Cozy Painting with Dylan M
DATES: October 14-18, 2025
FEE: $1990
Imagine a cozy fall retreat tucked away in the heart of Vermont, where the air is crisp, the trees are ablaze with fiery oranges and golds, and creativity flows as freely as the cider. This is a gathering for like-hearted souls, where we’ll come together to explore the magic of gouache painting, inspired by autumnal subjects like scattered leaves, colorful quilts, and knobby gourds.
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just curious about picking up a brush, this retreat will walk through fundamentals, as well as expressing yourself through color and shape. To be honest though, this retreat is about more than painting—it's about slowing down, being present, and soaking up the beauty around us.
Together, we'll sip warm drinks, share stories, and create in a rustic barn filled with warmth (literally, thanks to the new heat pump) and connection.
Cozy Painting Retreat Schedule
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4:30 pm | Wine + cheese mixer
6:00 pm | Welcome dinner
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9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Morning art session
Swatches and various color mixing charts– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Afternoon art session
Getting comfortable with layering gouache with fall foliage6:00 pm | Simple in-studio dinner
– post-dinner studio time is available –
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8:30 am | Early studio access
9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Morning art session
Brush control and slowing down with quilts– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Afternoon art session
Open studio time or time to explore surrounding VT on your own/in small groups.6:00 pm | Dinner at local restaurant*
– post-dinner studio time is available –
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8:30 am | Early studio access
9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Morning art session
Creating cute and simple compositions with cozy objects and gourds– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Afternoon art session
Reflecting and critiquing our own work, followed by open studio time6:00 pm | Dinner at The Smiley
– post-dinner studio time is available –
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8:30 am | Early studio access
9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Open studio time + Share and tell (fave supplies we brought)
1:00 pm | Light lunch & goodbyes
– optional studio time until 5pm –
*Not included in retreat fee. Date of dinner out also subject to restaurant availability.
About Dylan Mierzwinski
Dylan is an artist and educator living in Dayton, Ohio represented by Jennifer Nelson Artists, Inc. In her time as a professional illustrator she's gotten to work with clients like Anthropologie, Magnolia, Martha Stewart, American Greetings, and many more. With over 150k students in her 20+ classes and 250+ artists in her inviting Patreon group, she's cemented herself in the creative world as a warm and helpful champion of fellow artists.
Her mission and goal is filled sketchbooks for every person. Outside of her career, Dylan enjoys reading mysteries, petting her dog, binging tv with her husband, and the smell and sound of garlic sautéing in butter. Her favorite color is periwinkle, especially in the sky.
“I’ve spent lots of time and money on my art business and this was one for the best things I have ever done for myself. I didn't come away from this with a single thing that I would have changed or done differently. I just loved every single minute. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
— Sarah
2023 Dylan retreat participant
Where You’ll Be Creating
Springfield, Vermont
The Smiley Manse Barn
Nestled up behind the main property is the barn. This turn of the last century post-and-beam construction with a slate roof that rises to a massive walled cupola, the barn is noted as one of the finest carriage barns in the region. Learn more about the history of The Smiley here.
Inside, you’ll find large flat work tables, each a place to explore and express your individual creativity, yet the atmosphere encourages connection and dialogue. Whether it’s the sound of a paintbrush sweeping across the page or folks discussing technique over coffee, the barn serves as a meeting ground for artists of all levels to create and build lasting relationships, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.
We strive to create a space where the act of making art is as much about building community as it is about self-expression.
Join us for a chance to unwind and create in an idyllic setting.
Your Retreat Includes:
Custom designed art curriculum by Dylan
3 days of creative instruction
Extra studio access before/after each full day
All meals (except 1 dinner out)
Welcome wine mixer serenaded by a local musician
Tea, coffee, and snacks always available in the barn
Usage of our art supply stash during the retreat
Private FB group before/after the retreat
What’s Not Included:
Accommodations – there are several great options nearby!
Transportation to/from The Smiley
1 dinner out at a local restaurant