Many thanks for visiting my web site. We are often on assignment or on a painting trip but will try to reply to your messages as soon as possible!
Studio visits also may be arranged in Vancouver and Richmond Hill - Ontario, Canada through out the year. I look forward to hear from you.
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A listing of upcoming watercolour(watercolor) workshops, events, presentations, expeditions and exhibitions by Canadian watercolour landscape artist, David McEown
South Georgia and the Falkland Islands
South Georgia Heritage Trust/ Friends of South Georgia Charter
More information
Please contact David
ROSS SEA ODYSSEY - EAST ANTARCTICA
DEC. 13th 2026 to JAN. 8th 2027
Join me and renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini on this extraordinary journey to one of the most remote and wildlife-rich regions on Earth! This voyage in collaboration with Aurora Expeditions on the ship Greg Mortimer takes us to the subantarctic Macquarie Island on the way to the Ross Sea, and on the way back through the subantarctic jewels of Campbell Island, and the Enderby Islands — each bursting with life and incredible biodiversity. The vast penguin colonies, rare seabirds, seals and dramatic landscapes, will provide plenty of inspiration for Painting , Sketching, Photography !
For more information and bookings
please contact David
EPIC ANTARCTICA - SEMI CIRCUMNAVIGATION
JAN. 7th- Feb 8th 2027
Join me on an epic expedition to semi-circumnavigate Antarctica in collaboration with Aurora Expeditions on the ship Greg Mortimer. Starting from Dunedin in New Zealand and ending in Ushuaia Argentina, we’ll explore the remote and incredibly biodiverse Enderby and Campbell Islands, followed by the Australian subantarctic gem, Macquarie Island — all teeming with penguins, albatrosses, seals, and rare seabirds.
From there, we push south into the legendary Ross Sea, one of the most pristine and awe-inspiring regions on the planet. Here we’ll explore places rich in polar history, including the iconic historic huts of the early Antarctic explorers, stand before the immense Ross Ice Shelf, and navigate among colossal tabular icebergs — floating cathedrals of ice that seem to go on forever.
We then continue into the dramatic ice-scapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, where towering glaciers, vast penguin colonies, whales, and endless polar light define the final chapter of this extraordinary journey.
This truly is a trip of a lifetime — a full immersion in the Seventh Continent, from subantarctic green to Antarctic white, and from wild coastlines to the very heart of the ice.
We will have have time for a full Painting , Sketching and Photography program !
For more information and bookings
please contact David
Zebra Reflections , 22 x 30 inches watercolour
Photography and sketching in Africa with Daisy Gilardini and David McEown
Wed, Apr 21, 2027 9:00 AM Sat, May 1, 2027 10:00 AM
SMALL GROUP OF ONLY 6 GUESTS (fully booked)
For more information, full brochure, reservations or be added to the wait list, please contact David
photo Leader Daisy Gilardini and Artist David McEown
Photography and sketching in Africa with Daisy Gilardini and David McEown
For detailed brochures and bookings
please CONTACT DAVID
May 08, 2027 , 12:30 PM
May 17, 2027 , 9:30 AM
small group of only 10 guests on Yacht! (only one spot available )
Photograph, sketch and paint the arctic wonders of Svalbard.
Renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.
David McEown , artist in Residence
For information please request a Brochure
KHUTZEYMATEEN GRIZZLY BEAR SANCTUARY
BRITISH COLUMBIA - CANADA
Wednesday, May 26, 202710:30 PM
Wednesday, June 2, 202711:30 PM
(Fully Booked, waitlist)- SMALL GROUP OF ONLY 7 GUESTS
Recent video from from David’s Blog! Khutzeymateen
Photo leader Daisy Gilardini
Artist in residence David McEown
For full brochure and registration form
please contact David
Photos by Daisy Gilardini
Watercolour and the Art of Seeing with David McEown
Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C., Canada
June 9–13, 2027 (All Levels)
This session is designed for the Beginner in watercolour or those artists wishing to refresh technique , colour mixing and drawing / perception skills.
