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

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)

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.

Gibsons School of the Arts

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)

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).

information and booking!

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.