Places Lost: Portraits of a Prairie Landscape

Places Lost: Painting the Prairies

Cost: $2,665.00 per person | $445 per person deposit due at sign-up

A Truly Unique Experience... a bucket list trip!

Prepare for an extraordinary journey where the world of plein-air painting and photography meets the excitement of exploration! A visual feast, inviting artists to connect with the prairie landscape and unleash their inner creativity. Small group size and you are welcome to bring your non-painter friends. This will be the fourth year this workshop has come to this area with our organizer Pete Ryan.

Description: This is a road trip across the prairie heartland where our focus will be drawn to the mystery, sense of loss, and unexpected beauty found in iconic prairie structures. These structures, often overlooked, hold a unique charm and character that we will explore and capture. Grain elevators, homesteads, barns, churches (including the Ukrainian onion-domed variety), mills, railroads, bridges, storefronts, salvage yards, ... where do you even begin! An essential collection of images to be had that grants permanence to places that will eventually fade out and crumble. We'll travel to sites that are in between these stages of time, offering a unique and exciting opportunity to capture their fleeting beauty, a privilege reserved for a select few.

Seven days of painting and photography in the most idyllic locations. The total price(s) includes the seven day workshop and a Saturday to Friday morning room.

Objective: A considerable part of your goal as an artist is to make people pause and linger over your artwork. Whether you're a fine-art painter or a photographer, this field workshop is designed to enhance your skills comprehensively, leaving no aspect of your artistry untouched. Two instructors, individual masters in painting and photography, will provide step-by-step guidance, practical assignments, and Q&As. You'll learn to trust your intuition, the most powerful tool in your artistic journey. It's not always about 'creating' your art; sometimes, it's about discovering it. The journey matters more than mastery, and this multi-day experience will be packed with unforgettable moments, with all logistics taken care of.

Featured Artist: Meet Eleanor Lowden.

Eleanor Lowden has been a professional artist for the past 30 years. Eleanor finds beauty in the everyday and turns it into colourful, layered works full of charm and detail. Known for her bold, bright, and soft greys, as well as playful patterns, her paintings invite you to enjoy them from afar and get lost in the details up close. Eleanor is a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, and she is represented in galleries across Canada.

With Eleanor Lowden, you'll be actively involved in sketching and painting on location, learning how to choose compelling angles, build intense compositions, and create a harmonious palette that brings your subject to life. Eleanor will guide you through her creative process – from on-site sketching to the thoughtful finishing work she completes in her studio.

Featured Photographer: Meet Pete Ryan.

Pete Ryan, the organizer of the event, has a deep connection to the area, shaped by his extensive travels throughout the province, including the Torngat Mountains in northern Labrador. His passion for this region, developed over 20 years of exploration, drives the event. A career photographer, his work is featured by National Geographic and archived in the National Geographic Image Collection, which serves as a visual testament to his inspiration.

Start your day with Pete, capturing the allure of hidden gems while mastering key photography concepts. Pete's objective is to refine your ability to discern the beauty in the intricate details of our daily lives. Amidst the multitude of captivating scenes, we will focus on the challenge of identifying what is both intriguing and visually appealing. Throughout our exploration, Pete's personal touch will be a constant presence, offering insights, guidance, and immediate feedback.

How to Get There: For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Saskatoon International Airport (airport code: YXE). For return flights home, we will loop back to YXE. As of August 11, 2025, the base one-way, non-stop fare on WestJet from Toronto is $244.00.

Ground transportation: Rental car availability can be booked at YXE. For ride-share opportunities, contact the Organizer upon registration.

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Experience Level: These field workshops are highly recommended for visual artists of all levels, whether painters, photographers, or both. Sensitivity and a plan of action will be provided for all participants regarding potential learning preferences and/or hesitancy, before the start of the workshop. There will always be something to see, and we shall have plenty of time to tailor instruction to your abilities, ensuring you feel valued and understood throughout the workshop.

Group Size: The small group size (10) means more assistance, one-on-one guidance, and coaching for every participant, ensuring that you feel valued and important throughout the workshop.

