Jun
11
to Jun 30

BEAUTY OF THE SOUTHWEST • JUNE 2021

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BEAUTY OF THE SOUTHWEST

June 11-19, 2021 (sold out)

June 22-30, 2021 (sold out)

Visit the gorgeous Southwest this summer as we emerge from the pandemic! With international travel still a bit dicey for most folks, we have been hard at work setting up an amazing domestic trip that will satisfy your soul, your mind, your palette, and your palate. Paint the beautiful tones of the Southwest, see its art and culture, and enjoy its food.

OVERVIEW

Visit the magical landscape that enchanted Georgia O’Keefe.  We will stay on a 22 Acre Ranch in one big beautiful house perched above the Chama river in the heart of Abiquiu, (right next to Ghost Ranch) surrounded by flower and herb gardens, fruit trees, an old grown “bosque”, and stunning red rock views right from the property.  Join us in the heart of Georgia O’Keefe country at an amazing ranch with endless painting possibilities.   The best part of this tour is that we can paint right from our house with Glen’s amazing instruction and guidance.  Go right in the house for lunch and return to your painting.

We’ll pick you up and return you to the airport in Albuquerque, transporting you to the Ghost Ranch country of Abiquiu, New Mexico.

OUR ACCOMMODATIONS

Located on a stunning 22 acre ranch house that marries old New Mexico charms, kiva fireplaces, antique and tribal furnishing with comforts and conveniences throughout. We have a large dining room both inside and outside for the group. Elegantly furnished bedrooms, laundry room and great outdoor living space with fire pit, the Chama River and amazing views right from the screened in sunroom. This is like living at Ghost Ranch!

TAOS

Fabulous art galleries and the “high road” drive to picturesque villages of Trampas, Truchas and Chimayo . These iconic adobe churches used continuously for the last 250 years, were favorite subjects of both Georgia O’Keefe and Ansel Adams.

SANTA FE

Santa Fe is known as the City Different and within one visit, you will know why. Santa Fe embodies a rich history, melding Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures whose influences are apparent in everything from the architecture, the food, the art and on. Santa Fe has long been a center for arts and culture; Santa Fe is one of the country's largest art markets. In recent years, Santa Fe has earned a stellar reputation with food-lovers. With more than 200 restaurant choices ranging from local New Mexican flavors to creative Southwestern cuisine to authentic world cuisines, there’s something for everyone.

GHOST RANCH

Ghost Ranch is a 21,000-acre retreat and education center located close to the village of Abiquiú in Rio Arriba County in north central New Mexico, United States. It was the home and studio of Georgia O'Keeffe, as well as the subject of many of her paintings.

• 8 nights accommodation at our private ranch

• All land transportation (to/from airport & daily excursions)

• Instruction and lectures from Glen Kessler

• Various tours of local cultural hot spots

• All meals included (alcohol not included when we eat out but is included at the ranch)

• Easels, paints, paper (archival to paint on), boards and palettes

June 11-19, 2021 (sold out) please email about joining the waitlist

June 22-30, 2021 (sold out) please email about joining the waitlist

Total cost is $3499**.

** All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Please email TheCompassAtelier@gmail.com to inquire about single occupancy.

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Aug
4
12:00 AM00:00

PAINTING THE BRUGGE CITYSCAPE THROUGH THE LENS • AUGUST 4-13, 2019

PAINTING THE BRUGGE CITYSCAPE THROUGH THE LENS

INSTRUCTOR: GLEN KESSLER

August 4-13, 2019

Glen Kessler will run a painting workshop at the vaunted Flemish Classical Atelier in Brugge (Bruges). Arrive and gather photographs in this historic and charming Medieval city on August 4. Then craft masterworks from your photographs in the Atelier under the excellent tutelage of the Compass Atelier founder and director from August 5-9. Finally enjoy 4 days of art and sights with Glen from August 10-13.

THE CITY

Bruges is a historic fairy-tale-like city, and it is the birthplace of oil painting. Whether your interests are food (their chocolate, fries, and mussels are legendary), drink (their beer is reputed to be the best in all the world), architecture (with adorable gabled buildings and bridges galore), or art history (the Flemish Primitives were some of the first yet best oil painters in the history of the medium) you are sure to find days of intrigue throughout Bruges..

THE ATELIER

The Flemish Classical Atelier has played host to dozens of the world's top workshop teachers as well as offering its own course of regular study steeped in the traditions of master art-making. We are thrilled to have a superb host facility to work with.

August 5

Take a walking/biking tour with Glen through the quaint and picturesque city of Bruges as we gather photographic images to paint from during our workshop. Glen will discuss composition, lighting, and color as we collect images in our cameras. Later that day, we will explore how programs like Photoshop can assist with further image refinement as we ready our image for painting.

