Painting Icebergs - Art in a Disappearing Landscape

23-29 May 2026 | Seven Days

Secure your spot(s) now: $400 + tax. Total cost: $3611.00. Current Black Friday sale provides $300 off of the regular price of the private accommodation. See checkout detail to understand the balance that will become due.

Deposit $400 for one person, private accommodation.

Deposit $800 for two people, shared accommodation.

📍Bonavista Peninsula

Imagine stepping out of a gallery or artist's studio , your mind buzzing with creative energy. If this is you, then Newfoundland and Labrador is your next artistic haven! This region is a rare blend of raw wilderness and ancient coastal communities, a juxtaposition that will surely ignite your creative spark. It's the perfect retreat for artists, a place that will not only capture your interest but also fuel your artistic inspiration.

Prepare for an extraordinary journey where the world of plein-air painting and photography meets the excitement of exploration! More than just an artist's retreat, this is an exclusive celebration of creativity that welcomes everyone, regardless of their artistic level or ability. Discover a coastline that exudes 'mystery' even to those living there. While there is so much to see in Newfoundland and Labrador, this field workshop, a rare opportunity, is timed to coincide with the historic arrival of the icebergs that travel south from Greenland.

These majestic, floating sculptures offer a chance to marvel at the power of nature, ponder the mysteries of our world, and embark on an adventure like no other. To illustrate their size, icebergs that calve off the 10,000-year-old Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland are typically as large as a 60-storey building. By the time these behemoths reach Newfoundland and Labrador, many are still in the 30- to 40-storey range. In contrast, others may have hollowed out, some featuring arches and turrets that resemble a castle sculpted by waves. Iceberg chasing can be unpredictable; patience, timing, and a bit of luck are all part of the adventure. This unpredictability, the thrill of not knowing what you'll see next, adds a thrilling element to the adventure, keeping everyone engaged and excited. While some icebergs are shy and love to hide in coves or in a fogbank, others present themselves at close range, ensuring an exhilarating experience.

While we anticipate seeing icebergs, the journey is about more than icebergs. The journey is about exploring the diverse natural experiences that Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer. From remote outports surrounded by dramatic coastlines, to sweeping barrens, and thick boreal forests, each location will keep you intrigued and engaged, offering a variety of landscapes to capture through your art.

So where should you start, and what should you do? The fact that you're reading this right now is the key to making the results you've always hoped for. So congratulations. It's time to register.

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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 person or double occupancy is available, while quantities last. Double occupancy is available. Consider registering with a friend or your spouse.

If the seas permit travel by boat, we will schedule an excursion to tour the unique coastal formations.

Three breakfasts are included at our choice of inns. Other meals and snacks can be purchased at local restaurants. It is anticipated that the group will be together for most meals.

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 nor photographic gear.

Ground Transportation: We travel by car convoy. Airport rental car. If you want to car share, contact the Organizer to try and pair you up with another.

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Experience Level: All skill levels are welcome. Novice painters are welcome, provided they have a basic understanding of their artform and supplies. 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.

Iceberg Sightings: In a typical year, the number of icebergs ranges from 700 to 800, but this figure is not constant. For example, in 2019, there were an astonishing 1,500 icebergs, while 2021 had only one. 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.

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What to Expect

Rendezvous: Port Rexton, NL.

Ground Transportation: We travel by car convoy. Airport rental car. If you want to car share, contact the Organizer to try and pair you up with another.

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 a day early before the start of the retreat event. A more exact itinerary will be provided once your payment is received in full. As of November 9, 2025, Air Canada offers a one-way trip from Toronto (YYZ) to Gander (YQX) for $ 290.

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 when other opportunities present themselves. We'll drive to each location and then walk to the best position for viewing. 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.

Group Size: Ten (10) people.

Trip Details: Once registration and payment are complete, we shall email registrants a detailed information packet. The packet includes a more precise itinerary, artist accessories/supplies and camera gear suggestions, and a clothing checklist.

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

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Featured Artist: Meet Denise Antaya.

Denise's roadmap to success is distinct from conventional paths, which sets her apart. Growing up in the countryside, she learned to appreciate the simple beauty of nature, often taking leisurely drives down backroads. This love for landscapes is reflected in her oil paintings, where she captures the beauty of the natural world, often untouched by man.

Her artistic process begins with a meticulous underpainting, known as a brunaille, where she establishes the composition and value structure before adding colour. This foundation is crucial, allowing her to address any design issues before moving forward. Her plein air paintings, created outdoors, enhance her studio work by embracing the nuances of natural light.

For Denise, painting landscapes serves not just to celebrate the beauty of nature but also to document changes in the environment. With developments replacing farms and old trees disappearing, her art becomes a visual reminder of simpler times and the ongoing transformation of the landscape. Inspired by nature's complexities, she views landscape painting as a lifelong endeavour she hopes to never fully master.

Featured Photographer: Meet Pete Ryan.

Pete Ryan, the organizer of the event, has a deep connection to the area, shaped by his extensive travels throughout the province, including the Torngat Mountains in northern Labrador. His passion for this region, developed over 20 years of exploration, drives the event. A career photographer, his work is featured by National Geographic and archived in the National Geographic Image Collection, which serves as a visual testament to his inspiration.

Start your day early, capturing the allure of hidden gems while mastering key photography concepts. Pete's objective is to refine your ability to discern the beauty in the intricate details of our daily lives. Amidst the multitude of captivating scenes, we will focus on the challenge of identifying what is both intriguing and visually appealing. Throughout our exploration, Pete's personal touch will be a constant presence, offering profound insights, expert guidance, and immediate feedback. He conducts his workshops in the same way he approaches his personal shoots, ensuring each participant feels valued and that their skills are nurtured.

Historical Interpreter: Gordon Slade is recognized as a Canadian leader for his innovative expertise in the sustainable economic development of some of the world's most unique 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.

We are a certified Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism Operator: https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/tours/36379168

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FAQ:

What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel this event, the following applies: the ticket fees associated with this event are non-refundable. The ticket is, however, fully transferrable should you find someone who would enjoy attending this same event. For those who choose the "Reserve a Spot" option, the remaining balance must be paid by the due date; otherwise, booking cancellation will occur, 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 all participants consider purchasing travel insurance.

Terms and Conditions:

Registration: The amount specified per person for this event is due when you register. Your space is not reserved until we receive your full payment.

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

Age Restriction: This event is recommended for adults over 19. An adult must accompany any minors under 19. Both adults and minors must pay for each respective spot within 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 properties associated with the activities or location of this event. As our guest, you must comply with our safety rules, be cautioned to heed all warnings and 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 transferrable 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, dependent upon weather alerts, health and safety considerations, or any other factor 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, or other events beyond our control, either 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 should the event be cancelled by the Organizer.

We highly recommend that all participants consider purchasing travel insurance.