Like art vacations as well as the coastal world? Then an
Art at Sea trip on the Maple Leaf might be perfect for you.
On these special painting holidays, exceptional artists who are also excellent teachers take just eight students into the coastal B.C. wilderness aboard the classic schooner Maple Leaf for focused lessons in painting nature and coastal scenes.
The limited number of students allows for one-on-one instruction, in addition to the small-group lessons.
This art vacation also includes hallmarks of all Maple Leaf trips: natural history interpretation, exceptional cuisine, sailing a classic schooner, wildlife viewing, shore excursions and a sense of camaraderie and fun.
Queen Charlotte Islands / Haida Gwaii Painting Holiday
May 25 - June . 15-20, 2009
Painting the Vibrant Haida Islands at the
Edge of the World
On this painting holiday, you’ll explore the nature and
the spectacular culture of the Queen Charlotte Islands
/ Haida Gwaii.
With plenty of time to paint both on board the ship
and ashore, you’ll be inspired by rugged islands, raniforest,
monumental Haida art, beach and sea-scapes,
wildlife, and even the classic schooner Maple Leaf.
You’ll travel with artist/instructor Karin Richter, a veteran
leader of painting holidays in Europe and North America.
You’ll also learn the area’s natural history from Maple
Leaf’s guides and about the villages from Haida guides.
Emily Carr’s Inspriation and “Place of Wonder”
You’ll explore the north island then enter Gwaii Haanas,
“Place of Wonder”, a protected region of 138 islands.
Here are some of the greatest First Nations village sites
in North America, including the UN World Heritage Site
Ninstints (SGang Gwaay). You’ll walk in the footsteps of
renowned Canadian painter Emily Carr whose art and
writing were inspired by these places.
The overall sense of power found in these villages is
unforgettable.
The “Canadian Galapagos”
Haida Gwaii lies on the continental shelf. On the west
coast, rugged cliffs drop straight into the sea, where
it plunges thousands of feet into the Pacific.
The east
coast lies on a shallow sea at the edge of the continental
plate, and the coastline is a convoluted series of
islands and anchorages.
Upwellings of nutrients from the Pacific create some
of the densest intertidal life on the planet.
You’ll see
humpback whales, feeding in great numbers beside
you, splashing the water with fins up to 15 feet long.
Pacific whitesided dolphins may bow ride with us.
You’ll be in Haida Gwaii at the right time of year to see
hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds who return
to land only for these few months to breed.
The islands’ isolation from the mainland has given rise
to species that differ from their mainland counterparts.
For example, the bears on Haida Gwaii, which
you may see on beaches, are larger.
Explore Rainforests and Hot Springs
You’ll enjoy learning about the variety of ecosystems
from our on-board naturalist. Walk through forests
of enormous trees, some over ten centuries old and
thickly draped with mosses. Soak in natural hot
springs with a view over the sea to the mountains.
Walk secluded beaches looking for shells.
A Rare Opportunity with
Experienced Guides
Travelling here is a rare experience. Although the
area is listed as the top national park in North
America by National Geographic, few are permitted
to travel here.
Maple Leaf has been operating here since the
1980s and we are one of the founders of the Code
of Conduct for the Gwaii Haanas Tour Operators
Association.
We know the area intimately and travel with the
permission and respect of the Haida and Parks
Canada. Whether you are interested in the wildlife,
the cultural history or the forests, your trip to Haida
Gwaii will be one of the best painting holidays
found anywhere.
Supplies
A detailed list of suggested supplies will be sent to each participant upon request or once you have joined the cruise.
Eligibility for This Painting Hoilday
This painting holiday is suitable for beginner to intermediate painters and drawers. The small number of students will allow instructor Karin Richter to tailor tutoring and subjects for both skill levels. We will be happy to discuss any questions you have about this.
Spouses or Travelling Partners Welcome on This Painting Holiday
Haida Gwaii is a spectacular place - a 'must visit' for many people. If your spouse or friend would like to come with you but is not a painter - no worries. There is plenty for them to do while you are having a painting session. Maple Leaf Adventures' experienced expedition crew can take them on additional shore trips, kayak paddles, or fishing (with a licence). Or they can relax on board with a book.
About Karin Richter
Born in Germany into an artistic family, Karin has had a passion for painting since she was a child. She has been a professional artist for almost 20 years now with a style that can be described as impressionistic. Her subjects are varied and she enjoys working in watercolour, oils, acrylics and pastels.
Karin completed her professional training in foreign languages, subsequently lived and worked in France and Germany and eventually moved to Montreal in 1973. Calgary has been home to Karin and her family since 1977. She draws inspiration not only from the western landscape and the Canadian Rockies close at hand but also from international destinations she travels to on a regular basis.
Throughout the years, Karin's paintings have been featured in solo and group shows in many prominent locations and private and public galleries locally, nationally and internationally. Sharing her knowledge of painting has been a joy to Karin for many years. She is an enthusiastic art instructor to many aspiring artists in classes and workshops in Calgary, across Canada and overseas.
An elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolor (CSPWC), the Alberta Society of Artists (ASA), the Society of Canadian Artists (SCA) and an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, Karin has received many awards. She is a featured artist at the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, British Colombia.
Karin's work has appeared in several trade publications and is included in the Biennal Guide to Canadian Artists in Galleries and in Canadian Artists at Auction. She is featured in a new book entitled "How Did You Paint That - Seascapes, Rivers and Lakes" published by the International Artist Magazine. Her paintings can be found in corporate and private collections all over the world.
About the Schooner Maple Leaf
The Maple Leaf is a classic B.C. tall ship. Built in Vancouver in 1904, she was the first ship north of San Francisco with electric lights. She has a rich history of operation on the B.C. coast and an enviable reputation as both a beautiful and sea-worthy vessel.
At 92 feet long, and built of coastal Douglas Fir on Yellow Cedar, she is strong and gorgeous. For more information and images of the Maple Leaf, click About Maple Leaf above.
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