February 21 – 28, 2026, John MacDonald
“Drawing and Painting in Plein Air and the Studio
with Master Artist John MacDonald”
We are excited to welcome back Master Artist John MacDonald when he returns to the Casa
Feb. 21 – 28, 2026
Plein Air Painting with John MacDonald
John MacDonald, Coastal Haze, oil, 16″ x 20″
“John is very passionate about his painting. His teaching about value and composition suddenly awakens me as I had never learnt painting so structurally yet simply. A great teacher.
– Dr. C. Lam, Hong Kong
John MacDonald doing a painting demo in El Tuito in 2015
John MacDonald, The Wave, oil, 20″ x 36
Ever since John’s first workshop at the Casa in 2014, I have had the great pleasure and honor to get to know John, not only as a treasured colleague, a great painter with incredible mastery and humility who loves to share both his knowledge and his wisdom, but I have also come to place him as a dear friend. Living about an hour from each other’s homes in western MA, over the years we have become plein air “painting buddies”. I always look forward to the opportunity to get together at one of the inspirational locations near our homes to paint, talk about art, life, etc. and to hear about and witness the newest innovations in approach that John is testing out. Being the dedicated and accomplished artist that he is, John is never stagnant in his work, but always pushing himself to explore, grow and achieve greater heights. He knows the path is the goal, and relishes in the journey.
John MacDonald, Hoosic Dawn, oil, 9″ x 12″ plein air study
After Covid, and the year of our “Casa Virtual Fiesta” workshops in 2021, John pulled back quite a bit from his teaching schedule, focusing more on his painting. When I asked him to join us again for our 20th Anniversary in 2026, I was delighted that he agreed to come. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to study with this master painter at the Casa, February 21 – 28, 2026. Sign up soon as we expect this workshop to sell out.
What to expect:
Imagine the best art workshop vacation of your life: Painting in a charming fishing village and other exotic locals along the gorgeous Pacific coast of Mexico , with master artist – workshop leader John MacDonald! Immerse yourself in the joys of authentic Mexican village life at one of the most beautiful and arts oriented locales in Latin America, Casa de los Artistas, in the safe and serene village of Boca de Tomatlan, 10 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.
John MacDonald, View East towards the Mts. Oil on panel, plein air demo in Boca
John MacDonald – “Meadow Path“, oil
A glimpse at the workshop and the weeks itinerary:
Arrange to arrive Saturday the 21st of February from noon on, at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, and taxi to Boca by 3pm on, (we arrange taxis to share back to the airport the following Saturday, cost is about $10. to $35 depending on how many share a taxi, see our FAQ’s for details). You will be shown to your private room, with balcony and wonderful views, settle in, refresh yourself – breath in the unique environment of the Boca and then, at approximately 6:30 we will meet on the beach, across the river from the Casa, to have dinner at Ramones’ Hauchinango (“Red Snapper”) Restaurant, (this is a fishing village after all, though there are many other things on the menu as well, to accommodate all varieties of diets). We will have a short “orientation” as we dine on the beach with our feet in the sand and we become acquainted with one another, watching the sunset over the magnificent Bay of Banderas, waves lapping on the shore just a few yards away.
John MacDonald – “July Stream“, oil
Breakfasts (approx. 8:30 to 9 – 9:15am) and Lunch (1pm.) are prepared by our wonderful Mexican Chef Ruby and her assistant. These meals are served on the main floor of the Casa in the large dinning / living area and consists of a variety of healthful and delicious lacto-ovo vegetarian fare. Always available are, coffee, tea, fresh fruits and juices, cereals, granola, peanut butter, jelly, cheese and milk. These are complimented by such things as pancakes with maple syrup (we are from Massachusetts) fresh breads and cheeses as well as traditional Mexican dishes like chiliquilles or huevos rancheros. Please let us know if you have any specific dietary restrictions.
John MacDonald, demo at the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, oil on panel
John MacDonald – “Last Light“, oil
From approximately 9:30am till – 1pm we will work in the studio or plein air. Another gourmet meal is prepared and served by the Casa chef Ruby and her assistant at approx. 1pm and after lunch is siesta till approximately 3 -3:30pm. This is your time, – work in the studio if you like or engage yourself in one of the myriad of additional activities available to you at the Casa, (see below). In the afternoon sessions, John will give individual, in depth help to each artist at their easel.
John MacDonald – “Snowshoeing“, oil
This workshop will be an intensively rewarding and meaningful experience of study and painting with Master Artist John MacDonald. The workshop is geared toward all levels of student/artist of the landscape, who work in oils. For your convenience, the Casa studio is open 24 hours. You are urged to come in early, before breakfast if you like. The morning demonstrations by John will begin right after breakfast, (approximately 9:30).
John MacDonald – “Quiet Waters“, oil
This class will take participants through the entire process of creating strong landscape paintings: from building effective compositions to working tonality, color and finishing with sensitively chosen details.
John MacDonald – “Spring Birch“, oil
Following a traditional 19th century painting process focusing on the landscape, participants will hone their observational skills while coming to a clearer understanding of how a successful landscape painting is structured. An emphasis will be placed on proper seeing–looking closely at the existing color and tonal relationships–and then onto understanding and manipulating what is seen.
John MacDonald – “Summer Heat“, oil
John MacDonald, demo observing and painting palm frond, oil on panel
We will be working with the basic elements of painting, seeing them anew and in ways that can improve the craft of your painting. Through daily demonstrations and individual critiques and instruction, participants will be encourage to assimilate what is learned in class with their existing techniques and artistic vision.
John MacDonJohn MacDonald – “The Cascade“, oil
Besides working with painting techiniques, we’ll also look at much broader issues of painting and art–how to deal with our mistakes and so-called failures, how to identify and manage our fears and lack of confidence, and how we can structure our lives as artists that can lead us to being more productive, creative, and joyful.
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!
“Outstanding!! Very good work environment with some fun too! One of the best workshops I’ve gone to. John is super knowledgable and SUPER generous. The Casa experience is a great way to improve your painting skills and also have a fun holiday and meet interesting people.”
M. Lawther, Vancouver, B.C.
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.
