VIP :: Vibe Like Vincent Weekend Painting Workshop :: July 24 - 26, 2026

 

Paint Like Van Gogh!

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Flower Moon Farm, nestled in the quiet heart of Westlock County, for an extraordinary weekend of instruction and plein air painting, conducted by acclaimed Canadian artist, Janice Tanton.

This VIP experience includes TWO full days of personal instruction, all meals, water, coffee, tea, pop, instruction and painting with Janice,  VIP Meet and Greet, Friday July 24, 2026. It is offered only once per year.

Accommodations are available - please see below for add-ons if you would like to stay on site and book into one of our spacious trailers as a 'farm-stay'. We also have recommended hotels and bed and breakfast establishments in the area listed below. Please make your arrangements with them separately. We do recommend staying on site as the workshop time will go quickly, and there is nothing like the quiet of the farm after a full day of painting and fellowship.

Amidst the vibrant array of flower fields, barns and farm animals in northern Alberta, this unique weekend workshop offers a harmonious blend of nature and creativity. The picturesque surroundings of Flower Moon Farm provide an idyllic backdrop for both novice and seasoned artists to explore their craft under the expert guidance of Janice, whose work is celebrated for its depth and emotional resonance.

BASIC WORKSHOP ITINERARY::

Friday, July 24 - VIP Meet and Greet Evening, Farm Tour, Evening chores (if you're game)...Settle in...Bonfire & S'mores (depending on county fire bans/regulations.)

Saturday, July 25 - This two day workshop begins with a hearty old-fashioned country breakfast, fresh organic eggs from our wonderful hens, local bacon/sausage, fresh sourdough, coffee/tea and fresh baked goods from our own country kitchen. 

We'll head out for a plein-aire demonstration in Authentic Impressionism and instruction by Janice. We will focus on feeling our way through colour and light, in the manner of the great Impressionist painters. Janice will share the secrets of Authentic Impression techniques, handed directly down from artist to artist. Tanton’s approachable style ensures that every participant, regardless of skill level, feels supported and encouraged to experiment and grow.

After the morning demonstration and some time to get your paints and easels ready, we’ll break for a refreshing farm lunch together and discussion around the morning's demonstration. We're all set for an afternoon of artistic discovery and painting.

It's time to pick up your materials—and let your creativity flow. Janice recommends that for this weekend, you paint in the rich flow and colour of oil paint to get the full experience and effect of field work in the Impressionist style. She will visit each student around the property, assisting with your painting for the afternoon and giving personal attention to you as you work your way through your new painting skills. This will be your own time to choose scenes around the farm and create!

The enchanting flower fields, meadows, barns, forest, horses, chickens, pigs... and outbuildings are buzzing with life and colour and offer endless inspiration for your art. As you draw and paint, surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility of Flower Moon Farm, you will find a renewed connection to both nature and your own creative spirit. This workshop promises not just a day of learning and creation, but a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression on your artistic soul.

At the end of each day, we will gather to share thoughts and notes, to view each other's works, offer gentle critiques and Janice will answer any further questions you may have. If the opportunity presents itself, Janice will also demo how to paint a sunset on the Saturday evening.

Sunday, July 26 : Free & full day of painting from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Janice will be around to guide and assist you with personal instruction as needed in creating your pleinaire works. We'll host an evening chili and salad dinner to send you on your way and recap the entire weekend.

The Unique Aspects of This Workshop ::

• Two Full Days - Expert Guidance from an Experienced, Professional Teaching Artist: Learn from the acclaimed Canadian artist JaniceTanton (Teaching Artist in Residence for Banff Centre), whose demonstrations and personalized instruction will inspire and elevate your artistic skills, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist.

• All Meals Included - Enjoy farm-fresh meals and let us take care of you! Janice and Kevin are experienced hosts, having run Birch Point Lodge in Ontario for several successful years!
  

• Inspiring Natural Setting: Create art in the breathtaking surroundings of Flower Moon Farm, where the vibrant,  flower fields and woods provide endless inspiration and a peaceful atmosphere that fosters creativity and relaxation. Wherever you look, there are paintable scenes.

• Holistic Experience: Enjoy a well-rounded day with a delicious, old-fashioned farm meals and the opportunity to experiment with various materials and techniques, ensuring a rich and fulfilling artistic retreat that nurtures both your creativity, your soul and your well-being.

• Connection with a Creative Community: Engaging with fellow artists in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere fosters a sense of community, providing opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and forming lasting friendships.

DATES:  Friday, July 24 - Sunday, July 26, 2026 (Rain, Snow or Shine)

TIMES: Light is always best in the earlier morning and the evening. You can get out and paint as early as sunrise or before, if you're game! The long days at this time of the year are perfect!

FLOWER MOON FARM - FARMSTAY

ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES AT THE FARM: For out-of-town artists, we have two well-equipped travel trailers for our farm-stay workshops. We also have a new hot tub that our guests are welcome to enjoy, so feel free to bring your bathing suits and a bath towel to enjoy an early morning or late night soak after a busy day painting. We do have wifi in many parts of the farm, but not on the full 11.25 acres. Close to the farmhouse and trailers, you will have good wifi. Passwords provided upon checkin.

