“When you are immersed in creating, time stands still and you find yourself in the moment. Some may call this a special kind of mindfulness. Escaping into your creation requires your full mindful attention. “
Louise Lambert
Find Your Workshop
Bringing your own supplies?
Easy parking: on Braeburn Street, where you will see the black door to the studio, which will be open, follow the short path to the studio.
Covid protocols in place and due to this it is recommended that students bring their own supplies.
Supplies
- Acrylic paints-You can pick up a small inexpensive kit of acrylic paints from Opus Art Store, we recommend Liquitex, No. 1501, set of six, or you can pick up Daler Rowney or other brands at Walmart.
- Your basic paints should include white, red, yellow, blue and black
If you already have supplies bring those.
- Brushes-one small and one medium
- Cup for water for paints
Palate-can be a simple as a clean plastic food container, paper or plastic plate where you can mix your paints
Paper towel or rag, apron or wear clothes that you won’t mind getting paint on.
Canvas types by workshop:
Create your Spirit Animal -8” by 10” canvas
Van Gogh and Monet- 10” by 12” or 11” by 14”
If you cannot bring your supplies, contact us so we can make accommodations.
Go to the new Wine Country Studios website for more info Contact: Louise Lambert 250-212-3674, [email protected] www.winecountrystudios.ca
Create Your Spirit Animal
Everyone has a spirit animal, why not capture the essence of yours?
We will start with a guided meditation, and after paving the way with gentle coaching you will create your own artistic version of your spirit animal. If you have never held a paintbrush or drawn before now is your chance for a fun and insightful experience.
Did you know we may have as many as seven different Spirit Animals in our lifetime? They may appear during different times or events in your life to guide and protect you.
Create your own Spirit Animal Workshops can be tailored to groups from adults to children.
Your instructor and Guide:
Louise Lambert, a Métis Professional artist, will be your guide.
Her works are well known in the Okanagan Valley, selling internationally. Owner of Wine Country Studios, she has conducted over 200 workshops throughout North America.
Love to have your own personal Spirit Animal but not able to make it to a workshop? Here is a solution…
Why not Louise Lambert paint your very own spirit animal for you?
Louise will help you to discover your own Spirit Animal, through a personal fun conversation. Once the animal is revealed, she will show you possible images of the Spirit Animal, where you will provide your input such as your favourite colours or theme.
You can select what size you would wish your Spirit Animal artwork to be. Sizes start at 8” by 10” and up.
Pick up your artwork at Wine Country Studios, or we can ship it to you.
Learn more….
Love to have your own spirit animal
Read More about Spirit Animals
“Create your Spirit Animal” is a unique, guided mediation and painting workshop run by Wine Country Studios. The owner and workshop facilitator is a professional Métis artist, Louise Lambert. The program draws on the Métis understanding of ‘spirit animals’ as life guides and symbols of qualities and values that each animal holds.
Louise draws upon her forefathers the Algonquin people who believed that nature was inhabited by spirits intermixed with the physical world. The Algonquin were deeply spiritual and had a religion founded on animism, the belief that a spiritual world animated and interacted with the physical world. Instead of believing in one god, the Algonquins believed in an essential spirit present in all living things and embodied in Kitchi Manitou.
Historical evidence of the Algonquin settlements, dates back to 4280 BCE and possibly earlier. Their tribal lands were largely found in the areas of the Ottawa River valley. Their first known meeting with Europeans occurred in 1603 when they encountered the French explorers. Later they were exposed to the influx of French trappers as the region was rich for the fur trade.
Many European settlers married Algonquin women, as they provided comfort as well as acting as guides in the new territory. The first inter-mixed, as they called them back then, became known as the Métis which translates in French as a ‘Mixed.’
Interested in learning more about Métis people? Check out our blog.
Create your Spirit Animal - Experiences
As I transition to retirement after a challenging career in the military, emergency nursing, and teaching, I have found my protector in the Create your Spirit Animal workshop.
When I paint, I usually paint whimsical flowers, so it surprised me what emerged on the canvas. A fierce wolf stared back at me. Telling me that characteristics and behaviours that no longer serve me are being culled from my consciousness.
The wolf is a protector and it spiritually and physically protects me at all times.
-Wendy M, Kamloops, BC
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
When I was a child, I spent my hours creating many forms of artwork with my favourite aunt. When I became an adult, now with kids, working full time, and responsibilities, I lost this precious chance. Being a mum, a caretaker for my family and the pressure of making money took over.
Over this last period of time, during COVID, I found the urge to reconnect with myself and my true inner spirit.
Part of that true inner self was returning to creating art. However, I was conditioned not to do something just for me, because the demands of being a mum, wife, and work took priority – everything felt like it needed to serve dual processes. Doing it just for myself didn’t feel like enough of a priority.
Now I have the urge to do something that reconnects me to myself.
When I saw the opportunity to come to the “Create the spirit animal workshop” it aligned perfectly with my inner soul and my creative urge.