June 14–18, 2027 (Intermediate to Advanced)
This session is designed for Intermediate to advanced artists wishing to enhance there perception, technique, composition skills and their own unique voice while painting on location outdoors and studio exercises.
Combined Retreat Option,
For those who would like additional time to paint, practice, and absorb the lessons, the two sessions may be taken together as an extended retreat. Participants enrolling in both sessions will also have access to extra painting and mentoring time on the afternoon of June 13 and the morning of June 14, creating a continuous immersive experience between the two workshops.
About the Workshop
Inspired by the ocean shorelines, ancient forests, and mountain landscapes of Canada’s west coast, we will explore the magical spontaneity of flowing watercolour while learning essential techniques for painting directly from nature.
Throughout the retreat, participants will:
Develop confidence with watercolour washes and learn to really see colour and employ a unique way of mixing colour with a simple but effective palette.
Practice perception exercises designed to enhance our way of seeing and drawing as well strengthen our connection to the natural world.
Learn approaches to painting landscapes, forests, water, and atmospheric effects.
Discover how watercolour can become a lightweight, travel-friendly companion for creative exploration whether it is travel journaling or creating large studio paintings.
Hollyhock Retreat Experience
Accommodation and healthy gourmet meals are available through Hollyhock, along with access to many of the retreat centre’s additional offerings, including:
Yoga, Meditation, Bodywork and wellness treatments, Sea kayaking, Guided nature tours
Registration Information
Please sign up for David’s newsletter to be notified when registration opens.
Photos from recent 2026 retreat.
Friday, August 13, 20279:00 AM
Monday, August 23, 202710:00 AM
2 spots available due to cancellation
Photo leader Daisy Gilardini
Artist in residence David McEown
For full brochure and registration form
please contact David
Photos by Daisy Gilardini
Embark on an unforgettable photo/art expedition to Scoresby Sound, nestled along the east coast of Greenland, aboard the charming three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn. This pristine wilderness, home to Earth's most extensive fjord system, presents an unparalleled fusion of untouched nature, dramatic landscapes, and ethereal Arctic light, making it a dream destination for photography enthusiasts and landscape painting artists.
Autumn August 31 to September 10, 2027
,
CHARTER OF THREE-MAST SCHOONER - 17 guests
Please contact David directly for more information and/or bookings.
Contact us for Brochure
Watercolour by David McEown
We will spend a full 11 days/10 nights aboard our privately chartered yacht sailing the
Galápagos Islands. That allows us to visit all the significant islands and gives us
the best chance for wildlife viewing.
We typically go ashore twice a day to observe and record the unique wildlife —
the same plant species and animals Charles Darwin encountered when
formulating his theories of evolution and natural selection in 1835.
Our days are full and involve both early-morning and late-afternoon excursions,
to catch animal activity at its peak and take advantage of the best light for
photography and sketching and painting in watercolour. Snorkeling sessions are available most days.
Evenings are set aside for natural history presentations, photo workshops, art demo and lessons plus
image reviews from the Tour Leaders. Viewing of the night sky at this time is
incredible, as there is no interference from ambient, artificial light from human
settlements. We search the night sky for the Southern Cross and other
constellations not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
please contact David for and brochure
Embark on an unforgettable photo/art expedition to Scoresby Sound, nestled along the east coast of Greenland, aboard the charming three-mast schooner S/V Rembrandt van Rijn. This pristine wilderness, home to Earth's most extensive fjord system, presents an unparalleled fusion of untouched nature, dramatic landscapes, and ethereal Arctic light, making it a dream destination for photography enthusiasts and landscape painting artists.
Autumn August 30 to September 11, 2026
( 1 spot available)
,
CHARTER OF THREE-MAST SCHOONER - 17 guests
Please contact David directly for more information and/or bookings.
Contact us for Brochure
Watercolour by David McEown
Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C, Canada
Watercolour workshop and retreat, with David McEown
Inspired by the ocean shoreline, ancient forests and mountains of Canada's west coast we will explore watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and learn essential techniques as we paint directly from nature. We also will practice perception exercises to enhance our, way of “seeing” and connectedness to the earth with this travel friendly medium. Accommodation, and healthy gourmet meals also available, plus access to many of the other activities offered at Hollyhock; yoga, meditation, bodywork, sea kayaking and nature tours.
