ISLES of SHOALS
1 Day painting excursions (Todd Bonita)
2025 Star Island, NH
July 15
1 Day (Limit 12) $100
* You may also like our 3 DAY ISLES of SHOALS workshop. (Click here)
REGISTER:
email Todd Bonita: [email protected] or call (603) 819-9100
we accepy Credit cards, Pay Pal, Venmo, cash or mail a check made out to Todd Bonita to hold your space in the amount of ($100.00). Please write, "Isles of Shoals / date of trip" in the Memo and mail to:
Todd Bonita
28 McShane Ave
Greenland, NH 03840
(These one day workshops will fill and wait list, please reserve asap to insure a space).
Join us for an all day painting adventure, nine miles from the shores of the New Hampshire mainland on picturesque Star Island. We will paint in the shadow of Childe Hassam, amidst the rocky coast, seaside shacks and cottages, Lighthouse, Celia Thaxters garden and the Atlantic ocean.
There will be a plein air painting demonstration before we board the boat to insure your painting time on the island is maximised. My painting demonstration will include a discussion on composition, design, value and capturing light and atmosphere in your paintings. Beginners, experienced artist and those who have never painted before are welcome to join this supportive and spirited group. I will be providing personal attention at your easel as I make the rounds on the island and will answer to inquires throughout the day. Class will resume with a group critique.
There is a restaurant at the Oceanic hotel but please feel free to bring a boxed lunch and drink. Bathrooms are available on the boat and island.
1 Day painting excursions (Todd Bonita)
2025 Star Island, NH
July 15
1 Day (Limit 12) $100
* You may also like our 3 DAY ISLES of SHOALS workshop. (Click here)
REGISTER:
email Todd Bonita: [email protected] or call (603) 819-9100
we accepy Credit cards, Pay Pal, Venmo, cash or mail a check made out to Todd Bonita to hold your space in the amount of ($100.00). Please write, "Isles of Shoals / date of trip" in the Memo and mail to:
Todd Bonita
28 McShane Ave
Greenland, NH 03840
(These one day workshops will fill and wait list, please reserve asap to insure a space).
Join us for an all day painting adventure, nine miles from the shores of the New Hampshire mainland on picturesque Star Island. We will paint in the shadow of Childe Hassam, amidst the rocky coast, seaside shacks and cottages, Lighthouse, Celia Thaxters garden and the Atlantic ocean.
There will be a plein air painting demonstration before we board the boat to insure your painting time on the island is maximised. My painting demonstration will include a discussion on composition, design, value and capturing light and atmosphere in your paintings. Beginners, experienced artist and those who have never painted before are welcome to join this supportive and spirited group. I will be providing personal attention at your easel as I make the rounds on the island and will answer to inquires throughout the day. Class will resume with a group critique.
There is a restaurant at the Oceanic hotel but please feel free to bring a boxed lunch and drink. Bathrooms are available on the boat and island.
RESERVE FERRY:
Please reserve your ferry for the date of the workshop you registered for.
The ferry cost $43 for adults and $39 for Seniors (60+). You can reserve by phone, online or in person.
* Please book the 1st boat leaving Rye at 11am
and 2nd boat leaving Star island at 4:50pm. (Please tell them you are with the Todd Bonita workshop).
Island Cruise Inc. 1870 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH
IslandCruise.com
(603) 964-6446
This is a separate fee from the cost of the workshop that you are responsible for.
My cell is 603-819-9100). * Please note that this part of Rye is notorious for poor cell service and dropped calls. If you are running late, it is very likely I cannot receive your call. Please make every effort to arrive on time.
* Parking is $5 cash on site.
Please reserve your ferry for the date of the workshop you registered for.
The ferry cost $43 for adults and $39 for Seniors (60+). You can reserve by phone, online or in person.
* Please book the 1st boat leaving Rye at 11am
and 2nd boat leaving Star island at 4:50pm. (Please tell them you are with the Todd Bonita workshop).
Island Cruise Inc. 1870 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH
IslandCruise.com
(603) 964-6446
This is a separate fee from the cost of the workshop that you are responsible for.
My cell is 603-819-9100). * Please note that this part of Rye is notorious for poor cell service and dropped calls. If you are running late, it is very likely I cannot receive your call. Please make every effort to arrive on time.
* Parking is $5 cash on site.
ITINERARY:
8:45am. Arrive at Rye Harbor, park and check in with the ferry. Set your GPS to 1870 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH.
9:00am Join us harborside for my painting demonstration and lecture. You will see me set up as you park.
