September 14-18, 2026

During this 5-day watercolor workshop we will get inspired by some of the same gorgeous landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven. We will visit some of the (approximate) locations in Algonquin Park and Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada where the Group of Seven painted. Here, surrounded by the stillness of nature, we will breathe the fresh, pine-scented air and make our watercolour paintings in our own style with the help of our Master watercolour painting instructor, Gary Geraths. We are looking forward to making art in good company. Click HERE to download the brochure.

At this time of year we can expect good early-season color, with reds and oranges beginning to emerge, especially in the maples. Average temperatures for that week in September are highs 19°C (67°F) and overnight lows of 9°C (46°F)--perfect for a lovely painting holiday!

Meet Gary Geraths

Gary is a retired professor of art at Otis College in California and an accomplished artist in watercolor and various media. He taught Landscape & Environmental Drawing, Background Design, Vehicle Design, Portrait & Costume Drawing & Painting, Storyboarding, and Figure Drawing & Painting to name a few. He was the Courtroom Sketch Artist at the O.J. Simpson Criminal Trial. He is the author of Five Minute Sketching Animals & Pets and Drawing Animals. Gary has also traveled, sketched and painted throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa. This workshop will feature art classes using watercolor. Learn more about Gary through this watercolor demo and interview...

About Algonquin Park + Georgian Bay

Algonquin Park is 229 mi (369 km) north of Toronto. It spans approximately 7,700 sq kms (2,900 sq mi) and is characterized by its untouched forest and over 2,400 lakes.  This area is set aside for outdoor activities like canoeing, camping and hiking, backpacking, fishing, cross-country skiing and, of course, making art! Algonquin Park and the rocky shoreline of Georgian Bay were favourite spots for the Group of Seven, Canada's pre-eminent painters.

The Group of Seven Painters

Established in 1920, the Group of Seven was an association of seven Canadian landscape oil painters whose art kickstarted the art scene in Canada and became part of the Canadian ethos. Their goal was to show the vast and wild landscapes in Canada. Our goal will be to be inspired by the landscapes that inspired the Group of Seven. We will be plein air watercolour painting (not oil) in our own style under the expert guidance of our watercolor landscape instructor, Gary Geraths.

When to Arrive?

Saturday September 12, 2026

Your arrival date is your decision but we suggest you arrive on Saturday September 12 so that you have time to settle in and possibly to adjust to a new time zone or the vagaries of travel which, as we know, could include a missed or delayed flight. Better to be relaxed at the start of your watercolour retreat. **

Warm Up Sketch + Welcome Reception

Sunday September 13, 2026

Day 3 Georgian Bay + Workshop #3

Wednesday September 16, 2026

The dramatic rocky shoreline, windswept pines and big water of Georgian Bay inspired many Group of Seven paintings and will be our inspiration on this day. We will travel by private coach and enjoy our plein air watercolor workshop #3 on the shores of the bay.

Day 4  A Waterfall, an Art Gallery + Workshop #4

Thursday September 17, 2026

 

Today we will explore and paint the same waterfall that was painted by Tom Thomson, AJ Casson and others under the expert instruction of Gary.

After lunch we will visit an art gallery in Algonquin Park and we will learn more about Tom Thomson as we walk the Tom Thomson Legacy Path.

 

 

 

Day 5 Canoe Lake + Workshop #5

Friday September 18, 2026

Today we will visit Canoe Lake. This lake was a favourite of Tom Thomson and other Group of Seven painters and it is significant because it was on this lake that Thomson was found drowned under mysterious circumstances in 1917. After a brief visit we will enjoy Workshop #5 on a trail nearby.

In the evening we will meet one last time to celebrate an amazing week at our Farewell dinner (included).

Departure

Saturday September 19, 2026

It's time to say goodbye but you will never forget the friends you made or the skills you learned during this great week! Or extend your stay for a long relaxing holiday!  

PLEASE NOTE: THE ORDER OF EVENTS AND SUBJECTS PROPOSED IN THIS ITINERARY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Recommended Workshop Supply List

 

Click HERE to view Gary's Watercolor Workshop Supply List.  