Once the trailers are booked, and if you still would like to stay on the farm for the weekend, you are welcome to bring your own trailer and dry-camp (no power/no electricity) for a fee of $25 per night. Please advise us of your trailer size to ensure we can accommodate you in the space we have. Tent camping on the farm is not permitted due to coyote, moose and bear pressure.

Trailer #1 - Big Beautiful Momma (Fifth Wheel)

Big Momma is a spacious, comfortable (dare we say decadent), air conditioned fifth wheel trailer and can accommodate up to 3 people comfortably. Fully equipped, with shower and comfortable bathroom. Big Momma has a separate bedroom with queen bed, and a pull-out couch double bed in the living room area. Hot and cold running water, steps from the farmhouse and centrally located with WIFI. An open concept living room area with pullout couch and two rocking chairs, dining area to accommodate four, kitchen, & television with DVD player. (Photos coming soon.) We suggest sharing with a painting friend!

Big Beautiful Momma Rates:

Book the whole trailer for the weekend:  $350.00

We can accept up to three workshop students in this accommodation, so please feel free to team up with a friend(s) and split the cost if you're comfortable sharing . (No children please.) Please bring your own towels/washcloths. 

Trailer #2 - Trinity

Trinity is a marvel. She has two queen beds, a single bunk and two pull-out couch/dinette areas, all in the same visible open concept trailer, so bedrooms are not private. There is a divider curtain for each of the bed areas. It is more like a family trailer - in fact, we've travelled across the country with our family of five more than once in this comfortable space. Includes 3 piece bathroom with shower, running hot and cold water. Small TV and dvd player. WIFI available. (No Air-Conditioning as of January 2026, but generally the farm is nice and cool for sleeping in the evenings and we may have air up and running in July for you.) Please bring your own towels/washcloths. (Photos coming soon.) We suggest sharing with a painting workshop friend!

Trinity Rates: 

Book the whole trailer for the weekend:  $250.00

We can accept up to three workshop students in this accommodation, so please feel free to team up with a friend(s) and split the cost if you're comfortable sharing . (No children please.) Please bring your own towels/washcloths. 

HOW TO BOOK the Trailers for FARM-STAY:: Once you have booked and paid for your workshop in full, please email us with your preference for trailer, and if you are willing to share with a friend. As long as the trailer(s) are still available, we will confirm your accommodation and collect payment at that time for your accommodations.

OFF-Farm Accommodations ::

Flower Moon Farm is located at 61304 Range Road 253, Westlock County, approximately a 25 minute drive on mostly gravel to local towns and amenities, with the nearest town being Westlock, AB. Accommodations listed below are between a 21 and 28 km drive from the farm.

Nearest alternate accommodations can be found here:

Tawatinaw Valley Retreat

Westlock in & Conference Centre

Ramada by Wyndham, Westlock

MATERIALS: Janice recommends the following:

Oil paints: Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Cerulean Blue, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Deep, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Red Medium, Alizarin Crimson Permanent, Titanium White, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna.

Brushes: Minimum

Rounds : #2, #4

Long Flats : #2, #4, #8

 Any other favourite oil brushes you like!

Canvas/Pleinaire Panels: 4 - 6"x8", 4 - 8"x10" It will depend on how quickly you paint, but having this number of panels/canvasses ready will allow you to be flexible. Additional panels will be available onsite for purchase at a nominal amount if you run short. We always bring more to a workshop, than less. Please have your panels prepped and ready to go including gesso and any ground colour you may normally use. I prefer cadmium orange or transparent red oxide prepped panels for pleinaire painting. This can be done in acrylic paint.

Sketchbook, vine charcoal.

Mediums: Winsor and Newton Liquin

Roll of paper towels or Costco Baby Wipes, bag for your garbage (pack it in...pack it out), jar of odourless mineral spirits, your pleinaire easel, a lawn chair, layers of clothing, bug spray and sunscreen as well as a peaked hat (ball cap, cowboy, Panama etc.) Ensure you are ready to spend the full day outside, rain or shine.

Limited materials kits and pleinaire easels ARE available for purchase/use for an additional cost. If you require a ready-to-go setup, please enquire prior to registering by sending us an email at janice@janicetanton.com.

***Full Easel and Paint Kit setups are limited.***

CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! 

We are a working farm and home. As such, no smoking (cigarettes or cannibis) anywhere on the property. Please keep your pets at home. Alcoholic beverages are your own responsibility. Please drink responsibly.

We have four dogs at the farm. Three of which are friendly, working rough collies who keep the coyotes and wildlife at bay. Please know that this is their home. If you are not comfortable with dogs or allergic, this may not be the workshop for you. We also have chickens, pigs, horses and cats so please be aware of that and if you have allergies, bring your medicines!

Our home is your home while you are here. Our meals will take place in our dining room or outside, weather permitting. The farmhouse bathroom (only one) is also available for you to use and we have a lovely screened in front porch area for relaxing and for getting out of inclement weather or just taking a break.

From time to time, we experience incredible northern lights shows here and we are in a dark zone for night star-gazing. Our farm is located within working wheat/canola and barley sections. From time to time our neighbours are working in the fields and fertilizing or spraying so we do not have control over these adjacent commercial farm activities or the timing of them.

MORE INFORMATION and detailed materials list, directions to the farm and agenda will be emailed to you closer to the date of the workshop. Please inform us if you have any food allergies and we will do our best to accommodate.