Routine: Each day starts at 9 AM and ends when darkness falls. Some earlier starts at daybreak.

Locations: Epic locations previously visited, several where we have permission to be. Where we do not have permission, we'll make our observations from the right of way.

Weather: This field workshop operates rain or shine. Our itinerary is subject to change due to the weather on the day.

Details: A detailed information packet will be sent by email once registration is complete. The packet includes a more precise itinerary, hotel recommendation, camera gear, and/or art accessories and supply suggestions along with a clothing checklist.

Ground Transportation: Your transportation is required. We travel in a convoy. A reliable vehicle with a high ground clearance is strongly recommended. Preferably AWD or 4x4, as road conditions can be unpredictable. For folks wanting to ride-share, contact the Organizer upon registration for details.

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FAQ:

* What is included in the Artist Retreat?

The cost of the field workshop event is a valuable investment. For this particular workshop, the cost includes the tuition and accommodation. Double occupancy can only be accommodated should another person of the same sex request this option. Consider registering with a friend or your spouse.

The cost does not include transportation to/from the workshop (flights or car rental), travel insurance, food, optional personal activities, artist accessories, painting supplies, or any photographic gear.

A deposit is required to hold your spot for this workshop.

Transportation:

Air Transportation: For folks arriving by air, the closest international airport for the Alberta segment is Saskatoon International Airport (airport code is YXE). For return flights home, we'll loop back to YXE on the last day. For ride-share opportunities, contact the Organizer upon registration.

Ground transportation: Rental car availability can be booked at YXE.

Fitness Level:

Soft adventure. You must be reasonably fit, healthy, and accustomed to walking. You must also be willing to rise most mornings between six and seven o'clock (6h00 and 7h00), depending on the weather and opportunities announced the preceding evening. We'll drive to each location and then walk to the best position for photography. You will be on your feet for at least five hours per day. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended. Reach out if you have limitations.

What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel this workshop, the following applies: the ticket fees associated with this workshop are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same-date workshop. For those who choose the "Reserve a Spot" option, the remaining balance must be paid by the due dates; otherwise, booking cancellation will occur, and any fees already paid will be non-refundable.

For either type of registration booking, should there be a waitlist for this workshop, we can help you sell your ticket, but the sale is up to you to negotiate and finalize.

We highly recommend all participants purchase travel insurance.

Terms and Conditions:

Registration: The amount specified per person for this workshop, including the deposit, is due when you register. Your space is not reserved until we receive your full payment.

Audit Policy: Only paid participants will be admitted during the workshop.

Age Restriction: This workshop is recommended for adults over 19. An adult must accompany any minors under 19. Both adults and minors must pay for each respective spot within the workshop event.

Liability Waiver: By participating in this workshop event, you assume all risk and responsibility for any damages or personal injury that may occur for any reason. By attending this workshop, you agree to waive the leadership team, including organizers, event organizers, and workshop instructors, from any liability or injury, loss, or damage to personal properties associated with the activities or location of this workshop event. As our guest, you must comply with our safety rules, be cautioned to heed all warnings and release us from all responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage you may suffer. A general waiver will be presented for review and signing upon arrival.

Cancellation, Refund & Delay Policy: Despite what the Eventbrite Refund Policy may indicate, the ticket fees associated with this workshop event are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same-date workshop. Credit cannot be applied to another workshop event.

All workshop schedules and plans are subject to change at our discretion, dependent upon weather alerts, health and safety considerations, or any other factor related or unrelated to artistic or photographic opportunities as we see fit. We are not responsible for any other costs that participants may have incurred, including but not limited to travel, car rental, lodging, insurance, optional personal activities, art supplies, photographic purchases, and rentals.

No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, transportation, or other events beyond our control, either before, during, or after your workshop. We are not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to delays or cancellations.

Refunds will be issued should the event be cancelled by the Organizer.

We highly recommend that all participants purchase travel insurance.

Event Venue

Western Development Museum (WDM) - Saskatoon, 2610 Lorne Avenue, Saskatoon, Canada