August 6-9

With our images selected, we will shift our venue to the gorgeous Flemish Classical Atelier where for the next 4 days we will craft our masterworks. Glen will lecture and demonstrate how to draw and mix color accurately, how to develop a painting in stages, and where to deviate from the photograph in the creation of a painting that is more than the sum of its parts.

 

Bruges is a city full of history and vibrant contemporary culture. It is also a short distance from other vibrant art and culture hubs.

For those who would like to travel together from DC, we will plan to fly into Brussels on August 3. Traveling with a group is a fun way to start the magic early, and it can make the process of traveling to a foreign country a little less daunting for less experienced travelers.

August 4

On August 4, we will visit the Markt, Belfort tower, and the Historium to get acquainted with our host city. The painting workshop itself will run from August 5-9. Nightly activities will also be available during the workshop dates.

August 10

After the painting workshop, on August 10, we will visit the Groeningemuseum, the definitive museum of the Primitives—oil painting’s earliest (and still some of its best) practitioners.

August 11

August 11 will be a fun trip to the Frietmuseum (Museum of the Potato) and a visit to Chez Vincent for some of the world's best frites.

August 12 & 13

On August 12 & 13 we will visit the artistically significant cities of Ghent and Antwerp to view masterworks in person and discuss. We will plan to fly out on August 14.

This entire tour is ideal for artists of ANY skill level (especially beginners who will benefit from the focused time in the studio). Spouses and non-artists will also thoroughly enjoy themselves with both scripted and unscripted time.

AUGUST 4-13, 2019 (only 3 spots left)

Total cost: €1050

This is the cost for the workshop and tours. Transportation, room, and board are the responsibility of the participant. Early enrollees may be able to arrange for a group rate on accommodations and possibly coordinate travel. An email will go out in early 2019 to discuss these topics and more.

Total cost: $175

Spouses and non-artists may join us for all activities other than the painting workshop (August 5-9):

Name:
Email Address:
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Oct
20
to Oct 21

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY TOUR • OCTOBER 20-21, 2018

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY TOUR

TRIP DATES: OCTOBER 20-21, 2018

 

Travel up to NYC for 2 days of museum & gallery touring with Glen Kessler. We will spend one day exploring museum(s) and the other day hitting the galleries. As galleries publish their list of exhibitions we will formalize our itinerary, but it will be sure to cover a range of high-technique, high-concept art at the heart of the New York scene.

One guaranteed highlight is Alyssa Monks' solo exhibition of new work at Forum Gallery. Alyssa is a friend of The Compass Atelier, having taught her incredible workshop twice before and coming back this November and again in 2019. There may even be a chance for a personal tour from Alyssa herself.

Register before Sept 27th to get our discounted room rate at the Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden, and to hear about our bus itinerary. Cost below covers your tour and logistical assistance only. Room, food, and travel costs extra.

Spouses and non-artists WELCOME!

Proposed itinerary:

  • Vamoose Bus departing Bethesda 8:00am Saturday

  • Arrive in NYC-Penn Station just after noon

  • Saturday visit galleries: Forum then Chelsea galleries

  • Stay overnight at midtown hotel ($200/person, based on double occupancy)

  • Sunday visit museums: Delacroix at The Met

  • Vamoose Bus departing NYC-Penn Station 4:00pm Sunday

  • Arrive in Bethesda around 8:30pm

Links:

TRIP DATES: OCTOBER 20-21, 2018

$95 (SOLD OUT)

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Jun
25
12:00 AM00:00

PROVENCE IN LAVENDER SEASON • SUMMER 2018

PROVENCE IN LAVENDER SEASON

SESSION #1: JUNE 25-JULY 3, 2018 (Sold Out)

SESSION #2: JULY 6-JULY 14, 2018 (Sold Out)

Visit southern France at the peak of lavender season! Paint in the gorgeous fields; enjoy quaint local markets; sample all the food and culture the area has to offer; and luxuriate in our private villa with pool.

THE FIELDS

Discover the picturesque fields of lavender not far from our village of St. Cécile-les- Vignes. From a high vantage point we discover rolling hills of lavender, vine and wheat forming a patchwork you will never forget and might want to capture on canvas. We visit these fields in the morning and at sunset, a magical time of day in this incredible setting.

THE VILLA

The villa is a private home, and will become your home for the time that you are here, so that you can unpack and relax. The kitchen is fully equipped if you'd like to cook or just enjoy the fresh goodies you find at the market. We have a pool, small library, TV, WiFi and washing machine for your use. The very large game room is great for painting, yoga, ping pong, pool or meditation. All the bedrooms are large and there are great areas to congregate within the house and property, yet enough space to find some privacy as well. Because of the size of the house, the tour is only available to a maximum of 12 people.

