Painting with Presence Retreat in Sicily
An authentic adventure awaits! In this week-long retreat, artists will be encouraged to slow down and be fully present in each moment, savoring each sensation. Painting without fear or judgment is the key to unlocking curiosity, which leads to deeper learning. Participants will embark on a journey to paint this enchanting area along the Mediterranean coast, focusing on the captivating landscape and charming nearby villages.
Join Lori on this transformative experience as she guides you towards a more purposeful awareness and recognition of your intentions. By cultivating mindfulness, you can more readily connect with your authentic voice. It’s time to unwind, rejuvenate, play, and let your work soar like never before.
Optional exercises for artists, stretching, yoga, and meditation will be sprinkled throughout your stay. As always, non-painting guests are welcome to join our excursions.
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced artists will gain the most from this retreat.
Open to all mediums.
For more information, contact info@salinara.com
This retreat is full. Please email info@salinara.com to be added to the waiting list.
Two-Day Workshop: Capturing the Spirit of Nature
$475
This workshop is full. Click the registration button below to add your name to the waiting list.
This workshop precedes the 10th Annual Paint it Orange Plein Air Paint-out, where Lori will be this year’s judge. Consider joining in the fun. Information for this Open event will be on the Orange County Arts Commission website at https://artsorange.org.
Santa Fe Plein Air
Join me in Santa Fe in 2027!
Icebreaker, May 3
Workshop May 4–7
This workshop will open for registration late summer, 2026.
To be notified, contact info@bluebirdstudiosantafe.com and be sure to subscribe to my announcements list at the bottom of this page.
Yorkshire Plein Air: From Dales to Coast
Coming in 2027
Exclusive 11-night painting excursion from the Yorkshire Dales to the coast of Staithes. Stay tuned for pricing and registration information.
Arrival May 31
Retreat June 1-10
Departure June 11
To be notified, contact hi@workshopsinyorkshire.com and be sure to subscribe to my announcements list at the bottom of this page.
Landscape Painting in Chianti
Greve in Chianti Awaits!
I am excited to announce that I will be leading a painting retreat in beautiful Tuscany. If ever there was a place to hold a plein-air painting retreat, this would top the list. In fact, my very first ever plein air painting was in Greve!
About the retreat:
Lori has been teaching retreat-style workshops for a very long time. One of the things she has learned from 20+ years of experience is that sometimes, in a beautiful place like this, you just want to paint while the light in good! Rather than attending a long demonstration every morning as your beautiful light transitions into mid-day, Lori's retreats give you the option to craft your perfect learning experience. This is a flexible painting retreat. You get to decide how much or how little instruction you need. Paint on your own, or paint near her as she paints. (Ultimately, Lori wants what is best for you, so she will speak with you individually if she observes that you need more her time and less you time.)
For anyone deciding to paint near her, Lori will share her every thought, demonstrate her techniques, and answer questions. She believes that strong paintings come from strong starts. So even if you only watch and listen briefly, and then decide you just have to go paint, she is fine with that! You will still have the opportunity to have your work critiqued later.
Other group workshop activities include painting together in a predefined location, attending Lori's mini-lessons and demos, joining in relaxed, “aperitivo" critiques, and exploring art and the artist’s career through discussion.
Painting from life outdoors is fundamental to becoming a master artist. This flexible yet focused retreat will leave participants more confident in their skills and more intuitive in their process. Come, deepen your understanding of light and landscape, and focus on your artistic growth.
While demonstrations and advice on technique will be geared toward oil or gouache painters, artists who are more comfortable working in other mediums are welcome. Plein air experience is strongly recommended.
If you have questions about Rignana Estate or its accommodations, please contact book@rignana.estate and Philippa will be happy to assist you.
Scottsdale Artists' School: Lessons in New Impressionism
$785.00
Even a small idea can lead to vast discovery. In this workshop, you'll explore new ways of seeing, thinking, and creating inspired by discoveries Lori has made in her own work. Start the new year right! Come with an open mind, ready to think outside the box, and expand your artistic growth in unexpected ways. By embracing bold new directions, you’ll spark fresh momentum and renewed energy in your art. Students can expect individual painting time, personalized instruction, group discussions, and demonstrations. While demonstrations and advice on technique will be geared toward oil painters, artists who are more comfortable working in other mediums are welcome. Plein air experience is strongly recommended. Because Lori wants to share the beauty of Scottsdale’s surrounding mountains with everyone, students should please be prepared to drive to painting locations (approximately 35 minutes from school) during this workshop. This workshop will include both plein air and studio sessions. www.loriputnam.com
Portable equipment and transportation required.