Video from Hollyhock in May 2025.
We will spend a full 11 days/10 nights aboard our privately chartered yacht sailing the
Galápagos Islands. That allows us to visit all the significant islands and gives us
the best chance for wildlife viewing.
We typically go ashore twice a day to observe and record the unique wildlife —
the same plant species and animals Charles Darwin encountered when
formulating his theories of evolution and natural selection in 1835.
Our days are full and involve both early-morning and late-afternoon excursions,
to catch animal activity at its peak and take advantage of the best light for
photography and sketching and painting in watercolour. Snorkeling sessions are available most days.
Evenings are set aside for natural history presentations, photo workshops, art demo and lessons plus
image reviews from the Tour Leaders. Viewing of the night sky at this time is
incredible, as there is no interference from ambient, artificial light from human
settlements. We search the night sky for the Southern Cross and other
constellations not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.
SOLD OUT, please contact David for waitlist information and brochure
SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO- NORWAY
small group of only 10 guests on Yacht!
Photograph, sketch and paint the arctic wonders of Svalbard.
Renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.
David McEown , artist in Residence
FULLY BOOKED! please ask to be on waitlist
For information please request a Brochure
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
This adult masterclass introduces essential watercolour techniques and colour-perception exercises designed to strengthen your ability to paint directly from nature.
Guided by sketch and photo references, participants will explore how to translate landscape studies into expressive studio paintings, learning when to observe, interpret, and thoughtfully move beyond source material.
Embracing the spontaneity and fluidity of watercolour, this workshop highlights the medium’s versatility and portability—ideal for both studio practice and travel.
The focus of the session will be capturing the transparent, light-filled beauty of Ontario’s spring wildflowers.
This masterclass welcomes participants at an intermediate to advanced level. It is also open to individuals new to watercolour but with prior experience in other painting mediums.
April 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Pine Cottage
10365 Islington Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
The Royal Collection Trust Project:
Canadian Society Painters in Water Colours
On view in the Helson Gallery
February 4 to March 1, 2026
This exhibition showcases the final 25 contemporary Canadian watercolours that will complete the Royal Collection Trust Project, an initiative to create a body of 100 works within His Majesty King Charles III’s Royal Collection. Don’t miss this last opportunity to view them before their journey to England.
20 DEC 2025 - 11 JAN 2026 - 23 DAYS
Photographer Daisy Gilardini and watercolour artist David McEown will be special guests with AURORA EXPEDITIONS on board the SYLVIA EARLE leading a photo/art program
Please contact David directly to be part of this group and
“Autumn Shoreline”, 15 x 22 inches watercolour by David McEown
Sally Jarvis Sloan 3rd Prize Award
On display now
December 3, 2025 – February 1, 2026
9 Church St., Georgetown, Ontario
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
This adult masterclass welcomes participants at an intermediate to advanced level. It is also open to individuals new to watercolour but with prior experience in other painting mediums.
Workshop Highlights:
Techniques Covered: Dive into essential watercolour techniques and colour perception exercises designed to enhance your ability to paint directly from nature.
Creative Interpretation: Learn how to interpret and transcend sketches and photo references of wildlife and landscapes, transforming them into expressive studio paintings. Discover the spontaneity and fluidity of watercolour and use as a travel-friendly medium.
Theme and provided reference material: Exploring the captivating beauty of transparent Antarctic icebergs and the vibrant charm of colourful penguins.
November 22, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
November, 23 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
Pine Cottage
10365 Islington Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Registration Details:
Secure your spot in this immersive workshop designed to inspire and elevate your watercolour artistry.
All available seats have been sold.
If you would like, you can add name(s) to the wait list for this item, Click here
CSPWC/SCPA Royal Collection Trust 25 Project Opening Celebration
Sunday, November 9, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 PM
The Arts and Letters Club,
14 Elm St, Toronto, ON
After the opening ceremonies and certificates, David McEown will be in attendance to give a painting demonstration.
Hope to see you at this historic event and venue!
