Secret Coastlines—Painting Adventures from Bonavista to Fogo Island

15-23 May 2027 | 9 Days, 9 Nights $3995.00 (tax in)

>> This event has reached full capacity (as of September 24, 2026). Interested participants are encouraged to join the waitlist OR consider joining Deborah Czernecky's other Fogo Island workshop that takes place the week before. See https://5-13May2027.eventbrite.ca

Secret Coastlines—Painting Adventures from Bonavista to Fogo Island

This artist retreat explores both the Bonavista Peninsula and Fogo Island.

Newfoundland and Labrador provide a unique setting where creativity meets adventure. This artist retreat offers opportunities to gain new perspectives and establish meaningful connections. Participants are encouraged to move beyond traditional sightseeing. Although iceberg sightings at this time of the year are captivating, the primary focus is immersive engagement with the region’s diverse landscapes, including vibrant outport towns, dramatic coastlines, secluded areas, expansive barrens, and the remote Fogo Island. These varied settings are designed to inspire artistic vision.

This artist retreat is structured to enhance participants’ ability to visualize subjects. The program is designed to inspire creativity through exclusive access to remarkable locations. At each site, brief photographic interpretation sessions will develop observational skills through activities such as vignetting, subtraction, and slow-looking. These exercises encourage thoughtful interpretation of scenes rather than simple documentation. During plein-air sessions, painters will complete works in a single sitting to foster skill development and confidence. This targeted approach supports continuous growth and motivation in both photography and painting.

The Bonavista Peninsula features historic outports renowned for their tranquility, charm, and longstanding fishing traditions, offering an ideal setting for artists. Participants will have opportunities to interact with residents and explore homes, stages, and fishing sheds that have endured for generations. On Fogo Island, participants will be guided by Pete Ryan, a twice-elected artist-in-residence with Fogo Island Arts, who will provide exclusive access to local communities. If weather conditions allow, the program will include an excursion to the nearby Little Fogo Islands.

Secure your place by registering early. Spaces in the program are limited.

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What is included in the Artist Retreat

For this particular Artist Retreat, the cost includes 4-star accommodation and the unique opportunity to learn from two true professionals in a small group environment.

Private accommodation for one is available while supplies last. Act now to secure your spot. To request a double room, please contact the Organizer for availability and further details. We recommend registering with a friend or spouse if you prefer double occupancy. Non-painting partners are welcome and will receive suggestions for exploring nearby towns. Don’t miss out—register today!

A pre-event night stay is included for all participants on May 14, 2027.

What is not included in the Artist Retreat

The cost does not include transportation to/from the Artist Retreat event (flights or car rental), travel insurance, some meals, optional personal activities, or any art accessories/supplies or photographic gear.

Meals and snacks can be purchased at local restaurants. It is anticipated that the group will be together for most meals.

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Featured Artist: Meet Deborah Czernecky.

Internationally recognized for her evocative landscape paintings, Deborah Czernecky is a distinguished Canadian artist from Vancouver Island. An elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, she has spent over 30 years painting amid windswept coastlines, towering forests, and the vast prairies, cultivating a deep connection to Canada’s strikingly diverse regions.

Renowned for her dynamic plein-air style, Deborah fuses bold, expressive colour with a shifting interplay between abstraction and realism to vividly evoke each locale’s unique mood. Her artwork shines in national exhibitions, graces the collections of Ducks Unlimited, and captivates collectors in private collections across the globe.

When teaching, Deborah sparks creativity with a hands-on approach that helps artists simplify scenes, strengthen composition, and paint boldly outdoors. Her workshops energize both new and experienced plein air artists, encouraging vivid, imaginative observation.

Featured Photographer: Meet Pete Ryan.

With decades of exploration throughout the province, from the remote south coast of Newfoundland, north along the Labrador coast, and deep into the Torngat Mountains, Pete Ryan, the event organizer, has developed a rare and deep connection to this landscape. His passion for the region is evident in every aspect of the event.

