Art in Nature - The Laughing Forest

Allow the artist in you to come to life in the arms of Mother Nature. Whether you have always longed to awaken your creative side, or you are an advanced artist looking to expand your horizons, the Art in Nature classes are perfect for you.

You will be guided throughout the process with hands-on instruction, one-on-one attention by lifetime professional artist, Danny Hince, who shared his passion with students at Cambrian College as a part-time professor from 2010-2020 in the Visual Arts program, teaching Fundamentals of Art and Life Drawing. He also has a gift of being able to guide his students to find the Zen side of life – through his thoughtful teaching approaches and by beginning his classes with a meditation. These classes are for every level of experience. All students will feel comfortable. Danny is also bilingual, and can offer instruction and guidance in French.

Whether you are painting or drawing, there is nothing quite like the experience of creating art in nature, where all of your senses come to life. From scenic views of the waterfront to the intrigue of gnarled trees surrounded by lush carpets of moss, there is so much beauty that can be brought to life on canvas at The Laughing Forest.

One hundred years ago the famous artists, The Group of Seven, first came the Algoma area to capture the region’s spectacular landscape on canvas. Now you can too.

Classes will be offered in watercolour painting, acrylic painting, drawing and mixed media. Check the calendar of events for more classes.

Watercolour and acrylic painting classes

Materials/supplied included: watercolour sketch pad, watercolour paints, paint brushes, small plastic cup for rinsing, small rag or acrylic painting supplies.

Level: beginners, intermediate, advanced, ages 16+

Course snapshot:

Classes will be held outdoors in our private 70-acre forest

As we walk through the woods, students will be guided in choosing the best scene to paint

You will learn:

– how to begin layout of your new artwork

– techniques on how to use your paint brushes to create different effects

– how to properly mix paints

All students will head home with their new paintings.

This is a 3-hour workshop. Classes are held on a regular basis throughout the year.

Price: $115

Discount package price: Purchase a package of 4 art workshops for only $300. You can choose watercolour, acrylics, or drawing classes, or a combination of classes.

Bring good footwear for walking the forest, and a packsack for your take-home supplies.

Bring a sitting mat. If you require a chair, please bring a light chair that will be easy to carry.

We are able to accommodate accessibility concerns. Please inquire.

Instructor Danny Hince is also bilingual, and can offer instruction and guidance in French.

See the Calendar of Events for upcoming workshop dates, or email friends@thelaughingforest.ca or call 705-662-1469.

Drawing in Nature

This drawing course is offered to all skill levels from beginners to advanced artists. Students must be 16 and up.

Instructor: Danny J Hince

Basic supplies included: pencils, sketch pad, pencil sharpener

Students may choose to draw landscapes or wildlife – they may even be blessed by a visit from the great horned owl who dwells in the forest or a majestic golden eagle.

What you will learn in this drawing course:

– how to properly hold your pencil

– how to draw what we see, how to create hand and eye coordination

– how to choose the best layout for the best result

– proper line weights, learn to draw using very light lines to map out your sketch

– learn how to draw textures and shading, and various drawing techniques

– how to use values such as light and dark tones to give your drawing depth

– how to create fine details to help enhance your drawings