In-Person Plein Air in The Florida Keys Marathon, FL <br>January 21 - 28, 2027<br><br><strong>Deposit:</strong>

In-Person Plein Air in The Florida Keys Marathon, FL
January 21 – 28, 2027

Deposit:

$500.00

Join us January 2027 at the magnificent Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida, for an immersive plein air watercolor workshop in the heart of the Florida Keys. You’ll paint extraordinary coastal landscapes — from luminous turquoise waters and dramatic open skies to the tangled beauty of mangrove shoreline and sun-drenched tropical light. Your oceanfront accommodations feature private balconies overlooking the Atlantic, with pristine white-sand beaches, a legendary freeform pool, and swaying palms right outside your door — the perfect retreat to focus on your creative journey. Come experience the magnificent beauty of the Florida Keys with your brush!

Scroll down for more details or download the brochure pdf here
Please click here to view our Cancellation Policy.

Deposit: $500 per person

January 21–28, 2027

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Description

 

THE FLORIDA KEYS — MARATHON, FL
In-Person Watercolor Plein Air Workshop
January 21 – 28, 2027

We’re excited to announce an extraordinary new workshop destination: the Florida Keys. Join us January 21–28, 2027 at the magnificent Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida — a location unlike any Eric has offered before.

Marathon sits at the heart of the Keys, where dramatic skies meet the Atlantic and tropical light dances across water and mangrove. Isla Bella is a secluded island retreat surrounded on three sides by ocean, accessible only by causeway. Pristine white-sand beaches, a legendary freeform pool, and swaying palms create an ever-changing plein air studio right outside your door. All rooms feature private balconies overlooking the Atlantic — every morning begins with a watercolor-worthy view.

The Florida Keys offer watercolor artists an extraordinary palette. Whether you’re capturing the luminous turquoise of open water, the tangled beauty of mangrove shoreline, or the warm glow of a Keys sunset, this sun-drenched setting promises an inspiring week of painting and exploration.

What’s included?
7 nights of oceanfront accommodations at Isla Bella Beach Resort
All breakfasts
Welcome reception with appetizers
Two group dinners
Painting field trips to diverse locations
Staff assistance throughout the workshop
4 days of Plein Air Workshop instruction by Eric Wiegardt
Generous free time to explore the Keys!

 

 

YOUR OCEANFRONT STAY AT ISLA BELLA BEACH RESORT

Your oceanfront stay at Isla Bella Beach Resort places you at the heart of the workshop experience — and at the edge of the Atlantic. This secluded island retreat, surrounded on three sides by ocean and accessible only by causeway, is Marathon’s most exclusive oceanfront destination. All rooms feature private balconies overlooking the water, putting a watercolor-worthy view right outside your door. Between painting sessions, enjoy pristine white-sand beaches, a legendary freeform pool, and swaying palms — the perfect environment to unwind and let the Keys inspire you.

When making travel arrangements, plan to arrive on Thursday, January 21st — there will be a welcome reception with appetizers at 6:00 PM. Workshop instruction begins on Friday, January 22nd. The last day of instruction is Wednesday, January 27th, so plan your departure for Thursday, January 28th.

Available Room Packages: Prices are Per Person

Painter Single: $6,300

Painter Shared: $4,800

Companion Non-Painter: $4,150

*PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

 

FAQs About The Workshop

What´s the closest airport?

The closest airport is Florida Keys Marathon Airport (MTH), but you can also fly into Miami International (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale International (FLL).

How do we get to the hotel upon arrival?

We recommend keysshuttle.com as they can transport from any of the airports listed, but you are welcome to book whatever service you prefer. *Students may wish to coordinate arrival times and share the cost of a shuttle together* The resort charges a $15/night (plus tax) fee for parking if you are considering renting a car.

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?

Plan to arrive on Thursday, January 21st. A welcome reception with appetizers will be held that evening at 6:00 PM — a great opportunity to meet your fellow painters before the workshop begins.

How do I get from the Airport to the Hotel?

The closest commercial airports are Miami International (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), each approximately a 2-hour drive from Marathon via the Overseas Highway. We recommend Keys Shuttle (keysshuttle.com) for transportation from either airport. Students may wish to coordinate arrival times and share the cost of a shuttle. If you choose to rent a car, please note the resort charges a $15/night parking fee.

What is scheduled for the day after arrival?

Friday, January 22nd is your first full painting day — so rest up and get ready to be inspired!

When does the workshop instruction actually begin?

Instruction begins on Friday, January 22nd.

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

Yes! Sunday, January 24th and Monday, January 25th are free days — a perfect opportunity to explore the Keys, relax at the resort, or paint on your own.

What day does instruction end?

The last day of instruction is Wednesday, January 27th.

When should I book a return flight?

Plan your departure for Thursday, January 28th.

What is the full workshop schedule?
  • Thursday, January 21 — Arrive / Welcome Reception at 6:00 PM
  • Friday, January 22 — Paint
  • Saturday, January 23 — Paint & Group Dinner
  • Sunday, January 24 — Day Off
  • Monday, January 25 — Day Off
  • Tuesday, January 26 — Paint
  • Wednesday, January 27 — Paint & Group Dinner
  • Thursday, January 28 — Depart
How do I get from the hotel back to airport?

We recommend Keys Shuttle (keysshuttle.com) for return transportation to Miami International (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). Again, coordinating departure times with fellow students is a great way to share the cost.

What food is included?

All breakfasts, a welcome reception with appetizers on arrival evening, and two group dinners (Saturday, January 23rd and Wednesday, January 27th) are included with your registration.

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

Isla Bella Beach Resort features multiple onsite dining options.

Any special items I should bring?

 

Cancellations & Refunds

For cancellations prior to September 1, 2026, all money will be refunded minus the $50 non-refundable fee.

Cancellations after September 1, 2026 are non-transferrable and non-refundable.

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

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