LUBERON & ROUSSILLON

Start the morning with a visit to the grounds of the 11th century Abbey de Sénanque, tucked into a scenic valley in the region called the Luberon. The monks plant and harvest lavender in this idyllic and tranquil setting. We will also see the stunning hilltop village of Gordes. Then it’s on to Roussillon, home of the ochre mines used to tint the plaster of the beautiful buildings of this village of orange and pink. Learn about pigment and paint during our private workshop located in the old ochre factory.

ST. RÉMY-DE-PROVENCE (vanGogh's asylum) & CARRIÈRES DE LUMIÈRES

Vincent Van Gogh committed himself to the St. Paul-de-Mausole asylum where he stayed for only 1 year and produced over 150 works of art. Visit his room at the asylum as well as the beautiful grounds where he freely roamed and painted the olive trees and nearby Alpilles mountains. We head to elegant St. Rémy-de-Provence for lunch and a stroll around town under the shade of the ancient plane trees. This afternoon we enjoy a multi-media art show in an ancient quarry nearby.

VAISON LA ROMAINE

Visit this beautiful village, with many remnants still remaining of it’s Roman past. On market day, experience the sights, sounds and scents of a typical Provencal Market. Cross the Roman Bridge (still in use today) to the Medieval part of the town with meandering streets and alleys, inviting terraces and cool hidden fountains.

FAQ

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or email us for answers.

• 8 nights accommodation at our private villa

• Instruction and lectures from Glen Kessler

• Various tours of local cultural hot spots

• Breakfast provided each morning

• 3 lunch and 5 dinners provided (restaurants and our villa's kitchen are available for other meals)

• All land transportation (to/from airport & daily excursions)

• Critiques and lectures on art

• Organizational meeting on March 24 10am-12pm

 

SESSION #1: JUNE 25-JULY 3, 2018   (Sold Out)

SESSION #2: JULY 6-JULY 14, 2018   (Sold Out)

Total cost is $3099**. A deposit of $400 is required to reserve your spot. The balance will be due at our organizational meeting in March.

** All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Please email TheCompassAtelier@gmail.com to inquire about single occupancy.

AT THIS POINT, BOTH TOURS ARE SOLD OUT. TO BE PLACED ON OUR WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL US. ALSO, CHECK OUT OTHER TOURS OFFERED BY OUR HOST, LAVENDER & VINE.

 

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Nov
16
to Nov 17

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY TOUR • NOVEMBER 16-17, 2016

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY TOUR

TRIP DATES: NOVEMBER 16-17, 2016

$45

Name:
Email Address:

Travel up to NYC for 2 days of museum & gallery touring with Glen Kessler. As galleries publish their list of exhibitions we will formalize our itinerary, but it will be sure to cover a range of high-technique, high-concept art at the heart of the New York scene.

One guaranteed highlight is the opening reception of Israel Hershberg's solo exhibition at Marlborough Gallery. Israel is one of the greatest representational artists of this generation. His work is collected internationally. He teaches in Jerusalem and Italy at schools of his own creation. See his work at IsraelHershberg.com.

Those interested in traveling together will be given our bus and hotel choices on October 26, though setting up reservations is the job of the individual participant. Cost above covers your tour and logistical assistance only.

Proposed itinerary (subject to change):

  • WEDNESDAY:
  • Vamoose Bus departing Bethesda 8:10am Wednesday
  • Arrive in NYC-Penn Station just after noon
  • The Frick Collection then Marlborough Gallery for Israel Hershberg opening
  • Stay overnight at midtown hotel (~$150/person, based on double occupancy)
  • THURSDAY:
  • Chelsea galleries
  • Vamoose Bus departing NYC-Penn Station 4:00pm Saturday
  • Arrive in Bethesda around 8:00pm

Links:

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May
6
to May 7

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY TOUR • MAY 6-7, 2016

NEW YORK CITY MUSEUM & GALLERY TOUR

TRIP DATES: MAY 6-7, 2016

SOLD OUT

 

Travel up to NYC for 2 days of museum & gallery touring with Glen Kessler. We will spend one day exploring museum(s) and the other day hitting the galleries. As galleries publish their list of exhibitions we will formalize our itinerary, but it will be sure to cover a range of high-technique, high-concept art at the heart of the New York scene.

One guaranteed highlight is Alyssa Monks' first solo exhibition at Forum Gallery (closing May 7). Alyssa is a friend of The Compass Atelier, having visited in September 2015 for an unforgettable Weekend Workshop. There may even be a chance for a personal tour from Alyssa herself.

