Escape to an island gem known for its spectacular white sand beaches and aquamarine waters, pastel clap-board cottages, and white picket fences overflowing with tropical foliage, hibiscus and bougainvillea. Escape to this little gem of inspirational beauty with Art League instructor and internationally known artist, Susan O’Neill. Join her for five inspiring days of plein-air watercolor painting to capture the light, colors and rhythms of the Bahamas. Susan will lecture and demonstrate on capturing the distinctive atmosphere, light and beach-scapes of magnificent Elbow Cay.

Located just off the coast of West Palm Beach, Florida are the islands of the Abacos, the northernmost section of the Bahamas. Elbow Cay is a tiny gem amongst these islands. Only 6 miles long and one quarter of a mile wide, Elbow Cay boasts a magnificent barrier reef that protects its sandy coastline. The area is perfect for water activities including snorkeling, swimming, and fishing.

It is also perfect for plein air painting. The settlement of Hope Town is located here, a small scenic 18th century village, which surrounds the harbor. The streets are picturesque and narrow and free from vehicular traffic as autos are not allowed. The Hope Town lighthouse, built in 1863, stands as sentinel over the harbor. One of the last manned kerosene-powered lighthouses in the world, it is also the most photographed in all the Bahamas.

Your workshop will be based in this scenic locale. Art League Instructor and Artist, Susan O’Neill will lecture and demonstrate on capturing Elbow Cay’s distinctive light and atmosphere. Daily demos and discussions will include: Capturing the Morning Light; Tropical Breezes and Ever-Changing Tides; Atmospheric Perspective (pink sandy beaches and pastel clapboard cottages … composition and design explored); Essential Steps to Visual Looseness (capturing the sunset… lessons in value); and Tropical Landscapes. This workshop is open to painters of all media.

Lodging has been reserved at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge, a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence hotel.

Workshop Fee: $1790 per person, double occupancy. Includes accommodations (5 nights, double occupancy) in a Poolside Cabana, group round-trip transportation to/from hotel to ferry and painting instruction. Not included: round-trip airfare to Bahamas, ferry ticket ($30. round trip, unable to purchase ahead, 20 minute ride), meals, art supplies, personal items and phone calls. Group airfare may be arranged at an additional charge. **Please note that additional nights are available. If interested, please inquire early. Single rooms, (extremely limited) are available at a slightly higher rate.

Winter is high season for the Bahamas, so in order to keep prices down; meals are on your own, however, we have researched the best places with the lowest prices for the group. Please register early with your payment, as rooms in the Bahamas fill quickly in winter. When it is snowing on the East Coast, a glistening white sandy beach with clear, aquamarine waters is the place to be. The weather is absolutely glorious for painting!

Workshop Schedule:

Wednesday, February 27, 2019:
Early departure from U.S. to Bahamas. Settle into your accommodations at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge for 5 nights. Each day, your itinerary will include morning and afternoon painting sessions in specially chosen locations. The workshop will begin with a demonstration featuring Susan’s own palette and painting techniques. Students will then begin work on their own pieces.

Monday, March 4, 2019:
Afternoon return flight to the U.S.