ISLES of SHOALS
3 Day Plein air workshop
(Lobster bake, bon fire and kayak adventure)
(Todd Bonita) August 18 -20, 2025
ISLES of SHOALS
3 Day Plein air workshop
(Lobster bake, bon fire and kayak adventure) Todd Bonita
August 18 -20, 2025
Star Island, Rye, Newe Hampshire
($450) workshop only
* All inclusive 2 nights accommodations / all meals / Lobster bake / Kayaks / Champagne Bon fire / Ferry to - and - from / package range between $317 - $425. Details below).
Join us for an inspiring three-day plein air painting workshop on the picturesque Star Island, nestled in the serene Isles of Shoals off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire. This unique workshop offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline while enhancing your plein air painting skills.
Workshop Highlights:
Reserve workshop:
($450 workshop only)
($100 deposit will hold your space).
* Non-painting guests welcome.
REGISTER:
Contact Todd Bonita
Phone: (603) 819-9100
Email: [email protected]
We accept:
* Checks,
* Credit Cards and Pay Pal (3.6% process fee)
* Venmo ; @Todd-Bonita (add 2% for process fee)
* Cash for teachers pet...LOL
If sending a deposit check, please send $100 and make it out to Todd
Bonita and mail it to:
Todd Bonita
28 McShane Ave
Greenland, NH 03840
Please write "SHOALS 3 Day" in the memo on the check.
* Workshop cancellation policy: Cancel before 60 days of the workshop for 100% of your deposit returned. Less than 60 days forfeits your deposit unless we can fill your vacant space, in which case, our vendor will happily return your deposit.
Reserve Accommodations: (Paid seperately to Isle of Shoals conference coordinator)
Packages range between $317 - $425. (Depending on single or double occupancy).
Contact: Bill Knox or Justina Maji : (603) 478 - 2780
* All inclusive includes:
* 2 nights accommodations Oceanic hotel
* all meals
* Lobster bake
* Kayaks
* Champagne Bon fire
* Ferry to - and - from Star Island from Rye harbor.
* Ask about cottage upgrade.
3 Day Plein air workshop
(Lobster bake, bon fire and kayak adventure) Todd Bonita
August 18 -20, 2025
Star Island, Rye, Newe Hampshire
($450) workshop only
* All inclusive 2 nights accommodations / all meals / Lobster bake / Kayaks / Champagne Bon fire / Ferry to - and - from / package range between $317 - $425. Details below).
Join us for an inspiring three-day plein air painting workshop on the picturesque Star Island, nestled in the serene Isles of Shoals off the coast of Rye, New Hampshire. This unique workshop offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Atlantic coastline while enhancing your plein air painting skills.
Workshop Highlights:
- Scenic Inspiration: Capture the stunning landscapes of Star Island, including its rugged shoreline, lush vegetation, and historic architecture. Set up your paint box in the shadows of where American Impressionist, Childe Hassam found inspiration. The island’s breathtaking vistas and ever-changing light will provide a rich canvas for your artistic expression.
- Expert Guidance: Led by an accomplished plein air painter, Todd Bonita, this workshop will offer personalized instruction, lectures, demonstrations and constructive feedback tailored to your individual style and skill level. Learn techniques for capturing light, color, and atmosphere in your work.
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in daily painting sessions, both in group settings and solo explorations. Embrace the challenges and joys of painting en plein air while Todd provides side-by-side easel assistance and group critique.
- Island Experience: Enjoy the charm of Star Island, where you’ll stay in comfortable accommodations at the Oceanic hotel or if you prefer, an optional shared or private cottage package that includes savory, delicious meals with an all inclusive meal plan. Take advantage of the island’s relaxed pace and natural beauty, which will inspire and rejuvenate your creative spirit.
- Community Connection: Connect with fellow artists and share your experiences in a supportive and collaborative environment. Participate in our group critiques and discussions to deepen your understanding of plein air painting.
Reserve workshop:
($450 workshop only)
($100 deposit will hold your space).
* Non-painting guests welcome.
