Watercolor artist Eric Wiegardt stands smiling on a sandy path, dressed in a dark jacket, blue jeans, and a wide-brimmed hat, beneath a rustic wooden archway. To his left, the 'Asilomar Conference Grounds' sign, a large grey sign with silver lettering and the California State Parks logo, stands prominently amidst coastal dunes and green foliage. The sky above is clear and blue, indicating a bright, sunny day at Asilomar.

Plein Air in Monterey, CA
June 1 – 7, 2026

Deposit:

Price range: $500.00 through $1,000.00

Join us June 2026 at the stunning Asilomar Conference Grounds in Monterey, CA, for an immersive plein air watercolor workshop. You’ll paint breathtaking coastal landscapes, from dramatic cypress trees to serene Pacific views. Your comfortable on-site lodging includes seamless access to all activities, direct beach access, scenic boardwalks, and a heated swimming pool, providing the perfect base to focus on your creative journey. Come experience the magnificent beauty of California’s coast with your brush!

Scroll down for more details or download the brochure pdf here
NOTE: The resort doesn’t have elevators, so please consider this when making your room choice!

Please click here to view our Cancellation Policy.

Deposit: $500 per person

June 1 -7, 2026

Scroll below or click here for additional information

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Description

A winding wooden boardwalk stretches into the distance over sandy dunes covered with sparse, low-lying coastal vegetation. To the left, the rough ocean waves crash under a dramatic, overcast sky with hints of a distant sunset or sunrise glow. The scene conveys the rugged beauty of a coastal landscape at dusk or dawn.

ASILOMAR BEACH
MONTEREY, CA
Watercolor Plein Air Workshop
June 1 – 7, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at the stunning Asilomar Conference Grounds in Monterey, California, from June 1st to June 7th, 2026.

Nestled on the picturesque Monterey Peninsula, Asilomar offers an unparalleled setting for plein air artists. Its breathtaking landscape provides an extraordinary palette—from dramatic cypress trees and the serene Pacific coastline to tranquil reflections in its historic surroundings. This unique destination promises an inspiring artistic journey, capturing the diverse essence of California’s magnificent coastal splendor.

What’s included?
* 6 Nights of lodging, including breakfast
* Welcome Dinner/Reception
* Three Additional Group Dinners
* Painting Field Trips
* Staff Assistance throughout workshop
* 4 days of Plein Air Workshop instruction by Eric Wiegardt
* Free time to explore!

 

The rustic and elegant architecture of a large conference building at the Asilomar Conference Grounds under a clear blue sky. The building features a dark shingled roof, stone walls, and numerous windows, blending into the surrounding landscape. In the foreground, a paved pathway curves, flanked by natural, somewhat dry coastal grasses and low green shrubs. Several wooden outdoor chairs and lampposts are visible, suggesting a welcoming and open environment. A large, prominent sign for 'Asilomar Conference Grounds' with 'California State Parks' logo at the top. The sign is grey with raised silver letters, set between two dark grey pillars. Below the main sign, a directional arrow points left towards 'Phoebe's Café.' The sign is surrounded by sandy ground and lush green coastal vegetation under a bright blue sky, welcoming visitors to the historic site.

 

LODGING AT ASILOMAR CONFERENCE GROUNDS

Your on-site lodging at the Asilomar Conference Grounds ensures full immersion in the workshop experience. Enjoy a comfortable retreat with seamless access to all activities, direct beach access, scenic boardwalks, and a heated swimming pool. It’s the perfect base to focus on your creative journey.

When making travel arrangements, you will want to arrive on June 1st there will be a group dinner at 6pm and the workshop instruction begins on June 2nd. The last day of instruction will be on June 6th, so make your arrangements to depart Monterey on June 7th.

A cozy hotel room featuring a king-size bed with a wooden headboard, white linens, and a colorful patterned bed runner. The room has light-colored walls and a reddish-orange carpet. To the left of the bed, a nightstand with a decorative lamp is visible. On the right, a large window with wooden trim offers a view of green trees and glimpses of the Asilomar Conference Grounds architecture. Two armchairs and a small table are arranged by the window, under another lamp. The room appears warm and inviting. A clear, rectangular outdoor swimming pool with bright blue water and a dark blue lane line visible across its width. The pool is surrounded by a light-colored concrete deck. On the right, several green lounge chairs are arranged, and on the left, a metal handrail leads into the water. In the background, a rustic wooden building and lush green trees are visible under a bright, sunny sky.

