2009 IRIS SHORT TRIP - PLEIN AIR |
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!
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!
| 2009 Iris Garden Workshop |
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.
| CHECK LIST: |
Painting Supplies:
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!
- 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: |
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/bloom.shtml
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/bloom.shtml
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
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 Fees:
Fri-Sat-Sun 3 days $150 /paid in advance
Weekend Special (Sat/Sun) $99/ paid in advance
One Day Only $60
Fri-Sat-Sun 3 days $150 /paid in advance
Weekend Special (Sat/Sun) $99/ paid in advance
One Day Only $60
| Click Here to print the Mail in Registration Form |