Plein Air & Life Drawing: A One-Day Artistic Immersion at Lake Eden

Join international artist Charlotte Hamilton for a full-day workshop combining morning landscape painting and afternoon figure drawing at Lake Eden’s historic Mountain Stream Lodge.

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 10 AM - 4 PM EST
Location: Mountain Stream Lodge at Lake Eden
Group Size: ~20 attendees

Itinerary
10:00 AM: Convene at Mountain Stream Lodge
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Morning Plein Air Session around Lake Eden
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Catered Lunch
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Live-Model Figure Drawing on the Lodge’s Covered Porch

Exact itinerary details subject to change

Activity Level: Moderate. We may stroll from the lodge around the Lake Eden grounds along rolling paths or trails. Steady mobility, comfort on uneven walkways, and ease navigating stairs at a historic lodge will ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Art Supplies: Bring mixed-media sketchbook, paints (watercolor and/or gouache), palette and mixing lid, brushes (round and flat, various sizes), brush pens and markers, drawing pencils, fineliner pens, and any other supplies you may prefer.

Price: $195.00 USD per person (see refund policy below)

Meet Your Host

Charlotte Hamilton is an England-born, Canada-based artist.

She’s taught thousands of students online and in person, including at events in Mexico, Italy, France, and our first Black Mountain retreat (July ‘26).

A true artistic adventurer, Charlotte studied art in the UK and Spain before crossing the Atlantic to make Toronto her creative home.

Charlotte’s joyous celebration of color and pattern makes her the ideal guide as the mountains burst into peak autumn glory.

Enjoy a Full Day of Creative Growth on Artistic Hallowed Ground

Led by Charlotte, we’ll gather at Lake Eden’s historic Mountain Stream Lodge.

Situated at the very heart of the legendary Black Mountain College campus—the mid-century epicenter of the American avant-garde—this lodge served as the gathering place for creative icons like Anni and Josef Albers, Willem de Kooning, Ruth Asawa, and Cy Twombly. Take in the crisp fall air and dramatic autumn foliage as you draw inspiration from hallowed artistic ground.

By stepping into Mountain Stream Lodge, you’ll be wading into a historic, fearless current of artistic innovation and open-hearted community.

👆 Recent attendees finding creative flow at Mountain Stream Lodge

In the morning, Charlotte will guide the group around Lake Eden’s expansive grounds for various pop-up plein air sessions.

For lunch, expect a bountiful selection of handcrafted sandwiches, savory charcuterie, and regional cheeses served alongside a vibrant array of seasonal produce.

Beverages will include chilled bottled water and hot coffee/tea.

👆 Scenes from a life-drawing session at our July ‘26 Black Mountain arts retreat

In the afternoon, we’ll gather on the lodge’s tree-shaded back porch to sketch and paint professional model Emma Grace.

Working with a series of inspiring poses under a canopy of fall foliage, you’ll receive tailored, real-time guidance from Charlotte as you capture the light and form.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We know that plans can change. To keep things fair for our small group and our local partners, we’ve outlined a clear roadmap for cancellations:

• Payment: Your $195 USD payment to secure your spot is refundable (minus transaction fees) within 72 hours.

• Transfers: If you cannot attend after the refund deadline, you may transfer your registration to an alternate attendee at no extra cost (must be finalized by October 15, 2026).

• Cancellation by Organizer: We reserve the right to cancel the event for any reason. In this scenario, 100% of your payment will be refunded. We are not responsible for any participant expenses incurred in preparation for the trip.

FAQ

I’m attending alone—will I fit in?

Absolutely. Most of our guests arrive solo! This event is specifically designed to foster a warm, inclusive environment from the moment you arrive. Between our shared creative sessions and communal meal, you’ll find it easy to make new friends and feel right at home.

How much walking/physical activity is involved?

Moderate. This event is designed for artists who love pairing creativity with time outdoors! We may stroll from the lodge to Lake Eden along rolling paths or trails. Steady mobility, comfort on uneven walkways, and ease navigating stairs at a historic lodge will ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

If you have any mobility questions, please reach out to us before booking—we’re happy to help you figure out if this event is right for you.

Are art supplies included?

You are responsible for bringing your own art supplies. We will send out a "Charlotte-approved" recommended supply list well in advance so you have everything you need to create with confidence.

What should I know about driving and parking?

Free on-site parking is available directly at Mountain Stream Lodge. Detailed driving and parking instructions will be emailed to you after you register.

Are my travel expenses included in the event cost?

No, you are responsible for your own travel to and from the event.

Can I pay over the phone instead of online?

Yes. If you prefer to pay over the phone, call (305) 776-0372.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

In most cases, yes! We work closely with our catering partners to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests, as well as those with common allergies (like nuts or shellfish).

While we cannot always guarantee a 100% allergen-free environment, we do our absolute best to ensure every meal is both safe and satisfying.

Have a specific concern or a severe allergy? We want you to feel completely comfortable. Please reach out to us at support@sktchy.com before booking so we can chat about your specific needs and ensure we can look after you properly.

Further questions?

Email support@sktchy.com or call (305) 776-0372.