REGISTER:
Contact Todd Bonita
Phone: (603) 819-9100
Email: [email protected]
We accept:
* Checks,
* Credit Cards and Pay Pal (3.6% process fee)
* Venmo ; @Todd-Bonita (add 2% for process fee)
* Cash for teachers pet...LOL
If sending a deposit check, please send $100 and make it out to Todd
Bonita and mail it to:
Todd Bonita
28 McShane Ave
Greenland, NH 03840
Please write "SHOALS 3 Day" in the memo on the check.
* Workshop cancellation policy: Cancel before 60 days of the workshop for 100% of your deposit returned. Less than 60 days forfeits your deposit unless we can fill your vacant space, in which case, our vendor will happily return your deposit.
Reserve Accommodations: (Paid seperately to Isle of Shoals conference coordinator)
Packages range between $317 - $425. (Depending on single or double occupancy).
Contact: Bill Knox or Justina Maji : (603) 478 - 2780
* All inclusive includes:
* 2 nights accommodations Oceanic hotel
* all meals
* Lobster bake
* Kayaks
* Champagne Bon fire
* Ferry to - and - from Star Island from Rye harbor.
* Ask about cottage upgrade.
Art Supply List
ART SUPPLIES
Think light weight and portable, find creative ways to simplify...I manage to pack everything below in a back pack and hit the trail. I get most of my supplies online at ASW, Jerrys Artarama, Dick Blick, Cheap Joes or Utrecht).
(Click here for an illustrated page of my Plein air kit with Links).
Portable Easel
I use a Pochade box for working outside.
(I use the 10x12" Open Box M system and sometimes the 6x8" Guerilla box for smaller work, both are mounted to a photographers tripod. I use a $35 photographers tripod I bought at Wall Mart. If you prefer the French easels, go with the lighter and smaller Jullian Half box easel. Last year I also bought the Cadillac of outdoor easels, The Soletek easel. It's not cheap, I bought mine used on Ebay. You might check Ebay or try "All of Craigslist" search for whatever easel you decide to go with. * Here is a terrific article on Pochade Box reviews from the popular Lines and Colors blog. This will give you a thorough understanding of whats available and best for you. Click here.
Palette
I recommend a wood palette....try to avoid paper pallets, they blow away easily.
Paint
(I recommend a minimal palette of a warm and cool version of the three primaries plus white (with maybe a few extras)....Please spend the extra for professional grade paints. I use Williamsburg, Winsor & Newton, Gamblin and Utrecht but there are many good options.)
My Colors:
* Alkyd White (Alkyd is a quick dry paint that plays nice with oils. For brands, I love Winsor & Newtons Griffin Alkyd Titanium white but any quick dry white paint will be fine)
* Cadmium Yellow medium
* Yellow ochre
* Alizeran Crimson Permanenet
* Cadmium Red
* Ultramarine Blue
* Cerulean Blue
* Burnt Sienna
* Sap green
* Ivory black (*Optional)
* raw or burnt umber (*Optional)
Painting surface
My favorite surface is oil primed wood panels. I make them myself but you can buy them. Canvas is fine but get a fine weave so the tooth isnt a visual burden. Canvas or linen mounted on board is excellent too or gessoed wood panel (sizes can range from 6x8” to 14x18” but I would not go larger)...(Bring enough for two paintings each day. I typically bring all the same size for the convenience of portability. (8x10") is my prefered outddor size these days.
Brushes
*Assortment of bristle brushes (I suggest large, medium and small in three styles: Flats, Rounds and Filberts. I mostly use Robert Simmons Signet series flats #3, #6 and #10)
*One or two Royal sable flats in medium and large sizes (size 10 or 16) for blending and softening edges (I prefer Langnickel.)
*Small synthetic rounds for details. (I suggest Winsor and Newton Septre Gold 2 in the 404 series...size 4 and / or size 6)
Other
Trowel type Pallet knife
liquin and pallet cup
Gamsol (Turpentine substitute) with container or medium glass jar
paper towels (Blue shop towels are the best)
Soft pencil, eraser and sketchbook
Ruler, straight edge or a mahl stick (something to make straight lines with is handy)
A Veiwfinder: Important! Whether homemade or store bought, it must be adjustable or proportionate to your canvases. Viewcatcher is ideal.
