Equine Art Workshops

Equine Art Workshops offer unique plein-air painting experiences for horse lovers and artists, featuring diverse breeds in stunning settings worldwide. Led by Carol, our workshops welcome all skill levels, combining personalized instruction with cultural insights, including guided museum tours that explore the equine image throughout art history. It’s the perfect blend of artistic growth and immersion in equestrian culture for the plein air painter who loves horses, and the horse lover who loves to paint. Non-painting friends or partners are welcome to join us!

A group of women painting during an equine art workshop painting horses in plein air
 
 

Equine Art Workshops Announces Global Itineraries for 2025

Equine Art Workshops by Carol Lake Studios is thrilled to announce the launch of a series of curated plein-air painting retreats set in iconic equestrian destinations worldwide. These workshops offer a unique opportunity for artists of all skill levels to capture the beauty and spirit of diverse horse breeds in stunning natural and cultural settings.

Designed to bring together the beauty of horses and the art of plein-air painting, these workshops offer participants an immersive experience, painting diverse horse breeds in their natural settings, while receiving professional instruction and enjoying the charm and hospitality of carefully selected locations. Each workshop includes hands-on painting sessions, friendly group critiques, and cultural activities that enhance participants’ appreciation of equine art and history. Individual or group riding time can also be arranged!

With limited spots available, these bespoke experiences ensure personalized attention and a truly memorable artistic journey. Partners and friends are encouraged to come along, and no, you needn’t even be an artist -photographers are welcome too!

equine art workshop logo of horse's head with paint brush and the words Carol Lake Studio below

Potential Workshop Locations Under Consideration for 2025 (these are still ‘under construction’)

  • Ocala, Florida: As the “Horse Capital of the World,” Ocala provides an inspiring setting for capturing the grace and power of horses. Our small group may travel to HITS Ocala Winter Festival, Live Oaks and other unique opportunities offering participants the chance to paint horses in motion. The experience will be enhanced by delicious local cuisine expertly prepared and lodging on a charming local horse farm that reflects the beauty and equestrian spirit of Ocala. Participants will also enjoy a guided tour of the Appleton Museum of Art, focusing on equine themes in art history.

  • Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Discover the simplicity and charm of Amish country. This workshop, held in late spring during planting season, offers a unique chance to paint a two, four, or eight-hitch team of mules plowing the fields and hard-working Amish buggy horses, capturing the essence of traditional Amish life. Chances are good that new foals will be on the ground for a unique painting opportunity not seen elsewhere. Participants will visit the Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum, a living history museum that showcases Pennsylvania German rural life, providing an authentic backdrop to explore and paint these scenes.

  • Vermont, USA: Experience the traditional Morgan horse during the peak of fall foliage. This workshop will feature opportunities to paint Morgans with handlers in colonial-era garb as they work fields, carry riders to historic churches, and navigate the winding dirt roads and meadows of Vermont’s scenic hill farms. Participants will also visit the University of Vermont to learn about the modern show Morgan horse, explore the Morgan Horse Museum, and gain a deeper understanding of this iconic American breed’s evolution.

  • Paris, France: Set against the backdrop of the City of Lights, the Paris workshop will offer participants the chance to paint horses in iconic locations like the extensive grounds of Versailles, explore the rich equestrian traditions of France, and enjoy guided tours of the Musée d'Orsay, focusing on equine images in French art history.

  • Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, Montana: This workshop focuses on painting the iconic American Mustangs in their natural habitat. Set against Montana’s rugged wilderness, artists will explore the unique connection between wild horses and their environment.

  • More destinations and breeds include visiting the Thoroughbreds in County Kildare, Ireland and Newmarket, England, Lusitanos in Portugal, Fjord horses in Norway, Icelandic ponies in Iceland, Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies in the moors of England, Haflinger ponies in Austria, and Arabians in Dubai or Saudi Arabia. Please feel free to suggest other locations!

Painting in the fields

Workshop Itinerary Highlights

  • Plein Air Painting Sessions: Each workshop includes daily plein air painting sessions, allowing participants to capture horses in their natural and cultural environments. From rolling pastures to historic estates and yards, artists will be inspired by the diverse settings.

  • Personalized Art Instruction: Carol provides hands-on guidance tailored to each participant’s skill level, focusing on techniques to capture the movement, anatomy, and spirit of horses as well as instruction on painting landscapes en plein-air and in the studio.

  • Cultural Enrichment: Participants will enjoy guided museum talks with Carol, highlighting the equine image in art history, and have the opportunity to explore local cultural sites and traditions, deepening their understanding of equestrian culture.

  • Exclusive Access: Workshops are designed to provide unique access to equestrian events, private farms, and historic sites, offering participants a behind-the-scenes look at the world of horses.

  • Delicious Local Food and Charming Lodging: Participants will enjoy lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients, expertly prepared to reflect the region’s culinary traditions. Accommodations are chosen for their comfort and charm, offering a relaxing environment that complements the artistic experience.

Registration and Information

Exclusive Experience with Limited Availability

To maintain an intimate and personalized experience, spaces for each workshop are strictly limited. Early registration is highly recommended. Partners are welcome to join the experience for a reduced fee, allowing them to enjoy the cultural and culinary aspects of the trip without participating in the painting sessions. For more information about specific workshops, itineraries, and to register, please reach out to info@carollakestudios.com

About Equine Art Workshops

Carol Lake Studios’ Equine Art Workshops specialize in providing instructional workshops that celebrate the beauty and essence of horses through plein air and studio painting at unique destinations around the globe. Through carefully curated travel experiences, Equine Art Workshops combines the love of horses, the art of painting, and cultural exploration, offering participants a unique opportunity to deepen their fine art education while connecting with equine art in iconic locations around the world.