David Daniels 2024

Glastonbury, CT, USA

AR
Artists Rising
  • Email address verified
30 reviews
Jun 2 - 7, 2024
Group size: 4 - 14
David Daniels 2024
Glastonbury, CT, USA

Artists Rising
  • Email address verified
30 reviews

Jun 2 - 7, 2024
Group size: 4 - 14

About this trip

Finding Your Voice in Watercolor


Watercolor paintings can be so much more than a checklist of watercolor techniques. David goes beyond paint application basics and shows how to construct strong, vibrant, personality-filled paintings. David firmly believes that planning does not destroy creativity, but creates opportunity. Daily one-on-one critiques and demos will be vital to helping you find your watercolor voice.


Students will learn:

• how to find the essence of your subject matter

• how to construct compelling compositions

• to see shapes, not objects

• how to create a color strategy

• how to use frisket to achieve batik-like effects

• the importance of value patterns in your work

• how to paint loosely while staying true to your subject matter

About David Daniels

David earned a Masters of Arts Degree from Central Michigan University. After 15 years of teaching in the Michigan public school system he moved to Washington, DC to pursue an art career. In the past several years, David’s talent has earned him the distinction of Best of Show in such prestigious organizations as the Capitol Hill Art League of Washington, DC, the Cultural Society of Coral Springs, Florida and the Washington Watercolor Association of Washington, DC.


In addition to being a working artist, David is a dynamic and engaging watercolor instructor. He is the watercolor instructor for the Smithsonian Institution of Washington, DC, is a former instructor at Montgomery College in Maryland, and he teaches workshops throughout the world. David is on the faculty of the Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival in Italy.


He has been involved with such art-related activities as the Boat House Art School of Washington, DC, where he was the director for two years; the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Docent Program; and he has affiliations with numerous art organizations and associations. Recently David was featured in American Artist Magazine, and his works can be found in two new publications by Rockport Publishers: The Best of Watercolor Composition and Floral Inspirations. David is included in Who’s Who in American Art.


His work can be found in corporate collections of such organizations as the Quadrangle Corporation, Michigan Education Association, Home National Bank of Arkansas City Kansas, and the private collection of the National Institutes of Health.


Statement

Capturing the spirit of nature and interpreting its beauty through my vision is what I love most about making art. The medium of watercolor is surprisingly versatile, which feeds into my drive to experiment with materials and methods. Borrowing from batik, I use a masking agent and multiple washes to achieve a range of effects, from delicate to bold. At times I add pastels to strengthen the depth of color, and almost always paint in a large format, which allows me to exaggerate my subject matter. It is an ever present challenge for me to elevate the medium of watercolor by using innovative techniques, all the while preserving the natural beauty of its transparency. 

Social & Website Links

What’s included

  • Workshop Tuition
  • Guest Rooms
    Guest room amenities include Towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hair dryers, in room coffeemaker, mini fridge, tv, internet, lap desks, yoga mats
  • Welcome Reception
    Light appetizers and refreshments
  • All Meals and Snacks
    Includes 4 nights of dinner, lunch and breakfast, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer
  • Art Supplies
    If art supplies are included in the price of the retreat, it will show in the description.

What’s not included

  • Transportation
    Taxis and rental cars available at airport. We may be able to pick you up at the airport or train station with prior arrangements.
  • Optional Excusions
    See below for fun and inspiring add-on excursions
  • Art Supplies
    Your instructor will reach out with details on needed materials and supplies. You can have your supplies shipped directly to us if you do not want to travel with them.
  • Travel Insurance
    Although we do not require trip insurance, we VERY HIGHLY recommend it. Here is a link for purchasing Trip Insurance where you can compare rates and coverage. https://www.travelinsurance.com/

Available Packages

Double Room / Shared Bath

Price is per person. Double Occupancy. You each have your own bed and your own closet for personal items And your own bathrobe. You share an en-suite bathroom


We assign all students  to rooms based on giving everyone a great space. All double occupancy rooms are in the main property


This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.  


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee                    $1950

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%          $215

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $2165


If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

$2,165
Deposit: $450
Single Room with Shared Bath

A room all to myself but with a shared bathroom 


This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%. 


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee              $2295

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $253

TOTAL Retreat Fee  with tax           $2548


If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

$2,548
Deposit: $450
Single Room with Private Bath

A room all to myself  with my own private en-suite bathroom and balcony


This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.  