As a career photojournalist whose work is represented by National Geographic and preserved in its Image Collection, Pete brings a storyteller's eye to his workshops. His teaching style is hands-on, encouraging participants to see beyond the obvious and approach photography as a means of connecting with place and people. Drawing on his extensive background, Pete fosters an open and supportive environment that helps each participant find their own unique perspective.

Start your day early to discover hidden gems and master core photography concepts. Pete aims to sharpen your eye for beauty in everyday details. Amid many striking scenes, we'll focus on finding what is most intriguing and visually compelling. Throughout, Pete's guidance and feedback will support your growth. He leads his workshops as he does his personal shoots, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

Historical Interpreter: Gordon Slade is recognized as a Canadian leader for his innovative expertise in sustainable economic development in some of the world's most distinctive and economically significant regions. In 2005, Gordon was awarded the Order of Canada and, later in 2020, the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador in recognition of his achievements in spearheading the preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador's heritage.

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What to Expect

Rendezvous: Bonavista, NL.

Group Size: Eight (8) participants, two instructors.

Trip Details: Once you have registered and paid in full, we will email you a detailed information packet. This packet will include a precise itinerary, artist accessories/supplies list, camera gear suggestions, and a clothing checklist.

Experience Level: All skill levels are welcome. Novice painters are welcome, provided they have a basic understanding of their art form and the supplies involved. Novice photographers are welcome, provided they have a basic understanding of their cameras and lenses. We ask the more advanced artists to be understanding if this advice seems trivial.

Daily Routine: Soft adventure—walkabout. You must be reasonably fit, healthy, and accustomed to walking. Our itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather. We'll start our days early to capture the morning's mood and continue throughout the day to observe the big picture and vignettes of landscapes and seascapes, viewing wildlife and other opportunities as they present themselves. We'll drive to each location and then walk to the best viewing spot. 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.

Iceberg Sightings: In a typical year, the number of icebergs ranges from 700 to 800, though this figure varies. For example, in 2019, there were an astonishing 1,500 icebergs, whereas in 2021, there were only 2. The likelihood of spotting icebergs in the future is expected to decrease significantly compared to the past. Years with very few or even no icebergs at all may become more common. However, this does not mean that icebergs will disappear overnight.

How to Get There: If you're arriving by air, Gander International Airport (airport code: YQX) is your best bet for returning your rental car. To ensure a smooth journey, please arrive in Bonavista for your pre-stay which is the night before the start of the retreat. A more exact itinerary will be provided once your payment is received in full.

Ground Transportation: We travel in a car convoy using airport-rented cars. To car-share, contact the Organizer to pair with another participant. Booking early gives us a better chance of pairing you with another driver.

Questions? Please contact the Organizer if the booking information seems incomplete.

"Adventures in the New Found Land" is a certified Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Operator.

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FAQ:

What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel this event, the following applies: the ticket fees are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same event. For those who choose the "Reserve Per Person" option, the remaining balance must be paid by the due dates; otherwise, the booking will be canceled, and any fees already paid will be non-refundable.

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

We highly recommend that all participants consider purchasing travel insurance.

Terms and Conditions:

Registration: The event fee is due at the time of registration. Your place is not confirmed until your full payment has been received. After payment, you will receive confirmation and further instructions via email.

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

Age Restriction: This event is recommended for adults aged 19 or older. An adult must accompany any minors under 19. Both adults and minors must pay for their respective spots at the event.

Liability Waiver: By participating in this event, you assume all risk and responsibility for any damages or personal injury that may occur for any reason. By attending this event, you agree to waive the leadership team, including organizers, event organizers, and event instructors, from any liability or injury, loss, or damage to personal property associated with the activities or location of this event. As our guest, you must comply with our safety rules and heed all warnings, and you 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 event are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same event. Credit cannot be applied to another event.

All event schedules and plans are subject to change at our discretion, depending on weather alerts, health and safety considerations, or any other factors, related or unrelated to 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 supply purchases, and rentals.

No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, transportation issues, or other events beyond our control, 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 if the event is cancelled by the Organizer.

We highly recommend that all participants consider purchasing travel insurance.