Madeline Island, WI
5-Day Plein Air Workshop
Aug 18th - 22nd, 2025 (Monday - Friday)
Cost: $1850
This will be my twelfth year teaching at Madeline Island School of the Arts.Join two of America’s most accomplished landscape and seascape painters, Joe Paquet and Don Demers, for an unparalleled workshop experience. With a combined century of expertise in the craft and philosophy of painting, Joe and Don will guide you through the intricate process of creating compelling and evocative works of art.
This workshop offers a deep dive into traditional painting techniques, with a focus on the Prismatic Palette—a tool that Joe will introduce to help you capture the diverse light effects encountered when painting en plein air. Through this method, you will learn how to judge values, manipulate warm and cool tones, and depict light, shadow, and atmosphere with precision. Key topics such as rhythmic-connected drawing, underpainting, and the effective use of greens will also be covered.
The first day kicks off with a lecture and painting demonstration by Joe and Don, followed by a week of outdoor painting at some of Joe’s favorite island locations. Expect to create two paintings daily—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—under the guidance of both masters. Their combined knowledge will provide you with insights into the architecture of pictorial presentation, from concept and design to composition, value structure, spatial assignment, and brushwork.
Joe and Don’s approachable and knowledgeable teaching styles create a welcoming environment, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention regardless of skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this workshop is designed to help you advance your craft, deepen your understanding of art history, and cultivate your personal artistic expression.
This is more than just a workshop—it’s a transformative experience. Prepare to leave with not only a greater mastery of painting techniques but also a renewed sense of individuality and self-identity as an artist. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from two of the most skilled painters in the field. This workshop is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event that could change the course of your creative journey.
Note to students: Teaching is tailored to your level so all levels are welcome. My only requirement is that you enter the class humble to nature and open to new information.
Required Materials List
- Good Field Easel or Tripod based Pochade Box
- Painting Umbrella (Artwork Essentials in Irvine California has the best I've used)
- Paints:
- White – Cremnitz or Titanium (your choice)
- Cadmium Yellow Light (Old Holland or Rembrant)
- Cadmium Yellow (Winsor Newton)
- Cadmium Orange (Winsor Newton)
- Cadmium Scarlet or Cadmium Red Light (Winsor Newton)
- Alizarin Crimson (Winsor Newton)
- Manganese Blue (Old Holland or Bloxx)
- Cobalt Blue (Winsor Newton)
- Ultramarine Blue (Winsor Newton)
- Ivory Black (Winsor Newton)
- Raw Umber (Winsor Newton. For Toning Panels)
- Pthalo Green (Old Holland or Gamblin)
- Painting Medium – 50/50 Mixture of Cold Pressed Linseed Oil & Gamsol or Turpenoid. (Keep in a separate bottle)
- Palette Cups
- Paper Towels
- Garbage Bags
- Palette Knives (2)
- Brushes - Long Bristle Flats or Filberts (Two each, #2, #4, #6, #8, #10)
- Panels (your choice) Sizes: 8x10”, 9x12”, 11x14”, 12x16” (or metric equivalent)
Plan on two paintings each day. Panels should be toned with a light imprimatura of Raw Umber & White. As for value, think Mocha!
- Suggested:
- Brush Washer (Be sure to keep it double bagged in ziplock bags)
- Sennelier Gel 'N Dry – This is ideal to mix with your white when traveling to ensure bringing home dry panels.
- Panel Box – to safly transport panels
- Sunscreen
Visit this page on the MISA website to register.
Or contact: MISA, (P) 715.747.2054 or e-mail misa@madelineschool.com