Artist paint box or back pack for supplies
Wet paint carrier. I love the PanelPaks...they are lightweight and convenient.
*Appropriate clothing for outdoor weather and conditions.
Optional
Hat
sunglasses
Water bottle or something to drink, snack
Sun block
Bug spray
If you are uncomfortable standing you may consider a portable folding chair
Wheeled caddy for supplies if necessary
Camera
Umbrella
Think light weight and portable, find creative ways to simplify...I manage to pack everything below in a back pack and hit the trail. I get most of my supplies online at ASW, Jerrys Artarama, Dick Blick, Cheap Joes or Utrecht).
(Click here for an illustrated page of my Plein air kit with Links).
Portable Easel
I use a Pochade box for working outside.
(I use the 10x12" Open Box M system and sometimes the 6x8" Guerilla box for smaller work, both are mounted to a photographers tripod. I use a $35 photographers tripod I bought at Wall Mart. If you prefer the French easels, go with the lighter and smaller Jullian Half box easel. Last year I also bought the Cadillac of outdoor easels, The Soletek easel. It's not cheap, I bought mine used on Ebay. You might check Ebay or try "All of Craigslist" search for whatever easel you decide to go with. * Here is a terrific article on Pochade Box reviews from the popular Lines and Colors blog. This will give you a thorough understanding of whats available and best for you. Click here.
Palette
I recommend a wood palette....try to avoid paper pallets, they blow away easily.
Paint
(I recommend a minimal palette of a warm and cool version of the three primaries plus white (with maybe a few extras)....Please spend the extra for professional grade paints. I use Williamsburg, Winsor & Newton, Gamblin and Utrecht but there are many good options.)
My Colors:
* Alkyd White (Alkyd is a quick dry paint that plays nice with oils. For brands, I love Winsor & Newtons Griffin Alkyd Titanium white but any quick dry white paint will be fine)
* Cadmium Yellow medium
* Yellow ochre
* Alizeran Crimson Permanenet
* Cadmium Red
* Ultramarine Blue
* Cerulean Blue
* Burnt Sienna
* Sap green
* Ivory black (*Optional)
* raw or burnt umber (*Optional)
Painting surface
My favorite surface is oil primed wood panels. I make them myself but you can buy them. Canvas is fine but get a fine weave so the tooth isnt a visual burden. Canvas or linen mounted on board is excellent too or gessoed wood panel (sizes can range from 6x8” to 14x18” but I would not go larger)...(Bring enough for two paintings each day. I typically bring all the same size for the convenience of portability. (8x10") is my prefered outddor size these days.
Brushes
*Assortment of bristle brushes (I suggest large, medium and small in three styles: Flats, Rounds and Filberts. I mostly use Robert Simmons Signet series flats #3, #6 and #10)
*One or two Royal sable flats in medium and large sizes (size 10 or 16) for blending and softening edges (I prefer Langnickel.)
*Small synthetic rounds for details. (I suggest Winsor and Newton Septre Gold 2 in the 404 series...size 4 and / or size 6)
Other
Trowel type Pallet knife
liquin and pallet cup
Gamsol (Turpentine substitute) with container or medium glass jar
paper towels (Blue shop towels are the best)
Soft pencil, eraser and sketchbook
Ruler, straight edge or a mahl stick (something to make straight lines with is handy)
A Veiwfinder: Important! Whether homemade or store bought, it must be adjustable or proportionate to your canvases. Viewcatcher is ideal.
Artist paint box or back pack for supplies
Wet paint carrier. I love the PanelPaks...they are lightweight and convenient.
*Appropriate clothing for outdoor weather and conditions.
Optional
Hat
sunglasses
Water bottle or something to drink, snack
Sun block
Bug spray
If you are uncomfortable standing you may consider a portable folding chair
Wheeled caddy for supplies if necessary
Camera
Umbrella
ITINERARY
Tentative Itinerary:
DAY 1: Arrive at Rye Harbor, park car and check in with the ferry. Set your GPS to 1870 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH.
* Overnight parking is $. (Carpool option): Ill send a group email and if you all wish to collaborate on a car pool arrangement, there is a free park and ride location a few miles away in Portsmouth).
10:30am Board the "Uncle Oscar" Ferry to Star Island for 11am departure.
