Exit
and drive east to Lancaster Drive. Go north on Lancaster Drive to Silverton Road, and turn east. Within less
than 10 miles, you'll see their headquarters on your left, at the Brush Creek Drive intersection.
From Portland: Drive south on Interstate 5 to the Woodburn exit. Go east through Woodburn, then turn right
onto Oregon Highway 99 and left onto Oregon Highway 214, and follow the route through Mt. Angel to Silverton.
In Silverton take "C" Street to Silverton Road. Turn right at the light. Unfortunately, the sign doesn't say
Silverton Road. Follow Highway 213 toward Salem, drive west for two miles, and look for Cooley’s on the right
side of the road.
They ask us to bring our cameras, but prefer that we do not bring our pets.
They have 2 1/2 acres of free parking available for cars, campers, motor homes.
RV's are welcome to park overnight. (no hook-ups)
http://www.cooleysgardens.com/index.php
There are several motels in the Salem area.
Pacific Inn (Best Western) 4646 Portland Road NE
Salem, Oregon, 97305-1657, Phone: 503/390-3200.
Exit 258 off I-5
This where I will be staying. It is conveniently located
with easy access and one of the closest motels to
Schreiner's Gardens. They allow pets and have
high speed Internet and free continental breakfast. I
will ask for a group rate, but I can’t guarantee that I’ll
get it.
Best Value Inn is just across the road from the
Pacific Inn so it is also close to the gardens.
Days Inn - 3340 Astoria Way NE Salem, OR 97303
(503) 393-6000 Exit 258 off I-5
Workshop Dates:
Friday, May 20
Saturday, May 21
Sunday, May 22,
Workshop Fees:
Fri - Sat - Sun 3 days $175 /paid in advance
Single Days $65 each
Deposits due by May 1, 2011 Balance due by May 10, 2011
Pay the Balance of $110.00 due on or before May 10, 2011
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