It was meant to be. It has opened an opportunity for me to create more and enjoy my spirit. Doing something for myself is important, and felt amazing”
-Sheena S., West Kelowna, BC
Beautiful Story of how Spirit Animals Came to Be
The Story
“ Spirits of the animals can teach us, guide us, empower us and help us heal …Spirit Animal guides, why would I not want to share that with others?”
Louise’s passions that held her steadfast in life were her love of art and her admiration of animals. Guiding her through triumphs and life challenges. By four years old, she was drawing, encouraged by her mother mainly because it kept her occupied, and by eleven, she was composing with oil painting mentored by her uncle in Vancouver, British Columbia, many of the images were of animals.
She painted whenever she could. Until she eventually was able to do it full-time, producing commissioned work, creating originals, and conducting workshops and classes at Wine Country Studios in the Okanagan Valley, B.C.
The meaning of animals’ significance came early to her.
“I recall my mother looking up at the sky and remarking about birds, their wisdom, their expanse in the skies, … “All those birds, so many more than I knew’ -We must come back as birds, touching the heavens and earth.”
Years later, after the loss of her mother, Louise was grieving. Walking towards the lake during a chilly March afternoon, she heard a clatter in the sky. Directly above her were the fluid but resilient Canadian geese, with one of their members trailing behind. Louise intuitively knew the geese, lagging was her mother’s spirit touching the heavens.
About that time, a Métis community leader, an elder, petitioned, “You are an artist… we need an event that holds the interest of children and elders alike, weaving our heritage and permitting us to be creative.”
Create your Spirit Animal was born…and the workshop was a hit.
Since then, Create your Spirit Animal has been reviving souls and spirits. All it takes is curiosity and willingness to begin the journey.
Create your Spirit Animal takes on a life of its own. People who have never picked up an art brush are creating compelling images.
Everyone’s image is as distinctive and unique as their soul.
The paintings are created without hesitation because their internal compass is guiding them. They begin to trust their instincts… a guided meditation invites them to visit their spirit animal and then to create it on a canvas with paint.
Create your Spirit Animal workshop is deeply rooted in the collective heritage of our ancestors. The creative form permits everyone to enjoy and benefit from it.
How to paint a Vineyard
This beginner’s studio work shop will cover design layout and painting of vineyards
Do you ever wonder how an artist keeps the rows of vines in the right
perspective? In this in studio workshop, we will use a fail proof technique to show you how to do it. So you will create a convincing vineyard painting…
Upon completing the workshop you will feel confident in painting outside in a beautiful vineyard. Bring your favourite acrylic supplies with you and a canvas size of a canvas size of
Louise Lambert, who is well known for her dramatic vineyards, throughout the Okanagan Valley, California and Italy will be your guide.
NEW: Acrylic Textured Painting
Learn how to add multi-dimensional texture to your canvas even before picking up your paintbrush. As a great introduction to how to prep your canvas, you will learn fun techniques for applying easy-to-find and inexpensive materials to your painting. Get that dimensional effect by creating shape and movement–the possibilities are endless.
Using this process you will build and create a landscape painting.
Creative Art Series
When you are immersed in creating, time stands still and you find yourself in the moment. Some may call this a special kind of mindfulness. Escaping into your creation requires your full mindful attention.
Paint like an Impressionistic Master
Beginner and experienced artists can discover and create their own impressionist artwork. You’ve always admired Monet’s Water Lilies; why not create them first hand in our impressionist workshops. The brush strokes are loose and the colours pure. Precision is not required.
You will get launched with the foundation of the painting and then you are free to explore and add your own touches. You will be gently guided by professional artist Louise Lambert with tips on your setup and palate recommendations.
Look for in these creative series:
- Monet Water Lilies
- Van Gogh’s Starry, Starry Night
- Van Gogh Returns with Sunflowers
- Lauren Harris, Winter Wonderland
Your instructor and Guide:
Louise Lambert, a Métis and Professional artist, will be your guide and instructor.
Her works are well known in the Okanagan Valley, selling internationally. Owner of Wine Country Studios, she has conducted over 200 workshops throughout North America.
Creative Group Experience: Book a Private Group Workshop
Reserve your private event in a working art studio in the heart of wine country. These spirited experiences are designed to be entertaining, and insightful and promise to make the most novice artist feel comfortable right from the beginning.
Create Your Own Spirit Animal
Workshop Description: Perfect for those who are interested in connecting with their spirit animal or just want to have fun in the process. If you have never held a paintbrush now is your chance for a fun and insightful experience.
Workshop length: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Class size: 3-7 people
Workshop Description: Perfect for those who are interested in connecting with their spirit animal or just want to have fun in the process. If you have never held a paintbrush now is your chance for a fun and insightful experience.
Workshop length: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Class size: 3-7 people
Creative Art Series
Workshop Description: Be an Impressionist artist for the afternoon. Paint and explore the beloved artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, and Canada’s own Lauren Harris.
Choose from these Creative Series:
Monet Water Lilies
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Lauren Harris, Group of Seven
Workshop length: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Class size: 3-7 people
Workshop Description: Be an Impressionist artist for the afternoon. Paint and explore the beloved artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, and Canada’s own Lauren Harris.
