Ozark Artist Retreat 10/2025
Testimonials
Lorraine McFarland 10/25
Last weekend I had the pleasure to participate in the Ozark Artists Retreat at Ananda Kanan Ozark Retreat Center, where mentors Michael McClure and Dennis Babbit helped me to “push the envelope” and improve my skills with acrylics. I am a long-time pastelist and I find wet media very challenging, especially the mixing part!
After a tour of the property on Friday, we were treated to a beautiful dinner and then a demo by Michael. He is an excellent painter and it was great to watch him make magic with a brush. The gallery of his work is stunning. I’ve known Michael and seen his plein air work at events over the years, but it was a real treat to see some of the beautiful studio work he has done over the years.
It was so nice to have all meals taken care of while we were there. Yumi, the chef, was incredible! She created some of the best vegetarian, artistic, culinary delights I have ever tasted. In between meals there were plenty of delicious healthy snacks and great strong, coffee, and tea.
I’m so glad we were able to paint en plein air at Alley Spring on Saturday before the rain came. Sunday morning, we opted to set up a still life indoors because the rain brought cool temps and cold winds. We were comfy and toasty, and there were delicious snacks and hot coffee and tea.
Both days were full of fun with much art-related conversation, sharing and camaraderie. Michael and Dennis were so helpful and encouraging. Despite my pieces being a little “muddy”, due to my inexperience with mixing color, I came away very encouraged and I’m looking forward to more exploration with acrylics.
The retreat center is a magical place (there was a lilac bush in full bloom in October!) and as soon as I arrived, I could feel a positive, healing energy surrounding me in the beautiful natural setting. Having been through some pretty heavy loss and grief over the last few years, this was a welcome feeling emotionally. I actually experienced some physical healing as well while I was there. I had been suffering from some serious pain in my dominant hand from an inflamed tendon. By the morning after I arrived it was much improved!
If you are an artist looking for a stress-free artist retreat experience, I highly recommend you look into next year’s retreat!
Thank you, Michael McClure, Dennis Babbit and Yumi, the chef for a wonderful fall weekend!
It was a wonderful weekend of painting, reviewing, talking and learning.
Michael McClure Alley Spring Glow 11×14 acrylic