Available Room Packages: Prices are Per Person

 

Painter Single Room Options:

Garden View ADA King Bed $3,850
Ocean View (2) Double Beds $4,150
Garden View Fireplace (2) Double Beds $4,000
Garden View Historic (Smaller) (2) Double Beds $3,850
Painter Shared Room Options:

Ocean View King Bed $3,090
Garden View ADA King Bed $2,950
Ocean View (2) Double Beds $3,050
Garden View Fireplace (2) Double Beds $3,030
Garden View Historic (Smaller) (2) Double Beds $2,950
Companion Non-Painter Room Options:

Ocean View King Bed $2,450
Garden View ADA King Bed $2,280
Ocean View (2) Double Beds $2,450
Garden View Fireplace (2) Double Beds $2,370
Garden View Historic (Smaller) (2) Double Beds $2,280

*PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

 

FAQs About The Workshop

What´s the closest airport?

Monterey Regional Airport.

How do we get to the hotel upon arrival?

You can take a Taxi or Uber from Monterey Regional Airport to Asilomar State Conference Grounds.

What should I bring?

You will need to bring your own brushes, pencils, paper, palette, paints, portable easel and stool. For the complete list, click here.

Also, watch the Plein Air packing video on YouTube. It is quite entertaining. We filmed this in Venice and we think the church bells got stuck on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK1zNvRkeNc

Is there a lot of walking?

We will be doing some walking. You will be carrying your own equipment. Please pack only what you can carry. There aren’t any paved roads. Most the walking we will be doing is on the clay road which are a little dusty and can be messy when they get wet. Bring shoes that you don’t mind getting some wet white clay on. Most shoes/sandals are fine just don’t bring really nice ones!

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip and workshop.

 

What to Expect & Additional Questions

 

How do I sign up for the class?

You can pay a deposit directly on our website or call the gallery for assistance.  Once you register for this class & pay the deposit amount, please go back to the main ‘Workshops’ page and complete the registration form for this trip.

There are two options:

  • You can click ‘online registration’ in which you can fill out the form right there on your computer and submit it directly to us.
  • You can click on the ‘printable registration form’ in which you have the following options:
    1. Complete the online registration form on your computer & print it, or
    2. You can download the printable registration form & hand write the info, then you mail the form to:

Wiegardt Studio Gallery
PO BOX 1114
Ocean Park, WA 98640

We will need the completed form in order to send you an invoice for the balance owing on the trip.

 

What materials do I need?

Once you register for this class, please click on this link to view a materials list so you can ensure you have everything you need before the class begins.

Plein Air Materials List

Where can I get the materials I need?

All materials recommended by Eric can be purchased at the gallery or on our website.  If you need a specific item not listed on the website (for example, a large sheet of arches rough watercolor paper), please email gallery@ericwiegardt.com to make those arrangements; we will accommodate your requests to the best of our ability.

When should I plan to Arrive?

June 1st, Dinner is at 6pm.

How do I get from the Airport to the Hotel?

You can take a Taxi or Uber from Monterey Regional Airport to Asilomar State Conference Grounds.

What is scheduled for the day after arrival?

Painting!

When does the workshop instruction actually begin?

Instruction begins June 2nd.

Are there days on the trip when there are not planned activities?

June 4th.

What day does instruction end?

Instruction ends June 6th.

When should I book a return flight?

Return flight June 7th.

What is the full workshop schedule?
  • 6/1/26: Arrival, Dinner at 6pm
  • 6/2/26: Painting
  • 6/3/26: Painting
  • 6/4/26: Day Off
  • 6/5/26: Painting
  • 6/6/26: Painting
  • 6/7/26: Depart
How do I get from the hotel back to airport?

Either by Taxi or Uber from the Asilomar Conference Grounds to the Monterey Regional Airport.

What food is included?

All breakfasts, and four group dinners.

Does the hotel have a restaurant or are there any within walking distance?

The hotel has a restaurant and small cafe.

Any special items I should bring?

Swimsuit for the heated swimming pool!

Cancellations & Refunds

For cancellations prior to December 1, 2025, all money will be refunded minus the $50 non-refundable fee.

For cancellations between December 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, all money will be refunded minus the $500 administration fee. *The administration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable*

After February 1, 2026, cancellations must be in writing; no money will be returned to the applicant unless that individual’s space can be resold. If the space is resold, all monies will be refunded minus the $500 administration fee.

No refund will be given to an applicant who does not participate or complete the workshop or field activities

Please review the cancellation policy for each travel workshop carefully.  We must adhere to the refund deadline dates outlined in the brochure; there will be no exceptions.

Eric Wiegardt reserves the right to cancel for any reason. All payments will be reimbursed to the participants immediately upon cancellation.

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Additional information

Deposit

Painter $500 Deposit, Painter & Companion $1000 Deposit
Room Choice

Garden View ADA King Bed, Ocean View King Bed (Shared Only), Ocean View (2) Double Beds, Garden View (2) Fireplace Double Beds, Garden View Historic (Smaller) (2) Double Beds

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