Frequently-Asked Questions | Back to Home
Have a question? Ask Michael and he'll post the answer here.
1. What is a Mentoring Workshop? back to questions
Mentoring originated from Greek mythology, in which Mentor was a wise and trusted advisor to Odysseus. Under Mentor's direction and guidance, Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, became a much-loved ruler. Today, a mentor is an advisor and supporter, and perhaps even a friend and role model, of someone pursuing specific goals.
Because people have different goals and life experiences, mentoring isn't a science. Instead, it requires the mentor to carefully assess each case and to respond accordingly and effectively.
In the mentoring workshop, you'll have the chance to learn the finer elements of painting, information that usually isn't handled in a regular workshop. But it's not just about advanced instruction. It's an opportunity for the serious painter to address issues that are bigger than mere craft. As you work shoulder-to-shoulder with an experienced professional who gladly coaches, motivates and shares wisdom, you may:
Or, if you just want to paint with a "guide" without reevaluating your life, you can do that, too! You can consider it a painting holiday or artist retreat, or just a time to paint without instruction and to meet other artists.
Unlike Michael's regular workshops, you'll be expected to paint in the field without assistance. However, you'll be painting right alongside Michael, and he'll offer plenty of mini-demonstrations, critiques and "art talk, " as well as the opportunity to enjoy some very scenic locations.
2. How do I get to Sedona? back to questions
Sedona is 2 hours (121 miles) by car from the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport (PHX). It's an easy drive, mostly in Interstate 17. Here's the map from Google:
Click for Larger Map and to View Complete Directions
3. What about travelling with paints? back to questions
Oil paints you can either ship ahead or put in your checked luggage. You shouldn't have any problem with them, since they are "artist's oil colors" made with vegetable oil and have a very high flash point. However, don't take mediums (e.g. Liquin) or solvents (e.g. Turpenoid), all of which are highly flammable. These you will need to ship ahead or purchase at Sedona Art Supply. (Michael will have a quantity of Turpenoid available at the studio.) For details on traveling with paint, see Robert Gamblin's Studio Note #14.
Pastels you should take in your carry-on luggage. Put them in a container that will be easy for security to open, such as the Heilman Pastel Box. Make sure the container can be easily secured again so your pastels don't go spilling down the aisle.
If you need to ship your materials ahead, you are welcome to - just let us know. Instructions will be given in the confirmation letter after you pay your deposit.
4. What's the weather like? back to questions
Sedona sits in a valley at 4,300 feet, halfway in elevation between the Colorado Plateau to the north and the Sonoran Desert to the south. It has a generally mild climate. Nighttime temperatures may dip below freezing in winter with occasional snowfall on the surrounding mountains. Days are often bright, sunny and not too cold. It makes for great hiking and painting weather!
| Av. High | Av.Low | Mean | Av. Rainfall | Record High | Record Low | |
| Jan | 56°F | 30°F | 44°F | 2.10 in | 77°F | 0°F |
| Feb | 61°F | 33°F | 47°F | 2.16 in | 88°F | 10°F |
| Mar | 65°F | 37°F | 51°F | 2.47 in | 89°F | 9°F |
5. Can I see some photos of the lodging? back to questions
click on thumbnails for larger version
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
6. What is the lodging like? back to questions
 |
The house is less than a half-mile from the much-photographed and painted Red Rock Crossing - a beautiful place to hike and paint! Great walks are right out the front door and into the national forest with magnificent views of scenic Cathedral Rock. Although the house isn't luxurious, it's very comfortable and will work really well for our group. It's a great place to take off for a hike or a painting expedition and is easily accessed with great parking! The house has three bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. The living room has a cathedral ceiling and opens up into double-sided loft which we will use as an office. Students are welcome, of course, to use the fully-equipped kitchen for their evening meal and we will again provide breakfast and lunch. If you choose to dine out in West Sedona, the house is less than 3 miles from many of the various dining choices there. (<- click on image to left for larger version of Red Rock Crossing) |
7. What about meals? back to questions
Heart-healthy breakfasts and lunches will be provided. (Let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements!) If we are painting in the field at lunchtime, we'll have a bag lunch. For dinners, students are on their own, but they are welcome to use the kitchen to prepare their meal.
8. What media will be featured? back to questions
Although Michael will concentrate in oil and pastel, all media are welcome.
9. Does my companion have to be a painter? back to questions
Not at all. You companion can be a non-painting spouse, partner or friend. The $300 for the second person includes the same 6 nights lodging plus 6 breakfasts and 5 lunches and, if your companion happens to be a painter who meets our qualifications, also tuition. (What a deal!)
Your companion must share your bedroom and bath.
10. Who are my hosts? back to questions
Landscape
painter Michael Chesley Johnson was named a Master Pastellist of Pastel Artists
Canada in 2008. In addition, he's a Signature Member of both the Pastel Society
of America and the Pastel Society of New Mexico and a juried member of Oil Painters
of America. He's the author of Backpacker Painting: Outdoors with Oil &
Pastel, Through a Painter's Brush: A Year on Campobello Island
and The Art of Ann Templeton. A regular contributor for The Artist's
Magazine, The Pastel Journal and Watercolor Artist, he is a popular
workshop instructor in both the US and Canada. He has been invited four times
to the prestigious Sedona Plein Air Festival. He's married to co-host Trina
Stephenson. For more, please see his website: www.MichaelChesleyJohnson.com.
11. Is there a video of Sedona I can watch to get an idea of the landscape? back to questions
Certainly! Here's one we like:
And also check out http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/webcam/webcamSedonaArizona.htm, which is a video slideshow.
12. Can I see more pictures of the area? back to questions
Click on image for larger view
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Want to see more pictures? Click here for the 2009 Winter PaintSedona photos! And here for 2010 Winter PaintSedona!
13. I live near Sedona. Do you offer a day student rate? back to questions
Yes! The fee is $300. You will need to make a $100 deposit.
14. When will you start offering workshops for different levels of students? back to questions
In 2011, we'll be changing our program a bit. For each month, the first two weeks will be designed for all levels of student and will be structured to cover the fundamentals of plein air painting. The third week will be for more advanced students and will have a specific technical focus, such as large-format painting. The fourth week will be a mentoring week for advanced students or professionals, and it will be customized to the students' needs.
15. What's a good way to prepare for the workshop? back to questions
One of the best ways, of course, is to simply - paint! William F. Reese said, "If you paint 3 days a week, you stay the same; if you paint 4, you will improve." I also recommending reading some good books on plein air painting. I've creatd a list on Amazon.com that has some suggested books. Here is the list.