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. We will have 4 and a half hours before they want us on the dock for our 4:50 departure back to Rye. I will lead a 30 minute walk around the island (its small) to explore potential motifs. You can join us or simply hunker down and paint wherever you want. I will come around and find you. We will have a group text so you can let me know where you will be painting.
4:00pm I will make my way to the Oceanic hotel porch and welcome painters there for a final critique of your work. The porch overlooks the harbor and our Ferry. Its maybe 100 yards to the dock so we can be sure and catch the ferry on time.
4:30pm Assemble on the dock to board Uncle Oscar ferry
4:50pm Boat departs Star Island for mainland
5:20pm Ferry arrives at Rye harbor.
* Please bring a lunch and drink.
* There is a bathroom on the island at the Oceanic hotel that we may use.
* Please bring appropriate clothing, it may be a few degrees cooler on the island than the mainland.
* Please bring appropriate footwear for light walking.
*If it rains we will paint on the porch of the Oceanic hotel. It has wonderful coverage. there are other sheltered structures on the island as well that are additional options. The view from the grand porch is phenomenal and affords many painting options.
8:45am. Arrive at Rye Harbor, park and check in with the ferry. Set your GPS to 1870 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH.
9:00am Join us harborside for my painting demonstration and lecture. You will see me set up as you park.
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. We will have 4 and a half hours before they want us on the dock for our 4:50 departure back to Rye. I will lead a 30 minute walk around the island (its small) to explore potential motifs. You can join us or simply hunker down and paint wherever you want. I will come around and find you. We will have a group text so you can let me know where you will be painting.
4:00pm I will make my way to the Oceanic hotel porch and welcome painters there for a final critique of your work. The porch overlooks the harbor and our Ferry. Its maybe 100 yards to the dock so we can be sure and catch the ferry on time.
4:30pm Assemble on the dock to board Uncle Oscar ferry
4:50pm Boat departs Star Island for mainland
5:20pm Ferry arrives at Rye harbor.
* Please bring a lunch and drink.
* There is a bathroom on the island at the Oceanic hotel that we may use.
* Please bring appropriate clothing, it may be a few degrees cooler on the island than the mainland.
* Please bring appropriate footwear for light walking.
*If it rains we will paint on the porch of the Oceanic hotel. It has wonderful coverage. there are other sheltered structures on the island as well that are additional options. The view from the grand porch is phenomenal and affords many painting options.
ART SUPPLY LIST:
Supply list: (Isles of Shoals Plein air workshop)
(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).
Portable Easel
French easel, half easel or 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. I have glass too for one of my boxes...try to avoid paper pallets.
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.)
Alkyd White (Alkyd is a quick dry paint that plays nice with oils. For brands, Gamblin, DaVinci and my favorite is by C.A.S. Alkyd Pro)
Titanium White
Cad Yellow
Yellow ochre
Alizeran Crimson
Cadmium Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue or Cerulean Blue
Burnt Sienna
Greenish Umber (By Rembrandt), Olive Green or Terre Vert (*Optional)
Viridian (*Optional)
Ivory black (*Optional)
raw or burnt umber (*Optional)
Painting surface
Canvas, canvas or linen mounted on board or gessoed wood panel (sizes can range from 6x8” to 14x18” but I would not go larger)...(Bring enough for two paintings each day.
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! Wether homemade or store bought, it must be adjustable or proportionate to your canvases. Viewcatcher is ideal.
Ruby Beholder
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
Supply list: (Isles of Shoals Plein air workshop)
(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).
Portable Easel
French easel, half easel or 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. I have glass too for one of my boxes...try to avoid paper pallets.
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.)
Alkyd White (Alkyd is a quick dry paint that plays nice with oils. For brands, Gamblin, DaVinci and my favorite is by C.A.S. Alkyd Pro)
Titanium White
Cad Yellow
Yellow ochre
Alizeran Crimson
Cadmium Red
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue or Cerulean Blue
Burnt Sienna
Greenish Umber (By Rembrandt), Olive Green or Terre Vert (*Optional)
Viridian (*Optional)
Ivory black (*Optional)
raw or burnt umber (*Optional)
Painting surface
Canvas, canvas or linen mounted on board or gessoed wood panel (sizes can range from 6x8” to 14x18” but I would not go larger)...(Bring enough for two paintings each day.
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! Wether homemade or store bought, it must be adjustable or proportionate to your canvases. Viewcatcher is ideal.
Ruby Beholder
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
ABOUT ISLE OF SHOALS:
Some fun and helpful links:
Isle of Shoals (Portsmouth.com)
Isle of Shoals on Wikipedia
Visit Isle of Shoals
Some fun and helpful links:
Isle of Shoals (Portsmouth.com)
Isle of Shoals on Wikipedia
Visit Isle of Shoals