Choose from these Creative Series:
Monet Water Lilies
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Lauren Harris, Group of Seven
Workshop length: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Class size: 3-7 people
Explore Painting Outdoors
Workshop Description: Immerse your group in the Okanagan Landscape, while capturing its essence.
Nothing is as exciting as painting outdoors. Discover the coveted scenes that only artists know of. Each participant will be supplied with outdoor easels.
Workshop length: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Class size: 2-3 people
Workshop Description: Immerse your group in the Okanagan Landscape, while capturing its essence.
Nothing is as exciting as painting outdoors. Discover the coveted scenes that only artists know of. Each participant will be supplied with outdoor easels.
Workshop length: 2 hours to 2.5 hours
Class size: 2-3 people
Art Lessons
Private or Semi Private Art Lessons
Need some encouragement to get started?
Enjoy individual attention in learning how to draw and or paint with Professional Artist, Louise Lambert. You will be equipped with an easel, appropriate lighting and supplies. Louise will coach you to bring out your talents and develop your skills.
Location:
Meet at the professional studios of Wine Country Studios: 1632 Braeburn Ct, West Kelowna, British Columbia,
Reserve your art lesson now! CLICK HERE
Teaching Philosophy
In a supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere you will be given enough structure to ensure a sense of accomplishment, while allowing your creative expression to develop. Along with the pleasure you will get from art there are a wealth of skills that are naturally developed during the process. Educators, brain researchers have noted that adults and children who engage in the visual arts show vast improvement in concentration levels, problem-solving abilities and critical-thinking skills.
Creativity lights up the mind and research reveals that it increases learning and retention, as well, while being a wonderful break from the normal routine & stress.
Join us for these creative experiences from Wine Country Studios and rejuvenate yourself.
Select the perfect piece of art for the home or use this gift towards art workshops and classes.
A gift of experience that will last a life time.
Look in our SHOP and listings of WORKSHOPS & CLASSES to be inspired.
Outdoor Workshops
Explore Painting outdoors, Plein Air, this literally means “in the open air”
Working from outdoors lets you see the true colours and immerses you in the living ambience of the moment and place. Find this natural refuge from the world, as time stands still.
Creating A Landscape
Join us for this memorable experience by capturing the land in an intimate landscape painting that you create.
Meet us in at a selected outdoor location rich with history and presence, in the beautiful Okanagan Valley.
While creating your own landscape interpretation with just enough guidance, you will transported back in time amongst the virgin forests, pristine lakes and towering mountains of a land full of promise and life yet to be discovered by a peoples searching for a home and a destiny.
You will capture the effects of sunlight and depth…
By observing a painting demonstration you will be able to create your own artwork. Use a medium of your choice, soft pastels, watercolor or acrylics, you will have the opportunity to use your existing art supplies or a supply list will be provided upon registration.
Your Guide:
Louise Lambert, a Métis and Professional artist will be your guide and instructor.
Her works are well known in the Okanagan Valley, selling internationally. Owner of Wine Country Studios, she has conducted over 200 workshops though out North America.
The workshops run from May to late September and we meet at selected locations.
Painting in the Vineyards
Painting made easy with the inspiring Vineyards of the Okanagan Valley. See why painting outdoors is so motivational and mindful. You will learn how to select your scene, distilling the elements of the landscape and not worrying so much about the outcome. You will enjoy a relaxing and mindful experience.
You will have the opportunity to observe a painting demonstration and then create your own. Working in a medium of your choice, soft pastels, watercolour or acrylics, you will have the opportunity to use your existing art supplies or a supply list will be provided upon registration.
Your Guide:
Louise Lambert, a Métis and Professional artist will be your guide and instructor.
Her works are well known in the Okanagan Valley, selling internationally. Owner of Wine Country Studios, she has conducted over 200 workshops though out North America.
The workshops run from May to late September and we meet at selected locations .
“PLEIN AIR” Painting Outside
Plein air is a term derived from the French phrase en plein air, which literally means ‘in the open air’. It is popular today, but in the late 1800s when the Impressionists ventured out of their studios into nature to capture the effects of sunlight and different times of days on a scene, it was quite revolutionary.
Painting outside not only allows the artists to see the true colours and form, that a photograph can never provide, but the experience the sounds and the atmosphere. It encourages you, as the artist, to increase your observational and painting skills, creating a living painting. It makes you a better painter and artist.
We schedule our Plein Aire, Painting, outside workshops, throughout the summer months. Our locations include vineyards, parks, waterfalls and historical interest sites all set in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. All are welcomed, from beginner artists to experienced artists.
Check on our classes and workshop schedule or contact Louise Lambert directly @ [email protected]
NEW: Mindfulness and Watercolour
Watercolour is expressive and translucent while being calm. It finds its own path, as you guide it gently. When I wish to be mindful, I often, break with my routine and pick up my watercolours. It allows me to be creative. Yet, I need to pay attention to every mark I make. Which allows me to be in the moment and present during the painting process.
Visual arts usually require this intense mindfulness. If you lose the rhythm by being distracted it will show directly on your paper or canvas. Your focus is rewarded by remaining with the process.