Heli-painting in the Bugaboos
After working for over 10 years as a heli-hiking guide for Canadian Mountain Holidays in many of their secluded mountain areas, the one that remains closest to my heart is the spectacular Bugaboo region of the Purcell Mountains. My time spent leading clients through this challenging and awesome terrain has given me intimate knowledge of the beauty and inspiration that abounds here.
In September 2010, Robert Genn and I taught our inaugrual plein air workshop in the Bugaboos. We used the helicopter to lift us quickly (3000 vertical feet in less than 10 minutes) to high, stunning vantages. It was a life changing experience for many, the trip of a lifetime for others, and a unique painting opportunity for everyone involved. We are now going into our 4th year. Each year the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, and the addition of Sara has served to enrich the teaching environment even further.
Our goal is to share with you a truly unique and remarkable painting experience, and send you home with records of time spent in very sacred, magical places – stories in brushstrokes that will most certainly last a lifetime. Heli-painting is such a fabulous experience that it is has become a “bucket list” opportunity that adventurous artist’s don’t want to miss. If you’d like to join us next year – please click here for full details and booking information.
Photo Gallery:
2010 heli-painting trip
2011 heli-painting trip
A Highly Unique Workshop Experience:
Our adventure begins in Banff, AB where you will meet for a fabulous dinner at the Maple Leaf restaurant with Robert Genn, Liz Wiltzen, and the other painters in our group As well as a fun, laid back get to know each other session, you will have the opportunity to ask any last minute questions.
Once at the lodge, our 3 workshop days will include flights to spectacular painting locations during the day and engaging fireside conversations in the evenings. Each day the helicopter will lift us to uniquely breathtaking locations. Throughout the day we will work on developing our skills as painters. We will discuss the elements to consider when trying to fit the whole, wonderful outdoors within the 4 borders of a canvas, including important aspects of color, value, design, and technique. Robert, Liz and Sara will be painting in the field as well, and available to you for guidance and instruction throughout the day. You will benefit from being pushed out of your comfort zone and at the same time connected with the deeply rewarding experience that can only come from standing in the landscape painting directly from life.
The evenings will be centred on camaraderie and relaxation. Upon arriving home at the cozy and luxurious Bugaboo Lodge, you will be greeted with savoury post-painting snacks and refreshments. There will also be time for a hot shower, or a massage with the lodge’s therapist, followed by an evening gourmet meal. Afterwards, we will settle in together to share ideas and talk art – this is your opportunity to further deepen the learning from your days out.
If you want to talk directly to Robert about this workshop, please phone 604-538-9197.
If you want to talk directly to Liz, please phone 403-763-9035.