11:00am Uncle Oscar ferry departs Rye, NH Harbor for Star Island (about 35 minutes). They will circle the island for 25 minutes to provide an audio tour.
12:00pm Arrive Star Island dock and make our way to check in at the Oceanic hotel. (About 200 yards away).
1:30 pm: After check in, settle in and meet on the porch by the bell for Lime ricky / ice cream introductions, what to expect, handouts, lecture and demonstration. Students will do a warm -up painting until 5:45 while I provide side-by-side easel assistance.
6:30 : Group Dinner
8:30 : Bon fire (weather permitting).
DAY 2:
8:00 am : Breakfast.
9:00 am: Meet on the porch by the bell (Rendezvous point) and make our way to our morning painting site, students set up and paint while Todd provides side-by-side easel assistance. .
12:30: Lunch
Afternoon off to explore the island and choose evening paint spot. Optional Kayak excursion to Appledore Island for optional painting, photographing or exploring.
4:00 pm: Todd Demo (Ice cream / Lime rickies)
7:00 pm: Lobster bake.
Day 3:
8:00 am : Breakfast.
9:00 am: Meet on the porch by the bell (Rendezvous point) and make our way to our morning painting site, students set up and paint while Todd provides side-by-side easel assistance. .
12:30: Lunch
!;30 pm: Final crit on porch by the bell. (Lime rickies / ice cream).
* check out / relax until ferry departs 4:30 back to Rye parking lot.
DAY 1: Arrive at Rye Harbor, park car and check in with the ferry. Set your GPS to 1870 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH.
* Overnight parking is $. (Carpool option): Ill send a group email and if you all wish to collaborate on a car pool arrangement, there is a free park and ride location a few miles away in Portsmouth).
10:30am Board the "Uncle Oscar" Ferry to Star Island for 11am departure.
11:00am Uncle Oscar ferry departs Rye, NH Harbor for Star Island (about 35 minutes). They will circle the island for 25 minutes to provide an audio tour.
12:00pm Arrive Star Island dock and make our way to check in at the Oceanic hotel. (About 200 yards away).
1:30 pm: After check in, settle in and meet on the porch by the bell for Lime ricky / ice cream introductions, what to expect, handouts, lecture and demonstration. Students will do a warm -up painting until 5:45 while I provide side-by-side easel assistance.
6:30 : Group Dinner
8:30 : Bon fire (weather permitting).
DAY 2:
8:00 am : Breakfast.
9:00 am: Meet on the porch by the bell (Rendezvous point) and make our way to our morning painting site, students set up and paint while Todd provides side-by-side easel assistance. .
12:30: Lunch
Afternoon off to explore the island and choose evening paint spot. Optional Kayak excursion to Appledore Island for optional painting, photographing or exploring.
4:00 pm: Todd Demo (Ice cream / Lime rickies)
7:00 pm: Lobster bake.
Day 3:
8:00 am : Breakfast.
9:00 am: Meet on the porch by the bell (Rendezvous point) and make our way to our morning painting site, students set up and paint while Todd provides side-by-side easel assistance. .
12:30: Lunch
!;30 pm: Final crit on porch by the bell. (Lime rickies / ice cream).
* check out / relax until ferry departs 4:30 back to Rye parking lot.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(1) What if it rains?
There are excellent covered areas to paint under on the island in the event of rain. One of wich is the epic porch of the Oceanic hotel. I liken it to being on the deck of the Titanic! Its dramatic in its historic architecture and scale. The wrap around porch veiws of the islnad, Atlantic and distant headlands and shores are as good as any motif on the island. There is also a nearby pergola perched on a rocky headland that can accommodate more than a dozen painters. It has excellent coverage and veiws.
(1) What if it rains?
There are excellent covered areas to paint under on the island in the event of rain. One of wich is the epic porch of the Oceanic hotel. I liken it to being on the deck of the Titanic! Its dramatic in its historic architecture and scale. The wrap around porch veiws of the islnad, Atlantic and distant headlands and shores are as good as any motif on the island. There is also a nearby pergola perched on a rocky headland that can accommodate more than a dozen painters. It has excellent coverage and veiws.