What participants have to say about there experience at
The Grand View Ranch Plein Air Workshop
“I‘ve found a new passion. I want do more outdoor painting. You have ignited this spark in me, and I want to thank you. You made me believe I can do it and enjoy myself at the same time. You also gave me some pointers that made a lot of sense and are changing (and have changed) the way I paint. You said, “Be much more free, don’t worry so much about it being exactly the way it is. Paint what you feel and let it happen.” I’ll approach painting with a looser style; after all, it is only an exercise. Thanks, Stefan.”
Hette Amade
“This workshop far surpassed all my expectations. I was impressed with the well-organized instruction of the basic principles
and skills of painting during Stefan’s painting demonstrations. Throughout the weekend, he was attentive to my progress as I painted on-location. The evening critiques focused on both the positive and negative aspects of the day’s paintings, and became a teaching tool for improvements that I could implement during the next day’s work. It was fun to meet new people and share the weekend with such enthusiastic and dedicated artists. And, I came away with seven paintings of beautiful locations including waterfalls, mountains, meadows, and Mt. Shasta, which I can refine and finish in my studio at home. Fantastic! ”
Kris Baxter
Mt. Shasta, CA
“A weekend of magnificent views, great instruction, and superb organization. The insights were dramatic! What I learned from The Grand View’s three day workshop in Mt Shasta will have a lasting effect on my painting skills forever, I felt totally pampered … alive”
Vito Congemi
Los Gatos, CA
“Attending the 3-day workshop at The Grand View Ranch was a life changing experience for me. I have been struggling with plein air painting for at least 5 years. With the peaceful and inspiring locations, the great instruction from Stefan, and sharing with other artists, I had a total breakthrough. I totally recommend that new and experienced artists take advantage of this great opportunity.”
Jane Alcorn
Fremont, CA
“I’m still feeling so “high” about the weekend in Shasta. I’ve never taken a workshop like that, even though I have painted a lot over the years. I always felt my work was stiff and I struggled with color. After this weekend painting with Stefan, I feel like something has opened up inside me, and I am truly inspired to paint. The weekend was awesome.”
Judy Dick
Santa Rosa, CA
“Learning about the effect of light, composition, color value, sketching, and painting, all in the magnificent setting of Mt. Shasta was wonderful. Three days all to yourself with other aspiring artists, and at the end of the day, gourmet meals and warm camaraderie made my experience priceless!”
Joan Feeney
Woodside, CA
“The Grand View’s teaching, critiques, and fantastic hospitality has us wanting to come back again and again. A perfect combination of fun, education, and relaxation. I got valuable information to help me continue to paint correctly. I am so happy I decided to make the trip to take your workshop.”
Barbara Fracchia
Kensington, CA
“The weekend taught me to understand how to look at a painting and how to choose how am I going to paint it. I had an eye opening moment that would change the way I paint.”
Brock Drenth
Jamestown , North Dakot
“Keep up your great vision! The Universe listens to the language of our hearts and wants to conspire with us to have the best possible life we can have in this world.”
Steve Wise
Walnut Creek, CA
“I have been challenged and motivated. The agenda was very well planned, the lecture informative and practical, and the atmosphere casual and warmly comfortable.”
Bernadette Engehausen
Gilroy, CA
“The workshop was super organized and was the BEST I ever attended. The critiques were excellent! Being at the Ranch was warm and inviting, and the food was scrumptious!”
Barbara Malony
“The weekend was extremely instructive. Personally, I had several breakthroughs. Stefan has an easygoing approach to critiques, yet at the same time doesn’t let you get away with mediocrity. ”
Michael Kessler
This workshop is a total experience. The different locations were all so beautiful and diverse, giving you the desire to capture their beauty forever with your paintings. And, this is just part of a typical workshop day with Stefan. In the evenings, we had a chance to visit the Grand View ranch with its spectacular views and grounds, eat gourmet home cooked meals out on the deck, and then learn about painting in the evening with reviews of everyone’s works. Stefan was a fabulous host, mentor, artist, and guide and this will be an experience I will never forget.
Sondra Bechetti
The weekend was extremely instructive. Personally, I had several breakthroughs. Stefan has an easygoing approach to critiques, yet at the same time doesn’t let you get away with mediocrity.
Michael Kessler
I ‘ve found a new passion. I want do more outdoor painting. You have ignited this spark in me, and I want to thank you. You made me believe I can do it and enjoy myself at the same time. You also gave me some pointers that made a lot of sense and are changing (and have changed) the way I paint. You said, “Be much more free, don’t worry so much about it being exactly the way it is. Paint what you feel and let it happen.” I’ll approach painting with a looser style; after all, it is only an exercise. Thanks, Stefan.
Hette Amade
The workshop was wonderful. This is the second time I took the class but it is like everything is new again. The only thing I would like is to spend more time on one location – about 1.5 to 2 hours. One hour is not long enough for me, but again, I am learning and that may be the best. If everything stays the same, it is fantastic anyway.
~Laresa Napoletano
“Attending the 3-day workshop at The Grand View Ranch was a life changing experience for me. I have been struggling with plein air painting for at least 5 years. With the peaceful and inspiring locations, the great instruction from Stefan, and sharing with other artists, I had a total breakthrough. I totally recommend that new and experienced artists take advantage of this great opportunity.”
~Jane Alcorn – Fremont, CA
“It was a fabulous weekend! I especially enjoyed the critiques. I learned a new way of seeing. The scenery was inspiring. I hated to leave. I loved it!”
~ Marilyn Cullen
“This workshop weekend produced a personal break-through, which revealed my need for a greater, closer connection with the canvas. I believe this insight will take my ability to a higher level, which more than justified the weekend.”
~ Donn Byrne- Saratoga, CA
“Awesome Workshop! Stefan balances teaching, critiques, hospitality, and emotional support, combined with warmth, strength, and exceptional knowledge at whatever level you paint. The Grand View is an exceptional experience.”
~Candace Troy
Pacifica, CA