Join David at his Richmond Hill Ontario Studio for an exhibition of selected works featuring David’s watercolour originals inspired by nature, including Plein-air paintings, studio watercolours and a selection of giclée prints.
Open by Appointment Only , November 5-21, 2025
To book Calendar appointment contact David
414 Becker Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Street parking and tea will be be available!
A wide selection of artwork on display can be found on David's Store Page.
In 2025 RCGS travel ambassadors, artist David McEown and photographer Daisy Gilardini will share their expertise and knowledge during this exceptional travel experience. Contact David for more information regarding bookings.
A Klahoose Indigenous Cultural Experience, British Columbia
Canadian Geographic Adventure - Grizzly Bears, Photography, Sketching, and Watercolor Painting (October 12-16, 2025), Immerse yourself in the rich culture and wildlife of the Klahoose Indigenous community.
SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO- NORWAY
small group of only 10 guests on Yacht!
Photograph, sketch and paint the arctic wonders of Svalbard.
Renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.
David McEown , artist in Residence
For information please request a Brochure
Fully BOOKED with waitlist
Renowned for its thriving leopards, wild dogs and bird populations, the South Luangwa National Park is a true hidden gem of Africa.
small group of only 10 guests ( now full with wait list)
photo Leader Daisy Gilardini and Artist David McEown
Photography and sketching in Africa with Daisy Gilardini and David McEown
For detailed brochures and bookings
please CONTACT DAVID
KHUTZEYMATEEN GRIZZLY BEAR SANCTUARY
BRITISH COLUMBIA - CANADA
2 trips
- May 29 - June 4
- June 4- 10, 2025
SOLD OUT!
Recent video from from David’s Blog! Khutzeymateen
Photo leader Daisy Gilardini
Artist in residence David McEown
For full brochure and registration form
please contact David
Photos by Daisy Gilardini
Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C, Canada
Watercolour workshop and retreat, with David McEown
May, 2025. Inspired by the ocean shoreline, ancient forests and mountains of Canada's west coast we will explore watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and learn essential techniques as we paint directly from nature. We also will practice perception exercises to enhance our, way of “seeing” and connectedness to the earth with this travel friendly medium. Accommodation, and healthy gourmet meals also available, plus access to many of the other activities offered at Hollyhock; yoga, meditation, bodywork, sea kayaking and nature tours.
Registration now open! (PROGRAM NOW FULLY BOOKED, PLEASE JOIN WAITLIST)
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Adult Masterclass (Intermediate to advanced level, also also open to those that are new to watercolour but have some experience in painting with other mediums )
Introduction to essential watercolour techniques and colour perception exercises that will prepare participants the ability to paint directly from nature or create from the imagination. Also we will learn to interpret and transcend sketches and photo reference into studio a painting with this spontaneous and flowing travel friendly medium.
A course outline and reference material will be provided a week before classes start. (participants may work from there own photos that relate to the theme)
10:00 pm - 4:00 pm, March 30, 2025
10:00 pm - 4:00 pm, April 6th, 2025
Pine Cottage
10365 Islington Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Click here for Registration . (CLASS NOW FULL , Waitlist Available )
What Grows Here, 26 x 46 inches , watercolour
I am delighted to announce that one of my favourite springtime paintings, titled “What Grows Here,” has been accepted into the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour’s 100th Anniversary Exhibition. The exhibition will be held at the esteemed Roberts Gallery in Toronto from May 15th to 29th, 2025. Opening reception March 15th 1- 4 pm , I hope to see you there!
“What Grows Here” was inspired by the ravines of Ontario, where I spent my childhood. These vibrant wildflower light catchers emerge briefly in the spring, capturing the sun’s energy before the forest canopy unfolds. The painting depicts various species, including the “mourning cloak” butterfly, white and red trilliums, yellow trout lilies, bloodroot, wild ginger, hepatica, and a hint of mayapple in the background, complemented by sugar maple buds. All elements are set within a Carolinian forest, which encompasses remnants of glacial moraine left behind by the last ice age. Regrettably, due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and city sprawl, these forest pockets are becoming increasingly rare.
