Painting Icebergs - Art in a Disappearing Landscape

April 24-30, 2026 | We are currently taking reservations. Secure your spot(s) now.

Deposit $400 for one person, private accommodation. Total price: $3784.00

Deposit $800 for two people, shared accommodation. Total price: $5670.00

Twillingate > Fogo Island > Change Islands > Lewisporte

Embark on a journey to discover a coastline that exudes 'mystery' even to those living there. While there is so much to see in Newfoundland and Labrador, this exclusive 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. While we anticipate seeing icebergs, the journey is not just about icebergs. The journey is about exploring the diverse natural experiences that Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer. We'll explore remote outports, coastal landforms, and wildlife hotspots, surrounded by dramatic coastlines, sweeping barrens, and thick boreal forests. These diverse landscapes, each offering a unique experience, from exploring remote outports to spotting diverse wildlife, will keep you intrigued and engaged throughout the journey.

Led by highly experienced and talented instructors, Erin Thibault and Pete Ryan, this outdoor workshop is designed to help you enhance your skills, whether in painting or photography. You'll learn to understand and capture the essence of the scene, fostering personal growth and confidence in your art. Where the seas permit boat travel, we'll venture to explore remote outports, coastal landforms, wildlife hotspots, and, quite possibly, more icebergs!

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 3- and 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.

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.

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

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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What to Expect

Rendezvous: Twillingate, 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.

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.

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 Erin Thibault.

Erin Thibault, a self-taught artist, held her first solo exhibit in 2010, marking the beginning of her artistic journey. Her profound connection to nature, nurtured by her extensive travels throughout Canada and the American Southwest, is a constant source of inspiration. Erin creates small studies while on the road, showcasing a rich tapestry of environments. These studies, made from memory and possessing a dreamlike quality, later transform into large works of art in her studio. This deliberate process captures the grandeur and intricate details of the wild spaces she cherishes. Her subjects, such as snow-laden trees, light reflecting on vast rivers and lakes, and the vibrant yellows and burnt reds of fall in Quebec, are a testament to her diverse experiences and profound connection to nature.

Erin's transition to being a full-time artist and gallerist has allowed her to convey the rugged beauty and mystery of the rivers, lakes, and forests of the Canadian landscape. A walk through the trees, regardless of the season, grounds her and is essential to her life and work, fostering a sense of harmony and tranquility.

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, his personal touch will be a constant presence, offering insights, guidance, and immediate feedback. He conducts his workshops in the same manner as he approaches his personal shoots, ensuring each participant feels valued and 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

We are taking reservations at this time. Secure your spot(s) now.

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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.