Vancouver Island Plein Air Workshop: Two Spots left! Deadline: 30 Jul 2026 Country: Canada Plein Air Adventure with Felicia van Bork September 1 – 7 and 8-14, 2026 on Vancouver Island, Canada Join former university professor and Liberated Brush Workshop creator Felicia van Bork, MFA, for a dynamic, five-day-plus plein air painting workshop. Beautiful Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island, provides spectacular views of rocky coastlines, dramatic pines and deep water, and the first two weeks of September are the ideal time of year to paint them. Designed for all skill levels, this adventure focuses on brushwork, composition and color. Registered participants receive a list of the oil painting supplies and equipment that Felicia travels with herself. Her economical, step-by-step instruction is designed to help artists find their best selves as they envision, compose, and paint powerfully engaging landscapes from life. Highlights: Expert Instruction: Learn from an encouraging, experienced Canadian educator. Scenic Locations: Pre-scouted, dramatic sites around Lake Cowichan. Skill Building: Focus on strong composition, color, and confident brushwork. Accessible to All: Suitable for beginners to advanced painters. Value: Two days of formal instruction and four days of informal instruction, all on location. Sign up for a transformative, creative experience in the heart of nature. Felicia van Bork’s work is in the permanent collections of museums and academic institutions as well as numerous private and corporate collectors. She has been awarded grants and residency fellowships from institutions including the American Academy in Rome, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and McColl Center for Art + Innovation. Her work has been featured at international art fairs such as Art Miami, Art Winwood and the Dallas Art Fair. She has taught at Columbia University, Penn State Erie, Davidson College and the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where her enthusiastic teaching has received top-ranked evaluations every semester. Duration of residency 7 or 14-day workshop options Accommodation The residency accommodates 3 to 5 artists in private bedrooms, with shared spaces that include two kitchens, two bathrooms, laundry facilities, a common area, individual and shared studio spaces for both digital and traditional work, outdoor seating and studio areas, as well as direct access to nature trails, rivers, and lakes. If you are local or want to have private accommodations, you can simply pay the workshop fee. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance This artist-led plein air workshop will include practical demonstrations, technical guidance, and on-site instruction to help participants develop paintings or drawings while working outdoors in nature. While the primary focus will be on painting, participants working in drawing, photography, or other observational practices are also welcome. Instructor Felicia will provide recommended supply kits so participants can arrive prepared with the materials needed to complete the workshop. Guidance will be offered throughout the sessions, including demonstrations of plein air techniques, composition, color, and working efficiently in outdoor environments. Transportation to selected painting locations will be provided, allowing participants to access a variety of inspiring natural sites during the workshop.Studio / Workspace The residency offers multiple common workspaces for digital projects and writing and 5 private studios equipped with easels, desks, and ample wall space. Artists are also welcome to set up outdoors on the property to work amidst nature. Additionally, each private bedroom includes a desk for quiet, personal workspace.Fees and support Option 1: Workshop + Accommodation (on-site) Includes workshop participation and accommodation at the residency. 7-day retreat: $1000 CAD accommodation fee + $700 workshop fee Total: $1,700 CAD   Option 2: Workshop Only (participants arrange their own accommodation) 7-day retreat: $700 CAD workshop fee Participants choosing the workshop-only option are responsible for arranging their own lodging and transportation to the daily workshop locations. Expectations towards the artist Take in Vancouver Island’s natural beauty and reflect your impression through painting or drawing. Application information Workshop details and purchase: https://apositiononretreat.com/plein-air-worskop  More about in-person opportunities as our partner A Position on Retreat Artist Residency on Vancouver Island, Canada https://apositiononretreat.com/