Those interested in traveling together will be given our bus and hotel choices, though setting up reservations is the job of the individual participant. Cost above covers your tour and logistical assistance only.

Proposed itinerary:

  • Vamoose Bus departing Bethesda ~8:10am Friday

  • Arrive in NYC-Penn Station just after noon

  • If weather is nice, go to uptown galleries (Forum, Marlborough) then Chelsea galleries

  • If weather is not nice, go to a museum (The Met, MoMA)

  • Stay overnight at midtown hotel (~$120/person, based on double occupancy)

  • On Saturday, do whichever we didn't do on Friday (galleries or museums)

  • Vamoose Bus departing NYC-Penn Station ~4:30pm Saturday

  • Arrive in Bethesda around 8:30pm

Links:

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Mar
27
to Apr 3

PARIS TO NORMANDY RIVER CRUISE • SPRING 2016

PARIS, VERSAILLES, ROUEN, HONFLEUR, NORMANDY

TRIP DATES: SUNDAY, MARCH 27 - SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016

   PLUS:

PRE-TRIP INFO SESSION: SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016  10AM-12PM

POST-TRIP ART REVIEW: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 12-4PM

 

Our Study Abroad programs are the absolute BEST for artists traveling with a spouse or a friend and pretty darn fun for solo travelers too! We've never understood why you'd spend all the time and expense to fly half way around the world only to stand in one spot all day making a painting. Sure painting en plein air is great, don't get us wrong, but if your time is limited isn't your time better spent truly experiencing the locale rather than seeing it from just a single spot all day? And for those trained on how to use the photo and memory, images can easily be painted once back at home with all the joy and spontaneity of plein air. Oh yeah, and if your travel partner isn't a painter, they either read a book with you while you paint or go off and have a great time exploring. Either way, you have not shared what could have been/should have been once-in-a-lifetime memories.

So we say, share the memories, learn about the culture, connect with the art and artists of the region, and enjoy it all with art friends, teachers, and guides sure make your trip amazing. Oh, yeah, and for this trip do it all in luxury accommodations and with the finest cuisine. Read on to hear more...

THE PLAN

After a decade of teaching students how to successfully work from photographic sources, Glen Kessler designed The Compass Atelier's Study Abroad trips to focus on actually touring the cities you travel to, learning about the art of the past that the region has produced, and gathering your own gorgeous photographs that we will later paint from. This combination of art and culture will make for lasting memories abroad as well as beautiful artwork produced once back home. 

A pre-trip info session will discuss trip specifics, provide a brief art history lesson on Impressionism, and cover some helpful tips for shooting better photographs to paint from. A post-trip review of artwork produced based on our trip scheduled for late September (with French refreshments) will provide an excellent bookend to our experience. You may also choose to enroll in Glen Kessler's 'Painting Through The Lens' courses in the Summer and/or Fall 2016 to produce your post-trip paintings (PLUS take a $100 discount off either or both of those classes). Finally, an exhibition of your work allows the world to enjoy your amazing experience as seen through your eyes and hand.

Leave the planning to us as we let you focus on enjoying yourself and allow you to soak up the art and culture of this amazing region. We've got your entire trip covered from port to port including meals and excursions. We will travel in luxury aboard UniWorld's River Baroness riverboat. All of our delicious gourmet meals and drink are included. Each day in France we will enjoy art, culture, and one another through a superb travel itinerary. For a more detailed look at our daily activities, please click here.

 

INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE:

•Total cost of the cruise (8 days/7 nights on UniWorld's luxurious River Baroness)

•All food and unlimited drink (including alcohol)

•Tours from both instructor Glen Kessler and a local specialist

•Pre-trip Info Session (includes a lecture on Impressionism, how to use your camera more effectively, and general trip logistics)

•Post-trip Review Of Artwork produced based on our trip (catered with light snacks and drink to remind us of our trip)

•Automatic inclusion in an exhibition of artwork from our trip at a beautiful local gallery

•All land transportation (to/from airport & daily excursions)

•$100 shipboard credit

•On-board fitness room and Wifi

•$100 credit towards Glen Kessler's Summer and/or Fall 2016 'Painting Through The Lens' class

 


STANDARD ROOM (FRONT & BACK LOWER LEVEL)  •  $4125** (ONLY 1 MALE ROOMMATE & 1 FEMALE ROOMMATE LEFT, SEPARATE ROOMS)


DELUXE ROOM (MIDDLE LOWER LEVEL)  •  $4635 **


PREMIER ROOM (FRONT & BACK UPPER LEVEL)  •  $5200 **


** prices are per person based on double occupancy. Email TheCompassAtelier@gmail.com to book or inquire about single occupancy, suites, or any other questions.


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