The Grand View Plein Air Workshops
What participants have to say about their experiences
You do not need painting experience to benefit from Stefan Baumann’s workshop.
“Remote sessions with Stefan have been exactly what I needed. Other coaches, videos, books, and tutorials have mostly the same ‘trust the process’ instead of going with the why and the artist’s fundamentals. Stefan has worked with my style and exposing me to the fundamentals through homework and my own paintings. I highly recommend the remote coaching sessions to any artist, even professional ones, since Stefan is here to help you grow as an artist.
“I was not able to get out and paint much as I wanted to but made progress all the same.
“Looking forward to our session!”
Joseph Richardson- Los Gatos CA
Dan Flath 2018 Workshop
Pearl Flath
“The workshop was fabulous! As a beginning plein air artist, I received the tools that I needed to go outside and paint. No more excuses! From practical equipment to “how to start,” I feel that I can go out on my own and practice, practice, practice all the things I learned. Group of fellow artists was great. I loved the notan exercise.”
Anita Wright, Basics Workshop
Central Point, OR
“This is my first workshop so I have nothing to compare it to, but if one could be any better, I can’t imagine how! The teaching was so great The whole experience was wonderful. I loved getting to meet the other members and comparing ideas and little personal suggestions, etc. It has been “fun” also and I feel like I have gained much needed knowledge and experience. I look forward to going to the next one.”
Jeaninne Beam, Basics Workshop
Mt.Shasta, CA
“Great classroom. Instructions were very informative. Feedback was honest and helpful. I’m happy I took the workshop.”
Rich San Filippo, Basics Workshop
Brentwood, CA
“The history of the easel was very informative and your collection of easels is museum worthy. My favorite was the notan exercise painting on black board. The setting and classroom facility is just classic “summer camp,” which took me back to my carefree youth. Merci Beaucoup!”
TR, Basics Workshop
Medford, CA
“Great group. Hard to absorb all the information that we got, but I will take it home and study like mad. Loved the building.”
Irene San Filippo, Basics Workshop
Brentwood, CA
“I really liked it and learned a lot. The people were great to work with and share with. The coverage of all the different materials and equipment was helpful, Critiques were great as usual. The workshop was a very valuable experience and I only wish I could come to the next one.”
Anne Hill, Basics Workshop
Mt.Shasta, CA
“I felt certain flaws in my own painting experiences were highlighted and addressed well (such as horizon line and composition) and in such a way that I won’t forget. Thank you that the pace wasn’t too stressful for me. The venue here is GREAT, and I wouldn’t change a thing! Thank you.”
Mollie Flack, Basics Workshop
Redding, CA
Workshop participant painting Mt. Shasta at The Grand View Workshop.
Carla Griffin, Basics Workshop
Grants Pass, OR
“I had a marvelous time. The workshop was well organized and kept to a good time frame. The room is fabulous. Every one loves your demos!”
Carol Smith, Basics Workshop
Chico, CA
“I loved so many of the ideas and opportunities you presented ~ especially learning about notans, creating bird holes, and honoring the subject. Value studies as a practice became very meaningful to me because they build in the time that I that need before beginning to paint, providing the opportunity for me to choose a view that speaks to me and establishes a connection between what I see and feel, and what I paint.”
Kris Baxter
Mt.Shasta, CA
“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
Participant painting on location at The Grand View Workshop
“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
PATRICIA
“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
On the Louis Road Bridge, Stefan helps student with her plein air painting.
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
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 is a photo of artist Donn from San Jose, CA. He is pleased with his experience as he oil paints on location at The Grand View Workshop.
“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
[contact_bank form_id=1]