Plein Air Painting in Georgia's Golden Isles

Watercolor Workshop in Darien &  Okefenokee Swamp, GA

October 21-25, 2026

Instructor: Kathy Rennell Forbes [email protected]

Guide & Chef: Lesley Varnadore [email protected]

10/21  Arrive at Blue Heron Inn after 3 pm, Dinner served at 6 pm. Paint on location if you like. 

10/22   Paint in Darien, shrimp boats and town. All meals provided that day.

10/23   Okefenokee Swamp Lesley and Kathy will drive you there 90 plus minute car ride. Four hour guided tour, includes train tickets, boat ride and short walking tour. Sketching and photographing. Picnic lunch at the swamp. All meals provided.

10/24   Paint at Blue Heron or property nearby. All meals provided.

10/25   Paint in Darien in morning. Lunch back at Blue Heron. Paint on property until dinner. All meals provided that day.

10/26   Breakfast provided. Check out at 10 am. Drive home.

Daily art demos, critiques and assistance provided. We can be flexible on painting locations by day  based on weather.

Plenty of gorgeous marshes, beach scenes with sea oats, diverse vegetation and structures on the island and in Darien. Covered areas to paint at Blue Herron.

Lesley will be our personal chef who will prepare delicious organic locally sourced meals. She has led several trips in the area and is a nationally recognized chef. Please let us know upon reservation of any food allergies.

Accommodations:

6 bedroom home. 5 King Size Beds in each room with private baths. One room with twin beds. Beautiful sunrise and sunset views of the marsh. Access to a kayak, bikes, fire pit, aviary and covered areas to paint under.

Room for 10 artists.

Cost:

Includes all meals from dinner 10/21 to breakfast on 10/26.

Cost of room at Blue Herron

Transportation to and from Okefenokee swamp, 4 Hour Guided tour (boat, train and walking) and entrance fee

Instruction from Kathy and cooking/guide services from Lesley.

Please BYOB wine or cocktail of your choice for the evening.

$1200 for Room/Board/Meals/Instruction 

$400 additional for private room

Non-painting companions welcome. Discount of $250. 

Sorry no pets.

Please send deposit check of $400 per person to Kathy Rennell Forbes, Suite Z, 500 Means St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.

Painting at Blue Herron