Painting on location in the Bahamas

Join me, Stefan Baumann, for the experience of a lifetime. Journey to discover the magical and alluring paradise that is the Bahamas. This magical place offers a different viewpoint with different challenges than even I have experienced! Every day, we will start at 7:00 am with a brief get-together to discuss the planned activities. Then we’re off to paint, paint, paint till we can paint no more. That even includes a night painting in the balmy warm air under a blanket of stars.

For years, plein air artists have found this paradise a visual escape from the cold, white landscape of winter in January. This tropical paradise is an oasis for tourists and artists and for one weekend you can join like-minded people exploring the island of the Grand Bahamas. We will be guests of the artist, Dr. Keven Bethel,  a well-known international medical doctor and native of the Bahamas. His connections on the island will make this an exciting weekend for all to experience!

Why Go to the Bahamas

Plein Air and Nature enthusiasts can explore pristine, protected areas like the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve on Eleuthera and Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island or take it easy at one of the country’s many beaches or private islands. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the ruins and artifacts from the colonial era and indigenous peoples like the Lucayan Indians. Plus, with cruise deals available year-round, it’s no wonder why the Bahamas is such a popular vacation destination.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Bahamas is from mid-December to mid-April, the country’s peak season. However, temperatures there are great year-round, rarely dipping below 60 degrees.

Culture & Customs

Bahamians are friendly, warm, and relaxed people. They’re known to be very welcoming and happy to educate visitors about the islands. Many of the islands’ residents were descendants of West African slaves, while others emigrated here from England to escape the Puritan movement during the 16th century. It’s these two cultures that have shaped the larger Bahamian culture that exists today.

Getting around

As a group we will travel together in rented cars as we move from vista to vista, painting the magnificent color in the warmth of the Sun.

Entry & Exit Requirements into the Bahamas

A valid passport and proof of your departure date are required for all citizens of the United States traveling to the Bahamas by air or sea. If you travel on a cruise that departs from and returns to a U.S. port, your passport isn’t necessary but is highly recommended.

Bell Channel Inn
King’s Road
Lucaya 43817
Bahamas

You will be responsible for making your arrangements at the Bell Channel Inn.:
https://bellchannelinn.com

Phone: +1 242-373-1053

Schedule for the Plein Air Workshop

If we encounter conditions that are not suitable for painting outside, we will make other arrangements to paint indoors. Every hour will be filled with lectures, painting, and demos, ensuring that this workshop is filled with knowledge and inspiration that will change your life forever!

Thursday evening 9th January 2025:

Public discussion about “What is art and why make art.” Free for all…and intended to involve the public to support the arts.

Friday 10th January (public holiday in the Bahamas)

Starts early at 7 am. Junkanoo. We start painting depending on the weather. We will attempt to paint three paintings on Friday so make sure you get rest.

Baumann will walk around and evaluate your intentions and skills and, most importantly evaluate, your materials. We’ll meet and critique the work, go out again to paint, and then meet up again.  Normally the day winds down with more discussion over dinner and—for those who want to—go paint nocturnes. The first day on the Junkanoo will be our nocturne painting.

Saturday 11th January out East.

(Hint: Eva…we will be in your areas). The nocturne for Saturday will be the Harbour and Pier One Restaurant.

Meet at the hotel and drive out to my house on Churchill Beach.  Choose from natural beach scenes and homes on the beach. Drive to the east end of the island.

Paint at The Lucayan Caverns National Park.  Choose from scenes of sinkhole caves, mangrove swamps, and wide sandy beaches.

Sunday 12th January  2025

Lunch…likely catered, or we’ll pack a lunch or eat out at Bishop’s Beach Club in High Rock Village. Excellent beach scenes here to paint for a midday painting.

Then for sunset painting, stop at the Pirates of the Caribbean film tank at the abandoned NASA tracking station.   Choose from more beach scenes, some unusual ruins, old ship piers, and a creek, or even some bunker buildings, etc.

Head back to the hotel for dinner and critique, etc.

On Sunday evening we’ll have our art show of works painted over the weekend.

The Fee for this incredible workshop is only $500.00. The downpayment for the workshop is $200.00 or you can pay in full. Please choose an option below and, after making a payment, return and finish your registration info. Space is limited! If you have any questions, please call or text  415-606-9074  or email me at StefanBaumannArtist@gmail.com

Please fill in the PayPal payment form to place a down payment and or the full payment prior to the workshop to make sure to reserve your place.

Once completed, then return here and fill out the information below so that we have all the up-to-date information we need to complete your registration. Thanks for joining us on our journey in discovery of painting outdoors!