This workshop is full. Waiting list available through the Scottsdale Artists’ School website.
A supply list will be available through Scottsdale Artists’ School.
Plein air in the South of France Painting Retreat
This is a painting retreat. We will all paint together during the day and have discussions, critiques, and mini-lessons mixed throughout the week.
If ever there was a place to hold a plein-air painting retreat, Marouatte Castle would top the list. A genuine fortified medieval castle in one of the most beautiful regions of France. With majestic towers and battlements amid its 270 acres of grounds, the castle is a feast for the eyes everywhere you look, both inside and out. Live for a week inside a picture! The living quarters and eleven bedrooms are richly decorated with period antiques and art throughout, keeping with the castle’s majestic ambiance while providing warm comfort and modern amenities.
Located in the Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne, picturesque villages and towns, castles and rivers, vineyards and walnut orchards abound. Lots to see, paint, and photograph everywhere you look!
Possible day adventures:
You will see the city of Perigueux with its medieval pedestrian quarter boasting one of the most picturesque cathedrals in France and Roman ruins dating from 100 AD, only a 35-minute drive from the castle. Market day in the town of Riberac, painting in the town of Brantome with its Abbey founded by Charlemagne, the castles of Bourdeilles, Mareuil, Puyguilhem, and Chateau de Villebois- Lavelette, the river Dronne with the cliffs it has carved out along its banks. Finally, the caves of Grotte de Villars with Neolithic paintings dating from 19,000 BC.
Food! The Perigord is famous for its food, duck, Foies Gras, walnuts, and truffles are specialties. Wine from Bergerac is also exquisite. In addition, All dietary needs are catered for by the castle's resident chef. Meals are all included, most served at the castle with several lunches in picnic style or in local restaurants. At Marouatte, a Happy stomach means happy artists!
The castle itself affords many painting and photographic opportunities to inspire creativity right there on the grounds. Time will be available to take full advantage of what the castle offers. Your host and owner of the castle is a collector of antique stained glass, medieval tiles, Gothic wood and stonework, and a wide array of period architectural antiques that have been added to enhance the medieval ambiance. Each day, trips will be scheduled to take you to picturesque sites in the region.
Fee and Accommodations:
The castle offers several types of accommodations. Rooms are offered on a first-come-first-served basis and can be secured with a deposit of $1000 for a single participant or $1500 for an artist and guest. This deposit is required regardless of room chosen.
Single Artist Participant: Fees range from $3,399US to $3,700 depending on room type.
Artist AND Non-artist companion (must share a room with the artist): Fees range from $5,339 to $5,700 for both.
Included in your fee:
Accommodations for 6 nights/7 days at Marouatte Castle
Meals including beer, soda, and wine*
24-hour use of art studio
Excursions to nearby villages
All transportation after arrival at Angouleme train station
For painters: Lori is always available for instruction, and you are welcome to set up and paint alongside her. Full use of the castle grounds, pool, pickball, and tennis courts.
For non-participating guests (must share a room with a painter): Full use of the castle grounds, pool, pickball, and tennis courts, and excursions to nearby villages.
Not included in your fee:
Airfare to France*
Train/transportation from your arrival city to Angouleme Train Station.
Trip insurance
Paints and supplies
Personal items
Optional museum, cave tour, or entry fees on excursions.
This retreat is full with a waiting list. Use the button below to add your name.
Maui Plein air in Paradise Workshop
Spend 3 days working outdoors capturing the beauty and aloha spirit of Maui with modern impressionist Lori Putnam. Lori rarely teaches workshops, but she longs to share with you her love of the island and its magical landscape as she sees it.
$525.00
Space in this workshop is extremely limited. Email info@paintingmaui.com to reserve your space.
PADU Masterclasses
Some masterclasses are already sold out but have waiting lists available. Registration is required.
To be notified when workshops are available, subscribe to my announcements list below.