Fiber College of Maine Touchstone Workshop: September 9-13, 2026
WHIMSICAL LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Paint with rich colors, textures and energy. Kristine Biegel will inspire and teach you to invigorate your landscape compositions.
This workshop explores landscape painting through a playful, process-driven approach using acrylic paints and specially prepared canvases. Beginning with experimentation and exploration, artists will have time to play with additional mediums while learning how color, composition, shape, and layering come together to create rich, engaging artwork.
Participants will develop a flexible painting process that works for both beginners and more experienced artists. Multiple canvas sizes will be available, encouraging personal choice, creative freedom, and unique design decisions.
Class and Retreat Fee: $1090.00
What to bring:
Kristine has created a google document with a materials list. If you have any questions, she invites you to e-mail her directly: kbiegelart@gmail.com after you've read through the list. A $25 materials fee will be collected for the general instruction portion of the workshop.
Kristine Biegel, a teaching artist known nationally for her whimsical style, this workshop focuses on creating landscapes filled with joy, vibrancy, and imagination. No prior landscape experience is required-just a willingness to explore experiment, and have fun with the process. Artists of all levels are welcome to join this creative journey and leave with finished paintings that reflect their own sense of whimsy, joy, and personal expression.
Touchstone Retreat Schedule
Over five days, you’ll move between studios, shoreline, and gardens. We give you permission to follow your curiosity and learn from each other. While you stroll, we invite you to reach down and pick a touchstone for your pocket.
WEDNESDAY
Settle into this magical world
Our cobbled beaches are a delight for your senses. Rocks ground us with their solidity and remind us to pay attention to textures, curves and temperature while we feel their weight in our hands. We invite you to start your retreat by walking down to the beach, breathing the salty air and searching for the stone that speaks to you.
3:00-4:30 Free Bonus class with Kathleen Farnsworth: Maki-Agi shibori stitched bandana. Stitch and dye with natural indigo.
4-5 Register, pick up our tote bag presents to you, share a cider, catch up with friends old and new. A food truck will be available for those looking for an on-site meal.
5:30-7:30 Join us for cocktails/mocktails and snacks. We'll visit each studio for show & tell by our teachers followed by a campfire in the garden. Retreat Attendees and friends are welcome.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY and SATURDAY
Dive deep into your passion
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Garden Lunch (veg & GF friendly)
12-2 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
2-5 Class
5-7 Chair Massages with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage).
Thursday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly) Followed by a guided music jam and informal performance in the garden with hot chocolate (bring an instrument and a favorite addition to your hot cocoa if you'd like)
Friday: Dinner on your own OR
Chef Chris Toy will be leading a bonus workshop for a traditional Chinese Hotpot meal in the garden kitchen. Follow this link for details.
The studios will remain accessible and we'll have a campfire in the garden for your pleasure.
Saturday: 5:30 Drinks and Dinner (veg & GF friendly)
6:30ish-8:00ish Open Studios...see what everyone's been creating. This will be an opportunity to buy teachers' work and supplies. If the weather is cooperative, we'll light a bonfire on the beach.
SUNDAY
Re-emerge Gently
8-9 Breakfast (veg & GF friendly)
9-12 Class
12-2 Chair with Danielle Dickey-Heifets, LMT. Sign-up for your time slot and pay Danielle directly. ($25/15 minute chair massage)
12:30 - 3 Lunch, last chance to shop, pictures and goodbyes (veg & GF friendly)
For those who would like to extend their retreat, we'd be happy to provide a personalized itinerary of our beautiful mid-coast region