February 28 to March 7, 2026, Donald Demers
“Painting in Plein Air and the Studio with
Master Artist Donald Demers”
Join us as we welcome
Master Artist Don Demers to the Casa
Feb. 28 to March 7, 2026
Painting with Donald Demers
Don Demers, Breaking in the Light, oil, 24×36
We are honored and excited to welcome master painter Donald Demers to the roster of esteemed artist facilitating workshops at the Casa. Don brings his many years of professional experience and expertise, incredible technical skill, excellent teaching and communication abilities, along with a great wit and sense of humor to this workshop.
For many years I have admired Don’s work from afar. I had the good fortune to twice be standing beside him when teaching at the Plein Air Convention and Expo, when founder, Eric Rhoads, asked all the invited teaching artists of the convention to take the stage for acknowledgement from the attendees. My greater fortune however, was to witness Don’s painting demonstration and talk on the main stage. With mastery, clarity, ease, (and the speed of years of experience), along with a good dose of humor, Don broke down his painting process into simple, understandable terms. His mastery of his medium and ease of communication conveyed a deep sense of his commitment and serious attitude he takes toward the artists journey, it’s challenges and his painting practice, yet, his humorous, humble manner, revealed an inner joy he has attained through the hard work of facing these tasks with patience, practice and persistence.
Donald Demers, Birds and Breakers, Parsons Landing, Catalina, oil
Donald Demers, —, oil
“I like the Albert Einstein quote that says ‘imagination is more important than knowledge.’ … Flawless technique without heart has no purpose. It’s only a technical exercise. I’m interested in the smell, mood, and atmosphere of a place — and using them to provoke a human reaction.”
— Don Demers
Don Demers, “Warren’s Beach”, oil, 12 x 16 Plein air
What to expect:
An incredible week of serious painting, study and fun in a charming fishing village and other exotic locations along the gorgeous Pacific coast of Mexico, with master painter – workshop leader, Donald Demers! If you are interested in building your painting skills, along with gaining a deeper understanding of how to develop an artists vision, then this workshop is for you. Don emphasizes all of the fundamentals of painting, including, concept, design, composition, color, value and brush techniques, he also embodies, exemplifies and encourages the development of an artists personal voice and point of view. Join Don as you tackle the plein air landscape. Don will show how to transform field sketches into successful studio paintings. In this workshop you will be encouraged to learn and grow through Don’s fun approach to instruction and painting.
Donald Demers, East Point Motif, oil
Don’s approachable and knowledgeable teaching styles create a welcoming environment, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention regardless of skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this workshop is designed to help you advance your craft, deepen your understanding of art, and cultivate your personal artistic expression.
Donald Demers, A Damp Day, watercolor, plein air
Donald Demers, Boat Building on Spanish Point, oil
More than just a workshop—The Casa environment creates a transformative experience. Add to this mix Don’s expert guidance and you should prepare to grow with not only a greater mastery of painting techniques but also a renewed sense of individuality and self-identity as an artist. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the most skilled painters in the field.
Donald Demers, Between Hauls and Weather, watercolor
Donald Demers, In France, oil
Additional activities available at the Casa:
When you’re not painting: during the siesta and Friday, your time is your own. Your hosts will offer you three wonderful activities during the week, (see below for more details). Or you can relax on the beautiful beach, stroll through the botanical gardens, photograph the charming village, take a siesta, visit the zoo, go hiking, walking, sea kayaking, zip lining, shopping in the Mercado, or exploring the galleries and cafés. You can enjoy peaceful alone time, or hang out with other guests. Information & Registration: (413) 335-4295
Your All-Inclusive Cost Includes this and more:
• For Participants: 5 Workshop days – after breakfast to lunch, approx. 3 hrs. in the studio,
then after lunch and siesta, 3 more hours of painting, and some evenings, (Sunday thru Friday). Friday is free time -spend it finishing some painting, explore, relax – and then a late afternoon/evening “critique” and “fiesta” celebrating participants work. The workshop ends with this extensive critique of the student/artist work, including paintings created during the workshop, and if possible, examples of previous work painted before the workshop to possibly share. You will receive specific recommendations based on that overview, so that you can continue sensibly on your own after the workshop. More than 30 hours of Workshop time, (schedule is flexible to accommodate excursions).
• For Everyone: 7 nights accommodation (single or double occupancy -No extra charge for a single!), 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners, at Oceanside restaurants/all drinks included, Painting and lunch at the award wining Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, (as well as painting at other locations to be decided), self guided Puerto Vallarta excursion for gallery walking tour, shopping & city life, Boat Trip to explore the gorgeous coastline with opportunity to see whales, dolphins, giant mantas, then on to a fabulous picnic at an exotic secluded beach, (bring your camera and sketch book!)
– See our What’s Included section of this website for full details.
Workshop fee does not include round trip airfare from your city to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, taxi from and to the airport, expenses for personal items and gratuities for the Casa cooks and house care persons. – See our What’s Included section of this website for full details.
This is a workshop that you definitely don’t want to miss and we expect it will fill quickly. If you’re ready to take your painting to the next level, spend a week relaxing in the tropics, learning and having fun with one of the great contemporary painting masters – sign up now!
SEMINAR IS LIMITED !
REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE!
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT EARLY
You can reserve your place with a $500. credit card deposit on PayPal, (no surcharge) or pay in full (surcharge applies), or send a check – Call us so we reserve your space!
