Ever had one of those days where everything seems to go wrong? Let me tell you about mine.
Picture this:
It was pitch dark at 5 a.m., the air sharp with cold, and I was already running late. My car — a beat-up ’72 VW Beetle — looked like an ice sculpture, completely encased after a freezing rainstorm. I tried opening the door, but it wouldn’t budge. Frozen shut.
I yanked, pulled, and finally cracked it open, only to slip on the ice and land flat on my back. Oomppph! I felt the wind get knocked out of me, my bare hands raw from the cold as I crawled across the icy driveway, slipping every step of the way.
When I finally got back to the car, I scraped just enough ice off the windshield to peer through a tiny patch of glass, still hoping I could get to work on time … but the engine was dead. I had to beg a stranger to jump-start me, and when I finally got the thing moving — what happened? My car slid right into a ditch on the side of the road.
That’s when I swore to myself, “Never again.”
A year later, I moved to Florida, kissed winter goodbye, and traded ice scrapers for sunscreen.
Now, I’m inviting you to do the same. Let’s escape the cold together.
This February, join me in sunny St. Augustine, Florida, for my newest art retreat, the Winter Escape. It’s a weeklong retreat for plein air painters like you and me, designed to take you away from the ice, the snow, and the gray skies and give you a week of warmth, sunshine, and painting.
It’s the ultimate escape from winter — and here’s why you’ll love it:
You Deserve a Break: How often do you get a week where you don’t have to worry about anything? No cooking, no cleaning, no laundry, no responsibilities. Just you, your paintbrush, and the warm Florida sun. We handle everything — your hotel, breakfast, lunch, and even snacks, so you don’t have to think about a single thing.
Paint All Day Every Day: Every morning, you’ll wake up, roll out of bed, get fed a wonderful breakfast as you chat with friends and hear announcements. Then head into the heart of one of the most beautiful and historic cities in America. Since we’re already downtown, many of our painting locations are within walking distance. Plus, when do you get to paint all day every day for a week?
St. Augustine is a Plein Air Painter’s Dream: Spanish forts and architecture, colorful tropical flowers, lighthouses, stunning gardens, Old World streets, and the ocean just minutes away.
The Magic of Friends: What makes these retreats special isn’t just the art — it’s the people. You’ll meet artists from all over, and in just a few days, those strangers will become lifelong friends. Every night, we gather after dinner, share stories, laugh, and sometimes paint portraits together. It’s like summer camp for grownups, where the bond between painters creates a special kind of magic.
Recharge Your Soul: Life can get overwhelming. You’re constantly taking care of others — whether it’s work, family, or the everyday demands of life. This week is for you. You get to unplug, relax, play, and reconnect with your creative side. No e-mails, no errands — just art and the joy of painting in a stunning, sunlit setting.
Why People Keep Coming Back to My Art Retreats
My art retreats are more than just a chance to paint — it’s a week where you can finally exhale. No one is asking you for anything. No deadlines. No chores. Just a week where everything is taken care of for you.
And there is no pressure. We’re all equals. Whether you’re new at painting or you’re an experienced pro. We don’t judge each other, we just enjoy painting together.
We’ve thought of every detail, from the delicious breakfasts to the box lunches you’ll take with you as you paint out for the day. We even provide a paint map with the best locations, so you don’t have to guess where to set up your easel. We’ll paint as a group most days, but you can go off on your own any time you want.
Evenings? Those are pure fun. After a day of painting, we gather at the hotel recreation area for some downtime. You share what you’ve painted, swap stories, and enjoy a few laughs over drinks and snacks.
Some nights, we’ll even set up live portrait sessions, and we have musicians keeping us singing to our favorite tunes from our youth.
It’s an easygoing, laid-back atmosphere where you can truly unwind and get to know your fellow artists.
Why This Is the Perfect Escape for You:
Imagine leaving the cold and ice of February and knowing all winter that you’ll be leaving soon for a week of painting in the sun and sipping colorful cocktails with little umbrellas.
Each day you’ll wake up to warm Florida sunshine instead of scraping ice off your windshield. No layers of winter clothing — just light, comfortable clothes as you head out to paint the scenic beauty of St. Augustine. Did I mention that we’re right downtown near the waterfront, and you can walk to many painting locations and avoid parking?
You deserve this break. You’ve spent so much time taking care of others — whether it’s family, work, or life’s endless responsibilities. This week is your chance to recharge, to let someone else take care of the details for once. We’ve got you covered on everything: hotel, meals, painting spots, and even some extra surprises. When you’re recharged, you’re better when you return.
Friendships that last: The connections you make here aren’t just for the week — they last a lifetime. Many of the artists who attend my retreats come back year after year, not just for the incredible locations, but for the friendships they’ve made along the way.
Don’t Wait — Spots Are Already Selling Fast
In just three weeks since we announced it, we’re already 25% sold out. With only 100 spots available, this retreat will fill up fast. Don’t wait until it’s too late! You deserve this. You deserve a week where you can escape the cold, immerse yourself in painting, and make new friends in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
This could be the week that recharges your creativity, renews your spirit, and gives you the break you’ve been craving.
I can’t wait to paint with you in Florida: WinterEscape.com
~ Eric
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