Debora Stewart 2027 Retreat — Artists Rising Workshops & Retreats

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Creative retreats, painting
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Debora Stewart

June 13 - 18, 2027

Nature into Abstraction: Expressive Florals, Gardens, and Landscapes in Soft Pastel and Acrylic Mixed Media

Location: Connecticut River Valley Inn, 2195 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Medium: Soft Pastel and/or Acrylic Mixed Media

Level: Advanced Beginner

Status:

About This Retreat

Nature will be our starting point, but not our destination. In this immersive retreat, participants will gather ideas directly from flowers, gardens, and the surrounding landscape through observational drawing, expressive mark making, color studies, and photographic references. These studies will become the raw material for a series of loose, personal, and increasingly abstract works in soft pastel or acrylic mixed media.

Rather than copying what we see, we will look for the underlying structure, rhythm, color relationships, and emotional character of a subject. Guided exercises and demonstrations will help participants simplify complex natural forms, take creative risks, and move beyond predictable solutions. We will explore how colored grounds and expressive underpainting can establish mood; how Notan and value patterns can strengthen impact; and how cropping, repetition, and variation can generate compelling new compositions.

The retreat will balance instruction with generous independent studio time. Participants may work in one medium or translate ideas between pastel and acrylic. Individual guidance and supportive group conversations will help each artist recognize what is working, identify possibilities for development, and bring selected pieces toward resolution. The emphasis is on exploration, discovery, and building a process that can continue long after the retreat.

What We Will Explore

Loosening-up exercises using gesture, contour, intuitive drawing, and expressive marks
Direct observation of florals, gardens, and landscape forms as sources for abstraction
Color studies, limited palettes, and intuitive color choices in pastel and acrylic
Colored surfaces and underpainting as active parts of the finished work
Two- and three-value Notans for contrast, clarity, and compositional strength
Cropping, enlarging, rotating, and recombining studies to discover new compositions
Balancing active passages with quieter areas so the work has focus and breathing room
Developing related works through repetition, variation, and a small-series approach
Evaluating work in progress and making purposeful choices as a painting nears completion

You Will Leave With

A collection of drawings, color and composition studies, and several developed works; a clearer understanding of how to move from observation into abstraction; and practical strategies for beginning, revising, evaluating, and extending your work into a cohesive series.

The goal is not to arrive with a fixed answer, but to leave with a more adventurous and dependable way of finding your own

Materials & Supplies

To be updated

About Debora Stewart

Debora Stewart

PSA Master Pastelist | IAPS Masters Circle

Debora Stewart is an internationally recognized abstract artist, master pastelist, author, and experienced workshop instructor. She holds Master Pastelist status with the Pastel Society of America and is a member of the International Association of Pastel Societies Masters Circle. Her work has been exhibited in juried and invitational exhibitions throughout the United States and internationally, including exhibitions in France and China.

Debora is the author of Abstract Art Painting: Expressions in Mixed Media, published by North Light Books. Her teaching grows from a studio practice rooted in observational drawing, expressive underpainting, intuitive color, and the abstraction of flowers, gardens, landscapes, and other natural forms. She is known for creating an encouraging environment in which artists can experiment, strengthen their visual language, and develop work that feels both structurally sound and personally authentic.

An experienced workshop facilitator, Debora has taught artists across the United States in soft pastel, acrylic mixed media, expressive drawing, abstraction, and the creative use of composition. Her demonstrations are practical and process-centered, while her individual guidance respects each participant's experience, medium, and artistic direction.

Debora lives in Clinton, Iowa, with her husband, Doug, and their miniature schnauzer, Toby. She maintains an active studio practice and continues to explore the expressive possibilities of nature through pastel, acrylic, oil sticks, and mixed media.

RETREAT APPROACH

Supportive, exploratory, and process-focused - with demonstrations, structured exercises, independent work time, individual guidance, and group reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration & Payment

How do I register?

Select the Standard Tuition Fee for each participating artist, add your preferred Accommodation option and any applicable Add-On, then complete the registration and deposit payment process.

How much is due when I register?

Registration requires a deposit only:

• $500 — Standard Tuition Fee per participating artist

• $200 — Accommodation deposit per accommodation

• $100 — Add-On deposit per add-on

Your registration summary will show the applicable deposit and total for your selected options.

When will I receive my remaining balance invoice?

Your remaining balance billing invoice will be sent to you by email after your registration is confirmed.

The remaining balance is split into two payments, with the final balance due 90 days before the retreat begins, unless the retreat reaches its minimum registration requirement sooner. In that case, an earlier payment schedule may apply.

Your invoice will include the remaining balance amount and payment instructions.

Can I pay my remaining balance in full early?

Yes. Registration requires a deposit, but you may request to pay the remaining balance in full early. Please note your request in the Additional Notes section during registration, and we can send your billing invoice as soon as possible.

Are taxes included in the prices?

Applicable sales/accommodation tax is not included in the initial registration deposit. The applicable tax will be included in your remaining balance and reflected on your billing invoice.

Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are subject to the cancellation and refund terms provided during registration. Please review the Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy before completing your registration.

What happens if I cancel?

Cancellation and refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and the terms associated with your registration. Please review the Terms & Conditions and Cancellation Policy before completing your registration.

Accommodations & Guests

Is accommodation included in the tuition?

No. Accommodation is optional and priced separately from tuition. You can select an available Accommodation option during registration or choose No Accommodation.

What if I don't need accommodation?

You can select Standard Tuition Fee and No Accommodation during registration. You may arrange your own nearby lodging if needed.