FAQs

Q: How will we arrive at the painting locations?

Q: How much hiking/walking is involved?

A: From the coach parking lot there will be some hiking/walking involved (500m -1km) to arrive at our painting locations on groomed trails that look like this:

Q: Will we encounter wildlife in Algonquin Park?

A: There is a possibility that we will see moose or deer while driving in the area and maybe beaver or other wildlife while walking in the park.

Click HERE for more FAQs.

If you have questions about this vacation package contact Brenda Murray Studio56Boutique@gmail.com.

Tour Includes

• A welcome reception
• All art classes
• Ground transportation via private coach to the sites mentioned
  
• A farewell dinner 

Tour Excludes

• Flights to/from the area
• Hotel
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Meals (except those listed above)
• Painting supplies
• City taxes payable by guest at check out
• Tips and gratuities
• Porterage/luggage handling
• Travel insurance
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Items not explicitly specified in the inclusion list

Ticket Prices in USD

Save money by taking advantage of the Early Bird discount!

*NonSketcher Companion tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes.

VIP Members get an additional $100 off their ticket price!

This Studio 56 VIP Rewards Program is a new loyalty incentive for VIP Participants who have previously taken part in a Studio 56 Vacation Workshop. Click HERE to learn more.

How to Register for this Workshop

To reserve your spot in this workshop, a $500USD nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $300USD nonrefundable deposit is required for nonSketcher Companions 150 days prior to the start of the workshop. The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the start of the workshop, that is, May 17, 2026.

To make a deposit, please scroll to the bottom and click BOOK NOW.

PLEASE READ OUR  REFUND POLICY.

Greenlighting a workshop

Workshops are greenlighted when the minimum number of tickets (10) has been sold. All ticket holders will be notified by email when this happens. Please do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until we have given the go-ahead for the workshop.

Bring a Friend and Get a $50 Rebate

Click HERE for more info.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodation is not included in this package but a group rate has been arranged in a quintessential Muskokan resort on a lake near Huntsville, Ontario. Participants will have full access to the resort's indoor and outdoor pools, Sauna Room, Tennis Courts, Towel Service, Beach Rentals, Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Boats, Volleyball, that are included in the resort fee. There is also a spa on site that offers various massages, facials and treatments for an extra fee.

Room Rates

Depending on type of room, the room rates range from $189-$209 Canadian dollars per night plus $39/room/day resort fee + tax. Information about the official hotel of this workshop will be sent to all participants after they have made their deposit. 

How to Make a Hotel Reservation

Before you make a hotel reservation, click the blue BOOK NOW button below to make your deposit that will ensure that you have a spot in this workshop.

After you have secured your spot in this workshop, you will be sent information about the hotel with instructions for how to book a room. Please do not make nonrefundable flight or hotel reservations before the workshop has been greenlighted.

Participants can stay in this hotel or book into another nearby hotel or Airbnb if they prefer but it is their responsibility to be at this hotel and ready to board our bus on time every day.

Transportation from the Airport

Huntsville is a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto Pearson Airport. After registration closes we will connect everyone arriving from the airport so that they can arrange shared transportation. 

Travel + Medical Insurance

Last minute cancellations in this workshop for any reason are nonrefundable therefore protect your investment in this vacation by purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Click HERE for a list of US trip cancellation insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip using that credit card. NonCanadians will need to arrange for medical insurance as well.

Travel Tips

 Please check HERE for Studio 56 Travel Tips.

Your Tour Manager

Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is a Canadian artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda has traveled to Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea (resident for 4 years), Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA (35 states). Brenda will be on hand to lead the cultural activities, assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She has completed the St. John's Ambulance Emergency First Aid - CPR C - AED training. Learn more about Brenda HERE. 

Still have questions?

Email Studio56Boutique@gmail.com or call Brenda Murray at 519-572-1757.

How to Register for this Workshop

To guarantee your spot in this exciting vacation workshop, participants must pay a deposit by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.

Interested but you have questions? Email Brenda at info@Studio56Boutique.com