by Dale L Popovich IWS SPACES ARE LIMITED There’s something timeless about the way water moves through the wilderness—how it carves its way over stone, glistens under a canopy of leaves, and echoes through the quiet hush of pine forests. It’s a language all its own. And if you listen closely, you can almost hear it speaking—inviting you to slow down, to pay attention, and maybe, to paint. I’ve followed that voice along one of Wisconsin’s hidden gems: the Northern Waterfall Loop. It’s a road trip filled with winding forest roads, mossy trails, and more than a dozen breathtaking waterfalls—each one different, each one unforgettable. Some roar with the power of spring runoff; others trickle gently over ancient granite, barely making a sound. But all of them offer something that every watercolor artist craves: movement, light, and mood. This June, I’m bringing that inspiration to life in my 4-day watercolor workshop at Dillman’s Bay Resort—a peaceful retreat nestled among towering pines on the shores of White Sand Lake in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. Rivers, Rapids & Waterfalls in Watercolor June 1–6, 2025 (4 Teaching Days) Dillman's Bay Resort Lac du Flambeau, WI This workshop is more than just an opportunity to learn watercolor techniques. It's a creative escape into nature—an invitation to immerse yourself in Wisconsin's Northwoods' sights, sounds, and spirit. I'll share some of my favorite scenes from the Northern Waterfall Loop—locations I've photographed and sketched along the way. These aren't just generic waterfalls pulled from a Google search. They're places I've stood, listened to, and painted. Places where the water told me a story—and now, I want to help you tell yours. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN During our four days together, we'll dive deep into the techniques needed to capture the life and energy of moving water. Whether it's the glassy surface of a still pool, the sparkle of sunlight on a riffle, or the powerful drop of a rushing cascade, you'll learn how to translate those qualities into expressive, confident brushwork. Here's what you can expect:
Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just starting to feel comfortable with watercolor, there's something here for everyone. A PLACE TH RECHARGE There's no better setting for this workshop than Dillman's Bay Resort. Located on a peaceful peninsula jutting into White Sand Lake, it's a place where the outside world fades away. You'll wake to the call of loons, paint beneath a canopy of trees, and end your day with a lakeside sunset that begs to be captured in watercolor. Dillman's offers cozy lakeside lodging and an atmosphere that's equal parts rustic charm and creative community. You'll have time to paint and breathe—to walk the woods, dip your toes in the lake, or share stories and laughs with fellow artists around the fire. And if you're bringing a non-painting companion, there's plenty for them to enjoy, too—from hiking, fishing, golfing, or paddling to simply relaxing with a book on the dock. WHY RIVER, RAPIDS & WATERFALLS? Water is some of nature's most expressive form. It in constant motion, ever-changing, yet timeless. For an artist, they offer a perfect balance of structure and spontaneity—challenging to capture but deeply rewarding. Painting water teaches you to observe light, simplify complex shapes, and build dynamic compositions. But it also teaches you patience. You learn to let the water—and the watercolor—move as it wants to, flowing freely and beautifully across the page. In this workshop, you'll discover that the key to painting moving water isn't control—it's understanding. It's learning when to lead and when to follow. When to hold your brush still—and when to let it dance. FROM THE FALLS TO YOUR PAPER Over the years, I've developed a deep love for the water of the Northwoods. Some of my favorites include:
Each one offers a unique voice—and in our workshop, you'll learn to listen to that voice and translate it into a painting that reflects your experience. A CREATIVE ESCAPE TOO We rush through life—checking boxes, answering emails, planning what's next. But something happens when you step into the forest, stand beside a water, and take out your sketchbook. ✅ You slow down. ✅ You observe. ✅ You breathe. And in that quiet, something opens up. That's what this workshop is really about. Not just painting water but also letting them remind you why you fell in love with art in the first place. READY TO JOIN ME? If this sounds like the creative retreat your soul has longed for, I'd be honored to paint alongside you this June. SPACES ARE LIMITED And this workshop tends to fill quickly—so I encourage you to reserve your spot soon. Let the Northwoods stir your imagination. Let the water guide your brush. Let's paint something unforgettable—together. ![]() About DALE L POPOVICH Dale is an American professional watercolor artist and educator with over 46+ years of experience. Known for capturing the quiet beauty of the Midwest landscape, Dale teaches workshops and classes nationwide and deeply believes in nature's power to inspire creativity.
