Plein Air Retreat in Oregon Wine Country
October 23-26, 2025
Nestled in the foothills of Oregon's Willamette Valley, Amanda’s studio overlooks vineyards and valleys from all views. Join her 4 day plein air workshop to capture the “peak week” of harvest colors in her own back yard. Different from the typical 9-5 plein air workshops, when Amanda goes outside, she gets serious about the light. That means not painting at noon. "The best light is at the edges of our day when the light is most dramatic and the shadows are long”. With two sessions each day, a morning session and an evening session, Amanda will demo how to capture the light, color and glory of some of Oregon's best pinot noir views.
There will be lots of individual time and one on one coaching time. During your down time you can go wine tasting, nap by her pool, paint more or visit with other students. One meal hosted with farm to table local food (optional). A mini retreat for those wanting some time in wine country, enjoying the last warmth of the season, absorbing the most colorful time of the year. Heavenly.
Lodging Options
Now offering lodging in my home! Tucked away in rural Cornelius, Oregon, this charming estate boasts 30 acres of sweeping vineyard views, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Once an old hunting lodge, the property has been lovingly transformed into a stunning home, seamlessly blending historic allure with contemporary elegance. Please note that prices below include all 3 nights of our retreat.
More Lodging Options
Listed below are a number of housing options for my plein air retreat in October. Here are hotels that are nearby, as well as a number of home rentals that are available in the vicinity.
McMenamins Grand Lodge – Forest Grove – 10 miles - $120/night
3505 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116 • (503) 992-9533
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites- Forest Grove – 9.7 miles - $90/night
3306 Pacific Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116 • (503) 357-9000
Larkspur Landing – Hillsboro – 11 miles - $120/night
3133 NE Shute Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124 • (503) 681-2121
The Hillsboro Cottage – Hillsboro – approx 7 miles - $132/night
Louis Guest House – Hillsboro – approx 7 miles - $175/night
Noble Woods Cottage – Hillsboro – approx 7 miles - $123/night
Single Level Residential Home – Hillsboro – approx 7 miles - $140/night
Peaceful space under majestic maples – Forest Grove – approx 11 miles - $115/night
Cool Loft in the center of Orenco Station – Hillsboro – approx 7 miles - $90/night
The Gathering Place – Hillsboro – approx 7 miles - $164/night
Costs & Inclusions
The cost of this 4-day retreat is $750.00.
See below for payment information and our cancelation policy.
What’s included?
Meet-and-greet evening before (appetizers and beverages included).
Morning meditation, movement and melt instruction.
Two composition and design lectures.
Daily plein air painting at local vineyards and wineries.
Open studio painting every day/evening.
Coffee, tea, water and morning snacks.
Wine tasting and snacks at two vineyards.
Use of grounds, pool area, and trails around the neighboring pond for relaxation, contemplation, and downtime.
Optional onsite add-ons: (recommended)
Daily onsite lunch (salads, soups, sandwiches, beverages) - $15/meal
Limited on-site lodging (3 rooms available in total), 2 hookup areas for RVs
Saturday evening catered private farm to table special dinner with a local chef ($55/pp)
Massage and private Melt instruction (upon request)
Not included
Lodging
Transport/transfers to Amanda’s ranch
BYOB
Cancellation policy
Cancellations or credits toward future classes are accepted, minus the banking transaction fee, according to the following rates:
100% refund 6 months prior to class date.
50% refund 3 months prior to class date.
0% refund 60 days prior to class start.
If you have any questions at all, please contact via email.
How to pack for painting in plein air.
In this video, I’ll share my tips for packing for painting in plein air. All of these items can be found on the supplies list for this class.