Can I stay at the retreat venue?

Yes. On-site accommodations are available as optional add-ons and vary by retreat. Availability is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Can I arrive early or stay later?

Yes! Additional nights before and after the retreat are available as an add-on, subject to availability. You can select an extra night before the retreat begins or after it ends during registration. Additional nights are priced separately from your retreat accommodation.

For questions about availability for additional nights, please contact us via Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website.

Can I bring a non-participating guest?

Yes. If you select a Private Room, Fern Glamping or Willow Glamping Accommodation, you may add a Non-Participating Guest Add-On for an additional fee. Non-participating guests are not enrolled as retreat participants and do not pay the Standard tuition fee.

For questions about guest accommodations, please contact us via Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website.

Can two participating artists share a room?

Yes. If you select the Shared Room, two participating artists can stay together. Each artist is responsible for their own Standard Tuition Fee.

If booking together: Select two Standard Tuition Fees, the Shared Room accommodation, and the 2nd Participating Artist add-on during registration.

If booking separately: Each artist should complete their own registration. One artist should select the Shared Room accommodation, while the other should select the 2nd Participating Artist add-on and indicate the name of the person they wish to share the room with.

Please note: If the Shared Room accommodation is unavailable, the 2nd Participating Artist add-on may also apply to other accommodation options. Check each accommodation’s description during registration to determine whether the add-on is applicable.

For assistance in finding available accommodations suitable for two participating artists, please visit our Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website.

What if I'm coming alone and need a roommate?

Room assignments depend on the accommodation options available for each retreat. If a Shared Room accommodation option is available, you may indicate your preferences during registration. The retreat organizer will coordinate room assignments based on availability.

For questions about room assignments or specific accommodation needs, please contact us via Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website.

The Retreat Experience

Can I attend for just one day or commute to the retreat?

Although day rates may be available for the full length of the retreat without overnight accommodations, the retreat is designed for participants to experience the full on-site retreat.

Attending for only part of the retreat means missing some of the camaraderie, relaxation, nightly dinners, and 24/7 open studio time that are an important part of the Artists Rising experience.

Where are the retreats held?

Artists Rising Workshops & Retreats are held at the Connecticut River Valley Inn (CRVInn) in Glastonbury, Connecticut. The historic inn provides a peaceful setting for creating, relaxing, and connecting with fellow artists.

What is available at the venue?

Participants can enjoy on-site studio space, gardens, river access, walking areas, an outdoor pool, and relaxing common spaces. The studio is available 24/7 during the retreat, providing opportunities to create outside of scheduled workshop hours.

Are there other amenities available?

Yes. Therapeutic massage and Reiki may be available at the retreat center. These services are scheduled separately and are an additional expense. Availability may be limited.

Are Artists Rising retreats just for women?

Yes. Artists Rising Workshops & Retreats are designed specifically for women artists, creating an environment where participants can connect, create, relax, and share their experiences with one another.

Location & Travel

Where is the Connecticut River Valley Inn located?

The Connecticut River Valley Inn is located at:

2195 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033

The inn is just minutes from Hartford and is situated along the Connecticut River.

How far is the venue from Hartford?

The inn is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Hartford, making it convenient for participants traveling from the city or arriving by air.

Which airport should I fly into?

The closest major airport is Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, approximately 20–30 minutes from the retreat center.

What are my other travel options?

You can rent a car or drive to the retreat. Parking is available on-site. The retreat center is also approximately 5–10 minutes by car from the Hartford Amtrak Station. Depending on your starting location, train travel may require a connection in New Haven.

Call Amtrak toll-free at 1-800-872-7245 or visit the Amtrak website.

Detailed arrival and travel information will be provided to registered participants before the retreat.

For specific arrival or travel questions, please contact us via Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website.

Are there restaurants and shops nearby?

Yes. The inn is within walking distance of more than 20 restaurants, with additional shops, services, and attractions nearby.

Preparing for Your Retreat

What should I bring?

A detailed supply list and retreat-specific information will be provided before the retreat. You may also view the recommended art supply list on the retreat's main page.

Your instructor may provide additional recommended or required materials.

You may also want to bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a phone charger, snacks, earplugs, and an extension cord.

What's the weather like, and what clothes should I bring?

Connecticut weather can vary depending on the season. Layers are recommended, along with comfortable shoes for walking and enjoying the property.

An umbrella or hooded rain jacket is recommended in case of rain. The property has central heating and air conditioning for your comfort.

May I ship my art supplies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You may ship your art supplies to the retreat center ahead of time. Please allow enough time for your package to arrive before the retreat.

Address your package clearly to:

Your name / Connecticut River Valley Inn
2195 Main Street
Glastonbury, CT 06033

Please do not ship your materials more than two weeks before the retreat.

If you plan to ship your materials home after the retreat, please repack your box so it is ready for shipment. The retreat center does not provide shipping materials, so be sure to bring your own packing materials and shipping label. You may bring a UPS or FedEx label or purchase and print a shipping label online, including a USPS Priority Mail label.

For questions about shipping your supplies, please contact us via Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website.

When will I receive more information about the retreat?

Registered participants will receive additional information as the retreat approaches, including arrival instructions, schedules, supply lists, accommodation information, and other important retreat details.

What contact information should I leave for my family?

Wireless internet is available on-site, and cell phone reception is generally good in the Glastonbury area, although coverage may vary by provider.

For retreat-related questions before your arrival, please contact us via Contact Us page or use the chat widget on our website. Your retreat confirmation and pre-arrival information will include any additional contact information you may need during your stay.