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee              $2650

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%    $292

TOTAL Retreat Fee                               $2942


If you want to save $100 by prepaying in full at time of registration please add code "save100" in the discount window at checkout. 

$2,942
Deposit: $450
Day Student

For participants who don't need overnight lodging. Price is per person and includes lunch only. Doesn't include 24/7 after hours studio use after end of workshop.


This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 6.45%. 


Here is the breakdown:

Single Room Retreat Fee                     $975

Accommodation/Sales Tax 6.45         $63   

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                          $1038


There are no prepay discounts for the Day Student rate

$1,038
Deposit: $450
Double Room (Non-Artist)

Do you have a loved one who you want to join you but WILL NOT be taking any classes? Use this add-on. This fee includes everything that the full rate includes EXCEPT for the classroom time.


This fee INCLUDES State of Ct Room Occupancy/Sales Tax of 11%.


Here is the breakdown:

Extra Guest                                           $1200

Accommodation/Sales Tax 11%         $132

TOTAL Retreat Fee                                     $1332


There are no pre-pay discounts for this choice

$1,332
Deposit: $450

Available Add-Ons

Pre-Retreat Room Night $200 plus $22 Tax
$222

 Our room rates are normally $350-$400, so this is a fantastic opportunity to stay extra nights 

Post-Retreat Room Night$200 plus $22 Tax
$222

 Our room rates are normally $350-$400, so this is a fantastic opportunity to stay extra nights 

Extra Dinner $80 includes Tax
$80


Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival

5pm Welcome Reception - meet your fellow students reception with appetizers and refreshments.


Room check ins begin at 3pm

Your Organizer


AR
Artists Rising
30 reviews
I've always loved art I've always liked to create I've always liked the hosptality industry I've always loved the water I've always liked to transform spaces I've always loved gardens and gardening I am a die-hard New Englander So we bought a beautiful historic property in the center of a very historic town, Glastonbury with direct river access... Spent years rennovating... Transformed this tired property into a showpiece of Art, design and gardens... Made a home and business reflecting my design style... Have been operatin

Reviews

I spent the most fantastic week painting with Wendy Brightbill. I made new friends, learned a lot, laughed a ton, and made a lot of art. We went thrifting, checked out Jerry’s Artarama, made a junk journal, and did I mention all the laughter?! In just five days, we had inside jokes, and felt like we knew each other forever. Thank you so much to Wendy and Pat and Teri at Artists Rising for bringing us all together!!
By Heather M for Wendy Brightbill 2025 on Jun 08, 2025
This was easily one of the best, if not THE best, art retreat I have ever been on! First, the setting and inn was idyllic. Owners Pat and Wayne, and entire staff went out of their way to accommodate any and all requests. The inn was magical, decorated with taste and creativity everywhere you gazed. The separate art studio was steps away with an open door policy to create 24 hours as desired. The meals were thoughtful, nourishing and equal to a five star resort. Wendy, our instructor, was a delight. She shared her wisdom and experiences as an artist and successful business woman unfiltered. The class days had structure, but not so much to hinder an individual's art-making goals. The group this retreat attracted was absolutely delightful with women I know I'll keep in touch with. The creative experience and property Pat and Wayne have cultivated in this gem of a small Connecticut town is magical. The overall value of this retreat far exceeds the monetary price. Without hesitation, I highly recommend.
By June D for Wendy Brightbill 2025 on Jun 03, 2025
I had such an amazing time at this retreat! The art instruction was top notch. Wendy Brightbill was absolutely phenomenal! The home and accommodations were top notch too. Pat and Wayne, the inn keepers, felt like family by the time I left. They were friendly and kind and went out of their way to do anything they could to make me comfortable. I really hope to come back again!
By Chance B for Wendy Brightbill 2025 on Jun 01, 2025
Lovely venue. Victoria is a fun, creative, and very personable instructor. Next time, I would prefer to stay in one of the rooms at the house.
By Cindy F for Victoria Johnson 2025 on Jun 01, 2025
The retreat with Victoria Johnson was amazing! I got so much out of it, she is so generous with her knowledge and advice, and fun to be around. She has so much experience in the licensing business which is very valuable, and helps you get started or focused in the right direction based on your style and goals. Highly recommend a retreat with her, what a great week! The grounds at Artists Rising were beautiful and the studio comfortable.
By maria j for Victoria Johnson 2025 on May 27, 2025
Show More Reviews