Winter Paint-In Workshop Series
Each workshop blends artistic skill-building with personal renewal — helping you learn new painting techniques, connect with a supportive creative community, and rediscover joy in the act of making art. Whether you’re refining your craft or just returning to your paints after a break, these sessions offer a welcoming space to grow at your own pace.
What You'll Experience
Learn practical painting skills that translate to your own creative practice.
Connect with other artists who share your passion and curiosity.
Create work that reflects your unique voice and the quiet beauty of winter.
Find inspiration in the camaraderie, warmth, and peaceful focus of the studio.
Creative Community
Together, we’ll explore topics like capturing mood and color, designing strong compositions, painting from photos, and transforming sketches into finished works — all while nurturing the deeper connection between artist, place, and moment.
Perfect for
Creatives of all levels who want to:
Build confidence and technique through guided instruction
Stay inspired through the winter months
Enjoy painting in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere
When the days grow shorter and the world outside turns still, creativity can be the perfect way to reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with the beauty of the season.
From Lens to Canvas - Using Photos as Painting References
Level: All levels
Focus: Photography for painters, composition, design thinking
Description: This workshop helps artists bridge the gap between photography and painting by learning how to take, select and interpret photos that make strong paiting refences. Students will learn to look for light, composition and design rather than simply copying what they see in a photo
Materials Needed: Smartphone or digital camera, sketchbook, pencils, optional tablet or laptop for viewing photos
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $45
Color & Mood - Capturing the Feeling of a Place
Level: Beginning to Intermediate
Focus: Color harmony, expressive painting, atmosphere
Description: Explore how color choices influence mood and emotion in your paintings. Learn to simplify, balance warm and cool tones and create a sense of place that feels alive
Materials Needed: Acrylics or oils, brushes, palette, canvas/panel, sketchbook, photo references
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $45
Mini-Studies for Holiday Gifts
Level: All levels
Focus: Small-format painting, composition, brush economy
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Create quick expressive mini-paintings perfect for gifts or studies. Learn how to simplify compositions and capture a scene with fresh energy
Materials Needed: Small panels or watercolor paper (5x7 or 6x8), paints. brushes, sketchbooks
Sketchbook Warm-Ups for Winter
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Focus: Daily practice, creativity, confidence
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Stay inspired this winter with fun sketchbook exercises that loosen your hand and sharpen your eye. Great for anyone wanting to keep their creative energy flowing
Materials Needed: Sketchbook, pencils, pens, watercolors or gouache
Winter Landscapes Indoors - Painting from Photos
Level: All levels
Focus: Studio painting, value structures, color mixing
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: paint beautiful winter scenes indoors using your own photos or provided references. Learn how to translate snow, light and shadows into dynamic compositions
Materials Needed: Canvas/panel, acrylic or oil paints, brushes, palette knife, photo references
Composition Bootcamp - Designing Strong Paintings
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Focus: Design, structure, visual impact
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Learn to think like a designer. Explore principles of balance, movement and focal point that create visually powerful paintings
Materials Needed: Sketchbook, pencils, paints, panels, ruler, optional viewfinder
Mixing Winter Colors - Whites, Blues and Shadows
Level: All levels
Focus: Color mixing, value relationships, atmospheric effects
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Master the subtleties of winter color. Learn how to mix luminous whites, icy blues and soft shadows that bring depth and life to snow scenes
Materials Needed: Palette of titanium white, ultramarine blue, burt sienna, alizarin crimson and yellow ochre (recommended), brushes, panels
Painting Details that Bring a Landscape Alive
Level: Intermediate
Focus: focal details, brushwork, visual hierarchy
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Learn how to identify and paint key details that make your landscapes engaging without overworking them. Focus on edges, texture and light accents that lead the viewer's eye
Materials Needed: Sketchbook, paints, brushes (round and rigger), palette knife
Painting Water in Motion
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Focus: Movement, reflection, light
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Capture the energy and rhythm of moving water - from streams and waves to reflections. Learn techniques for rendering transparency, flow and sparkle
Materials Needed: Canvas or panel, acrylic or oil paints, reference photos, brushes
From Sketch to Finished Painting
Level: All levels
Focus: Composition, layering, painting process
Duration: TBD
Cost: TBD
Description: Take your ideas from quick sketches to complete paintings. Develop compositions, build depth through layering and retain the freshness of your first marks
Materials Needed: Sketchbook, canvas/panel, paints, brushes, reference images
Don’t miss your chance to create, learn, and connect this winter!
Winter Workshop FAQs
Who can join?
Artists of all levels are welcome to participate.
What materials needed?
Basic painting supplies are recommended; a detailed list is provided upon registration.
How long is each session?
Each workshop lasts about three hours, balancing instruction with hands-on painting and drawing time.
Sessions are held indoors in a cozy, warm space.
Where are workshops held?
Can I bring a friend?
Absolutely! Friends are encouraged to join and share the experience.
Get in touch
Questions about workshops or materials? Reach out anytime!
Phone
708.973.2577
contact@garymccaslin.com
Location
Workshops meet in a cozy studio space nestled in the heart of town, warm and welcoming.
Meeting Space #1
Alger Parks and Recreation
413 Maple Street #1
Munising, MI 49862
Hours
Check individual workshop details for session times and dates
© 2025. All rights reserved. All artwork and photography on this site are the original creations of Gary McCaslin, who retains full rights. No artwork may be reproduced, resold, or used for commercial purposes without the artist’s written permission. Photographs may not be shared without proper credit