Ripple and Stone: Rocks, Rivers, Landscapes and Light

Ripple and Stone

Friday - Sunday
May 23 - 25, 2025
Radium Centre
Radium Hot Springs, BC

$495 + gst (does not include meals or accommodation)

An Immersive Weekend Exploring Water, Rocks, and Acrylics 

Plunge into a hands-on weekend dedicated to capturing the raw energy and beauty of water on canvas! Led by Calgary artist and art educator Sue Contini, this workshop goes beyond traditional landscapes—it’s about seeing water, rocks, and natural forms in a whole new light. Through Sue’s passion, expertise, and supportive approach, you’ll learn techniques that infuse your work with life, light, and movement.

Perfect for artists of all levels, this retreat promises a transformative creative journey that brings landscapes to life in powerful, unforgettable ways.

What You Can Expect

Through Sue’s dynamic approach to acrylic painting, you’ll explore the raw beauty of rocks, rivers, and water in motion, learning to paint the rush, sparkle, and stillness of natural landscapes. Sue will start you off with warm-up exercises focusing on gestural marks and intuitive movements, setting the stage for a more spontaneous, free-flowing creative process. Then, she’ll guide you through unconventional mark-making techniques that add texture, depth, and a sense of "aliveness" to your work.

Master the Medium

Acrylic paint is our tool of choice for its versatility and rich texture. To make things easier, Sue will have you work with a limited palette—demonstrating just how many possibilities lie within a few carefully chosen colors. She’ll share some of her tips and tricks to create atmosphere, use negative space with impact, and capture the play of light and shadow.

What You'll Learn

• Day 1: Evening reception and artist demonstration at Art on 9th
  
• Day 2: Starting with the basics, break down shapes and forms, using gestures and textures to capture the rugged feel of rocks and the flowing movement of water. You’ll also gain insights into perspective, vantage points, and layering fundamentals.
  
  
• Day 2: Explore the transformative power of moving from transparent to opaque layers, depicting water in all its states—rushing, falling, or perfectly still. We’ll wrap up with techniques for capturing light and adding the finer details that make a painting come alive.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with fresh skills, a few completed studies, and the confidence to tackle any landscape you encounter. Join us for a weekend that promises not just learning, but also the joy of sharing creative energy in a stunning natural setting!