0 Comments
SEPT 29-Oct 4, 2025 (Four Teaching Days) Returning for the 7th year in 2024 • www.dalepopovich.com Description Are you ready to elevate your watercolor skills and capture the true spirit of the Great Northwoods? Join Dale L. Popovich for a transformative 4-day workshop that will deepen your understanding of transparent watercolors. Through a methodical, step-by-step approach, Dale will guide you in recreating the essence of northern Wisconsin’s everchanging landscapes on watercolor paper. Whether you’re painting the vibrant colors of fall or the quiet stillness of winter, you’ll gain the confidence and technique needed to create stunning works of art. This is your opportunity to push your watercolor skills to new heights and become the artist you’ve always aspired to be. Sign up now and let your creativity flourish! Furthermore, Dale will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate pastel or gouache into your watercolors, elevating them to new heights of expression and depth. This approach brings a fresh, compelling voice to your work, adding richness and vitality to every brushstroke. Before the Workshop Before the workshop, Dale will send you a specially crafted PDF workbook to set you up for success. He recommends printing it out and placing it in a ring binder, with some of his students even using protective sleeves to keep everything in pristine condition. If you prefer digital, you can easily upload it to your tablet for quick access during the workshop. This workbook includes: • Reference Photos for each demonstration, giving you a clear visual guide to follow. • Pencil Sketches to recreate before the workshop, so you're ready to dive right in. • Value Photos to help you understand light and dark in your compositions. • Color Lists for each painting, ensuring you have the right palette at your fingertips. • Supply List so you’re fully prepared with everything you need. • Subject Descriptions that break down what you’ll be painting and why it matters. • Techniques for Each Demo to give you step-by-step guidance. • What You’ll Walk Away With—a clear understanding of what you’ll achieve by the end of the workshop. SEPT 29-Oct 4, 2025 Dillman’s fall 2025 2 of 3 • A Note-Taking Page in each section to capture key ideas and insights. • Recommended Reading to further your learning. Additionally, Dale will personally call you before the workshop to address any questions you may have, ensuring you’re fully prepared and ready to make the most of the experience. ![]() The Workshop Teaching through a paint-along method allows the student to follow each step as it unfolds, observing the brushwork and techniques in real time. It offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and recreate what has just been demonstrated—a powerful way to internalize the process. Dale encourages his students to ask questions freely as he paints, understanding that curiosity is the foundation of growth. He believes that every inquiry, no matter how small, deepens the connection between artist and craft. And don’t forget to bring your camera. Capturing key moments along the way provides a valuable reference as you build your understanding. For Dale, the act of teaching is as much about sharing his insights as it is about fostering a spirit of exploration. In his view, knowledge shared generously leads to mastery—and that is the essence of excellent learning. Dale Will Show You: • The Symphony of Seasons Each season has its own voice, expressed through unique colors and temperatures. - Spring: The tender greens of awakening earth and cool breezes. - Summer: The heat-soaked vibrancy of midday light and shadow. - Autumn: The richness of ochres, russets, and fading greens. - Winter: The cool austerity of snow, softened by diffused light. Understanding these nuances will guide us in painting the year’s cycle with truth and feeling. • The Atmospheric Perspective of Winter: Offers lessons in subtlety. - Learn how light behaves differently in the cold season. - Observe the softened edges of snow-laden trees and hills. - Explore the interplay of warm and cool tones in a muted winter palette. • Planes and Their Values: Nature reveals itself in planes, and mastery of their values brings depth and realism to your work. - Sky: The lightest and most luminous of the planes. - Slanted Planes (Mountains): Transitioning from illuminated to shadowed, they give structure to the landscape. - Vertical Planes (Trees): Strong and upright, they balance the composition. SEPT 29-Oct 4, 2025 Dillman’s fall 2025 3 of 3 - Horizontal Planes (Ground): Anchoring the scene with the weight of shadow and light. • Building Depth with Gouache and Pastel: Discover how gouache or pastel, when applied with balance, enriches watercolor. - Techniques to enhance the interplay of light, texture, and detail will be demonstrated. - Samples will reveal how these mediums can integrate seamlessly into your work, creating depth without overpowering the transparency of watercolor. With an eye on nature’s truths and a brush ready to translate its beauty, let us explore these principles, seeking to refine not just our technique but our understanding of the landscape’s poetry. Please join me this fall at Dillman’s. 715-588-3143
[email protected] Physical Address 13277 Dillman's Way Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538 Mailing Address PO Box 98 Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538 |
Dale L Popovich IWSDale is an award-winning watercolorist and teacher passionate about capturing the raw beauty of the American landscape with the fluid stroke of a brush. As you will see, the works selected in his portfolio represent the depth of his holistic approach to painting. You can also learn with this talented and experienced teacher through his workshops, Palette & Chisel, and Popovich Studio classes. Archives
May 2025
Categories
All
|