OIL PAINT
YELLOWSTONE WORKSHOP
THE EXPERIENCE
NOT JUST A WORKSHOP RETREAT
Join me, Carla Grace, for an immersive six-day, seven-night oil painting wildlife artist retreat in the breathtaking Skyline Guest Ranch, Yellowstone National Park. This is not simply a painting workshop — it’s a journey into the heart of nature. Together, we’ll focus on capturing the true essence of the wildlife we encounter, drawing not just from photographs, but from the powerful, first-hand experiences we share in the field.
Expect an average of six hours of painting each day, with every remaining moment spent outdoors, surrounded by Yellowstone’s wonders. This transformative experience is designed to help you discover your unique artistic voice, deepen your connection with wildlife, and spark inspiration for countless future works. Your training begins the moment you secure your place and culminates with the retreat itself.
THE ITINERARY
OUTLINE OF THE SCHEDULE
01
June 13
ARRIVAL & MEETING
Welcome dinner, and kick-off meeting
Artist welcome gifts and studio notes handed out. Lesson plan and painting lesson kits, view finders and experience guide included.
Campfire hangout
02
June 14
REFERENCES AND COMPOSITION
EXERCISES
Morning studio session to create colour studies and composition, experimenting with grizzly bear textures and features.
Studio time broken up by a hearty lunch and wildlife encounters
03
June 15
PRELIM PAINTING AND PREPARATION
Studio focus on blocking in
Values, colours and shapes
Dusk at Lamar Valley (with dessert)
04
June 16
EXTABLISHING FORM
Morning Studio session
Mid day adventure experience: Horseback ride through the mountains to a hidden lake, or hike on foot to Trout Lake. Picnic lunch and sketching session.
Afternoon Studio Session
Outdoor dinner experience with wagon rides and live music around the campfire.
05
June 17
BUILDING LAYERS AND TEXTURE
Sunrise experience: Yellowstone at sunrise, photography session
Full day studio session starting just before lunch.
06
June 18
MID PHASE PAINTING
Full day painting, building detail and textures in the grizzly bears fur
Evening experience: stretch and move after a big day of painting with a walk to a waterfall and forrest trails
07
June 19
FINISHING DETAILS
We will be finishing the painting today, and I will be focussed on one-on-one coaching to discuss individual artist practices beyond the workshop.
Final Studio Session
Farewell dinner and campfire gathering
08
June 20
DEPARTURE
Final farewell breakfast and departure to the airport.
All artist materials created and used during the workshop can be taken home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
SKYLINE GUEST RANCH
Nestled in the heart and soul of the Rocky Mountains, Skyline Guest Ranch provides easy access to the sights and wonders of Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. This family owned luxury ranch provides an uncrowded and vibrant opportunity for artists and wildlife lovers.
PRICING AND INCLUSIONS
OIL PAINTING STUDIO TIME SUMMARY
Day 1: Check-in
Day 2: 6 hours
Day 3: 7-7.5 hours
Day 4: 5 hours
Day 5: 7 hours
Day 6: 6 hours
Day 7: 6 hours
Day 8: Check-Out
Total Studio Time: 36-40 Hours (roughly a 7-hour daily average)
The lesson plan will be released closer to the time
PRICING
7 NIGHT, 6 DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE
Artists: 9 -10
USD$ 6,900 for shared room
USD$ 8,200 for standard private room
USD$ 8,400 for premium private room
USD$ 3,600 for non-artist spouse/partner
INCLUDES:
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Transportation to and from the Bozeman, Montana Airport
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Lodging at Skyline Guest Ranch
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All Meals and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
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Multiple Wildlife Safaris into Yellowstone National Park with Expert Guides and Professional Wildlife Photographers
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High-end spotting scopes, binoculars, and field gear are provided for all excursions
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Horseback riding options, including a backcountry ride into Yellowstone
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Guided hikes with Hiking Equipment
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Use of Moose Ridge Cabin as an Art Studio
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Live Music, Wagon Rides, Evening Campfires, Specialty Chuckwagon dinners
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All Access to Carla Grace Creative tutorials from the date of booking
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1 one-on-one zoom call and 2 live meetings before the workshop
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All art materials included
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One-on-one coaching and painting with Carla Grace
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Artist field sketch book and materials, with written tutorial keepsakes not available on Carla Grace Create tutorial platform
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Guide Gratuities and Taxes
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NOT INCLUDED
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Flights to the Bozeman airport,
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Alcoholic beverages,
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Travel Insurance
GALLERY
What artists are saying...
An absolutely incredible experience from start to finish, I’ve left with many cherished memories. Having the privilege of Carla’s guidance over a week and hands on coaching improved so much of my technique in such a short time. Each live demo was thoughtfully prepared and demonstrated each day, with plenty of room for questions. Carla delivered everything with such grace and friendliness, the studio was such a welcoming place to be. Meeting other artists who were collaborative, encouraging, and enthusiastic was also a highlight. Not to mention the beautiful painting location and hospitality of the ranch itself. The options for adventures into Yellowstone allowed us to see many diverse environments and wildlife, and was a perfect way to break up studio time.
If you can make time for this experience, 100% do it!
- Shannon
Having the opportunity to watch Carla paint and learn her technique for creating realistic animals truly enriched my own artistic practice. On top of that, painting on a magical ranch surrounded by wildlife felt like living a dream. Carla is an incredible teacher. She has a very strong technique, explains everything with remarkable clarity, and is incredibly patient and generous with her knowledge. This workshop is absolutely worth experiencing at least once. It is something I will never forget, and I’m so grateful I had the chance to be part of it.
- Tita
Meeting and learning from Carla has been an absolute joy. I've watched her tutorials countless times, but seeing her paint in person made everything click in a way that videos simply can't. Having her watch my brushwork, demonstrate techniques right beside me, and give thoughtful, personalized critiques was invaluable. I came away feeling inspired, more confident, and excited to keep painting.
When I booked this retreat, I told myself it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Now I'm leaving thinking it definitely shouldn't be. This has been one of the most enjoyable, inspiring, and memorable experiences I've ever had, and I would love to come back again. I'll be genuinely sad to leave, but I'm going home with wonderful memories, new friends, and a renewed excitement for my art.
- Katie
ENQUIRE NOW
Please complete the form below to register your interest in the workshop and I'll be I touch with more information.
Frequently asked questions
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