During this three session course, David will provide step by step demonstrations that will explore , essential watercolour , composition, working from a value sketch and transcending photo reference into an original intricate studio painting inspired by the landscape.
3 Saturday sessions,
David will record and edit each session in which participant will get a link to replay the lessons.
Jan. 11 th, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (ET)
Jan. 18th, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (ET)
Jan. 25th, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (ET)
Registration (NOW FULL with WAIT LIST)
SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND
DECEMBER 3-19- 2024
photo Leader Daisy Gilardini
Artist in Residence David McEown
The Snares / Macquarie Island / Bounty Islands / Chatham Islands /Antipodes Islands / Auckland Islands / Campbell Island
This expedition has huge appeal to pelagic enthusiasts, penguin fanatics and those interested in island endemics.
For those aspiring to capture every penguin species, this expedition brings you remarkably close to your goal. You'll have the opportunity to photograph endemic penguin species such as the Yellow-eyed, Snares Crested, Royal, Erect-crested, as well as non-endemic species like Gentoo, Rockhopper, and King penguins.
In addition to the diverse penguin species, there will be ample opportunities to photograph various species of Albatross, including Southern and Northern Royal, Light-mantled Sooty, Buller’s, Salvin’s, Wandering, and Chatham Island Albatross.
contact us if you’d like to receive the detailed itineary and/or proceed with the booking.
4 Day Studio Watercolour Workshop on the sunshine coast, Gibsons , BC.
July 8 -11, 2024
Explore watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and essential techniques. Enhance your perception, way of “seeing”, and connectedness to the earth with this travel-friendly medium. Through guided perception exercises and step by step demonstrations, participants will learn to paint transparent watercolours inspired by nature. Light filled west coast forests and sunrise intertidal beach scenes will be our main subjects to during this 4 day studio session.
(Intermediate to advanced and even suitable to artists new to watercolour but with some art background)
Registration now open! (CLASS NOW FULL WITH WAIT LIST)
Shoreline Embrace, 22 x 30 inches watercolour
Join RCGS Ambassadors
Wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and artist David McEown
aboard the MV Cascadia with Maple Leaf Adventures for this special Canadian Geographic trip.
June 7-15, 2024
Haida Gwaii, formally known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago of islands on the continental shelf off Canada's west coast. Join us for an 8-day adventure by land and sea. You'll explore the famed, rich marine life and rainforests, as well as the Haida culture. Includes the whole archipelago, from north to south, ancient to modern, including Gwaii Haanas and UNESCO World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints).
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Adult Masterclass (Intermediate to advanced level, also also open to those that are new to watercolour but have some experience in painting with other mediums )
Introduction to essential watercolour techniques and colour perception exercises that will prepare participants the ability to paint directly from nature or create from the imagination. Also we will learn to interpret and transcend sketches and photo reference into studio a painting with this spontaneous and flowing travel friendly medium.
Our theme on this 2 day workshops will be inspired by the shorelines of Lake Superior. A course outline and reference material will be provided a week before classes start. (participants may work from there own photos that relate to the theme)
10:00 pm - 4:00 pm, April 07, 2024
10:00 pm - 4:00 pm, April 014 2024
Pine Cottage
10365 Islington Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
REGISTRATION is now open! (CLASS NOW FULL WITH WAIT LIST)
OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITION
Join us at the Ontario studio for an exhibition featuring David’s watercolour originals inspired by nature, including Plein-air paintings, studio painting and a selection of giclée prints.
Saturday, November 18th, from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, November 19th, from 10 am to 6 pm
414 Becker Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Street parking and refreshments will be available!
A wide selection of artwork on display can be found on David's Store Page.
McMichael Canadian Art Collection Presentation with David McEown
During this live video slideshow presentation David narrates his adventures circumnavigating the polar regions and exploring the wilderness of Canada’s West Coast. This will be followed by a short break after which the he will present a 1-hour live watercolour demonstration and a Question-and-Answer period.
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, April 22, 2023 (Celebrating Earth Day!)
Founders Lounge
10365 Islington Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
(Event is now Sold Out !) Register
