Quick Facts:
Cost for five days REDUCED FROM $1,500. NOW ONLY $1,000 OR $1,500 FOR TWO.
NON-PAINTERS OR THOSE NOT WANTING INSTRUCTION (PHOTOGRAPHERS, DIVERS, HIKERS, ETC.) JUST $700.

This flat rate includes instruction, food & soft drinks, travel & lodging (aboard vessel), kayaks, optional whale-watching day trips (especially for any non-painters in the crowd), and guided coastal tours aboard the motorized skiff.

While the video below is intended for divers aboard "Conception", it does give a good look at not only the underwater life our more adventurous guests might encounter, but also the ship itself. Queen and twin sized berths with privacy curtains and individual reading lights, two private shower/changing areas, a dive (deck) shower, and three heads (bathrooms to the land-lubbers) provide a very comfortable live-aboard experience at a reasonable price. When you watch the video, keep in mind that the food and chef are included- YUM!

Course Description

It would be hard to talk about the contemporary plein-air movement in California's coastal scene without mentioning two iconic So Cal artists: Stephen Mirich and David Gallup. Combined, they have had a profound impact on the plein-air scene as we know it. Steve, former V.P. of the California Art Club, and David, current V.P. of the California Art Club, have each had significant leadership roles in defining a vision of what it means to be a California artist today. For the first time ever, these two masters of coastal scenic painting will be joining forces to bring their experience in teaching and painting to artists who are looking to move to the next level. If you've ever studied with me before, you've heard me talk about Steve's work. I've often referred to him as my teacher, and always reference his work when discussing how to paint the ocean. We're extraordinarily lucky to have him!!

"The Garden Below" ~ Kelp Forest off Santa Cruz Island by David Gallup

For five days, twenty lucky artists will be taken to the islands where they will be given opportunities to paint, hike, kayak, snorkel, fish, and scuba dive aboard the luxurious live-aboard vessel, "Conception". Steve and David, both self-proclaimed "waterdogs" and avid outdoor enthusiasts, will be working with guests getting them comfortable working in new and challenging environments. For non-divers, there will be ample opportunity to go ashore and discover the beauty of one of America's most spectacular National Parks. A motorized skiff and kayaks will also be available to explore the coast. For snorkelers and scuba divers, the waters of the Channel Islands are not to be missed! Jacques Cousteau himself called this park "the greatest cold-water diving in the world". Non-painting spouses are more than welcome to join at a reduced fee of just $900, and will find plenty to do. Fishing, spear-fishing, bird-watching, kayaking, whale watching and much more will ensure that every guest on the vessel is given the trip of a lifetime.

"Liquid Light" ~ Sea Lion Colony at Santa Barbara Island by David Gallup

Artists will learn not only how to improve on location works, but to work from experiences in places where easels can not go by using memory, photo reference, and visualization to bring underwater or other experiences to life when an easel and paints were not feasible. With a little practice and guidance, this can be a very rewarding method of creating art that inspires and excites the viewer. Steve and David are both highly sought-after instructors, and will be interchangeable team members who will work jointly and individually with each artist in reaching goals and realizing potential.

"Pilgrim of Dana Point" by Stephen E. Mirich

"Rushing Seas" by Stephen E. Mirich

David Gallup has spent five years painting the Channel Islands from land, sea and air for a forthcoming solo national museum exhibition. A book and documentary film are in the works to bring Gallup's island works to a national audience starting this fall. To see more of Gallup's island paintings, click Here .

To learn more about John Cosby, visit his website at www.cosbystudio.com.

Inside the pink cave... I can't wait to paint in here!
Photo courtesy of Captain Dan Ryder

I took this one in May of 2010 while surrounded by a super-pod of humpback whales (over thirty, I'm sure) who were breaching and tail-slapping in all directions. We spent four hours in their midst before heading off to kayak some more.

If you've never been, this gives you some idea of the color of the water out there... nothing like the brownish greens of the mainland in so. Cal.

David Gallup "working" from a kayak off Santa Cruz Island. Life is hard here... time for a margarita.

To reserve your space now, call David Gallup at (805) 657-5385 (cell), or (805) 241-4084 (studio) or send an email to David@DGallup.com.