Painting Winter Whites with Michelle Shain
DATES: February 22-26, 2027
FEE: $2,750.00
Please confirm by December 24, 2026 to help ensure this retreat moves forward.
Also, if you're in need of financial assistance, please contact us.
Please join me for a winter artists’ retreat—we'll paint snowy scenes and cozy interiors all with a vintage vibe.
Daily workshops will include painting demonstrations and lessons in acryla gouache, composition and perspective, hand lettering, and journaling.
Our days will start after coffee but before breakfast with an optional 1-hour early morning activity: a hike, snowshoe and/or walk to town.
A great way to get creative juices juiced! Photographing our adventures to then be painted will also happen.
The historic, 19th century brick farmhouse The Smiley Manse will be become our art studio. It's elegant double-hung windows will provide winter light on our sketchbooks. With original, creaky and lovingly-worn wood floors, antiques, vintage furnishings and classic wallpapers, the delightful old home will provide you with new inspiration.
Painting Winter Whites Retreat Schedule
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3:30 pm | Introductions / Set up Shop
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Our next 3 days will start after coffee, but before breakfast, with an optional 1-hour early morning activity: hike, snowshoe, and/or walk to town.
This is a great way to get creative juices juiced! We will be photographing our adventures to then be painted.
9:30 am | Light in-studio breakfast
10:00 am | Morning art session
Paint the Manse, Inside and Out / Old Portraits
– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Afternoon art session
Light and shadow on the Mountains / Show & Tell
6:00 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
Tabletop / Cabled sweaters & mittens / Hot chocolates / Lettering / Journaling
– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Afternoon art session
The barn with snow falling / Show & Tell
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
The Snowy Cemetery Down the Road / Vintage Ski Fashion
– break for lunch –
2:00 pm | Afternoon art session
Vermont’s White-Steepled Churches / Show & Tell
6:00 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 | Morning art session
Last Looks / Journals / Feedback and Fond Farewells
1:00 pm | Light lunch & goodbyes
– optional studio time until 5pm –
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Bring your needles and/or crafts! Each day, after dinner we will gather for some fireside, old-time fun—grandma style.
*Not included in retreat fee. Date of dinner out also subject to restaurant availability.
About Michelle Shain
Paintbrush is in hand whenever Michelle is on the road, bus, train, or flying through the air.
You might find her sketching in a café, park bench, baseball stadium and definitely at a picnic.
A graphic designer by trade and education, Michelle started her art career as an Art Director at an advertising agency in NYC. Freelance painting and illustration was a side hustle. Today, it’s taken over with watercolor commissions of house and pet portraits, scenics, and illustrated maps. Illustrating several children’s books are also a part of her oeuvre.
Michelle teaches watercolor, gouache and The Artful Voyage at The Art Guild in Port Washington, NY.
She will be leading her annual painting retreat in the Adirondacks this August.
Michelle created a local painting and art community group—Suburban Sketchers. It's mission: Gather. Paint. And share.
Follow this link for more info.
"I felt relaxed and welcomed. Beautiful spaces, excellent food, and thoughtful details everywhere." —Ann
— Kay
2025 Smiley retreat participant
Where You’ll Be Creating
Springfield, Vermont
The Smiley Manse Barn
For the first time, the 19th century brick farmhouse The Smiley Manse will be become our art studio. It's elegant double-hung windows will provide winter light on our sketchbooks. With original, creaky and lovingly-worn wood floors, antiques, vintage furnishings and classic wallpapers, the delightful old home will provide new inspiration.
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 Michelle
3.5 days of creative instruction
Extra studio access before/after each full day
All meals (except 1 dinner out)
Tea, coffee, and snacks always available in the house
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