Québec City
May 17-23, 2027
with DAVID HORNUNG
Join David Hornung for a 7 day / 6 night intimate retreat experience in the heart of Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mixed Media Improv
Mixed media is an approach to making images that can combine indirect techniques like collage and transferred mark-making with direct drawing in wet or dry media. It can be pictorial with printed photos and found imagery or completely abstract. Fundamentally an improvisational mode of working, mixed media offers constant opportunity for adjustment and surprise.
In this workshop we begin by creating a cache of painted paper (matte acrylic on newsprint) in a broad range of colors. These swatches, when cut or torn to specific shapes, provide core material for the constructed compositions we will be making throughout the retreat. Combining them with drawing, painting, or transferred marks expands the process and stimulates invention. Through trial, error, and analysis, students explore the medium to discover visual preferences that reflect personal temperament.
Our relaxed studio atmosphere promotes focus and productivity. We emphasize experimentation over competition and encourage risk taking without pressure of judgment. Students support each other’s efforts in group discussion and the instructor circulates to provide helpful one-on-one guidance throughout the sessions.
David Hornung
David Hornung is a painter and collage artist whose work has been widely exhibited in the US and UK. Across a long career as an art professor, he has served on the faculties of The Rhode Island School of Design, Indiana University, Skidmore College, Pratt Institute, and Adelphi University. He is the author of Color: A Workshop for Artists and Designers (Laurence King Pub Ltd.), a color theory and practice textbook that has been translated into six languages and is used in art schools and private studios around the world. His work is represented by the J.J. Murphy Gallery in NYC, Elena Zang Gallery in Woodstock New York, Pulp Gallery in Holyoke Ma., and Cynthia Winings Gallery at Blue Hill, Maine.
What others have to say about David’s teachings:
“I have been fortunate to have taken five workshops with David Hornung on color, composition, and collages. He’s one of the most extraordinary teachers I have ever had. Students in our classes were on all levels, from beginner to formally trained artists with careers in art. David fashioned exercises that stimulated and challenged all levels. He presented daily power point slide shows that even incorporated students’ work from the previous exercises, which further enhanced the exercise. All of these classes are taught with David’s wry humor. I highly encourage anyone with the opportunity to enroll in any of David’s classes to sign up fast!”
- Wendy
“David is a marvelous and inspirational art instructor. I have taken several courses from him including a design course, a course on color theory, a course on collage, and a course on abstract painting and drawing. David's exercises are easy to follow and yield very interesting results. I have always been amazed by what I have been able to produce and come out feeling energized to produce more art in my own style. In addition to excellent exercises, David shares digital lectures on artists, both living and deceased resulting in fascinating discussions regarding technique as well as why the artist's compositions are so successful. David also shares his own artwork and his process. He will show the beginning of a painting and take us through its evolution which is incredibly interesting. Finally, David is a master of quotations that he shares with the class throughout the course. He is brilliant as well as subtly humorous at finding relevant words that portray the moment! “
-Sarah
“I have had the great privilege to take several of David Hornung's workshops over the past two years and have been consistently impressed with his ability to share his expertise with a delightful mixture of humor and humility. In both the Collage and Color workshops, I came away brimming with new techniques and approaches for my own practice. I discovered new artistic influences and perspectives through David sharing examples of both contemporary and historic artists. As an art teacher myself, his Design workshop has been an invaluable source of inspiration and practical exercises that I have gratefully brought into my own classrooms. Throughout all the workshops, David guided me and the other students with honest critique, encouragement to stretch past habitual methods, clear demonstrations, and excellent presentations. He has a wealth of experience, a curious mind, and a keen eye and he shares it all with wit and warmth.”
-Joan
What you will learn
• Techniques that open possibilities for mixed media improvisation.
• How experimentation can help you get beyond habit and expand your expressive range.
• How to make your work more specific and more personal.
• How intention and chance each animate the creative process.
• How mixed and constructed media developed from early Modernism to the present.
• About contemporary mixed media work that artists are making.
What’s Included
Morning and afternoon teaching sessions with David Hornung
6 nights accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - authentic, farm to table cuisine ( wine available for purchase!)
Indoor painting studio
Massages and spa treatments available for an additional fee
How it Works
When you register for the retreat, you have two payment options. You can choose a payment plan (3 payments), or to pay in full.
If you choose the payment plan, your credit card will be charged for one-third (1/3) of the total retreat fee and the two following payments will be automatically charged as follows: second payment of one-third (1/3) will be charged 30 days after registration, and the final one-third (1/3) will be changed 60 days after registration.
You can find more details in our FAQ below.
The heart of Old Québec will be your home for the week.
Le Monastère des Augustines
Our home for the week is a beautifully restored 17th-century monastery tucked within the historic walls of Old Québec. Stepping inside, you’ll leave the noise of everyday life behind. Nearly four centuries of history surround you - quiet stone corridors, peaceful gardens and courtyards, soaring historic spaces, and the beautifully preserved architecture of the former Augustinian cloister.
But this is far more than a historic building. Thoughtfully restored to blend its remarkable past with contemporary comfort, Le Monastère is dedicated to rest, reflection and well-being. It is the kind of place that naturally invites you to slow down, notice more and reconnect with your creative practice.
And just outside its doors is Old Québec - a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, cafés, galleries, restaurants and endless visual inspiration.
For an art retreat, we can't imagine a more inspiring combination: a peaceful place to create, a remarkable place to stay, and one of North America's most beautiful historic cities waiting just outside the door.
Spaces are limited - intentionally!
If you’re feeling the nudge - trust it.
Accommodations & Costs
Single
Private room that features a queen bed and ensuite bathroom.
$5,150 USD
Double
Shared room that features 2 twin beds and ensuite bathroom.
$4,350 USD
Note that images shown of rooms are for reference only and may not be the exact room you reserve.
The retreat is located in historic Old Québec. Here are some of the remarkable places to visit close to the retreat venue for your pre/post travels!
FAQ
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The retreat will take place in the heart of Old Quebec City. We recommend flying to the Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) . The airport is approximately 25 minutes from the retreat center.
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This retreat accommodates 16 artists.
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Accommodations for this retreat include single and double occupancy. Please read the room descriptions in the section above this FAQ. Accommodations are on a first come, first served basis and all reservations must be completed through this website.
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This retreat includes painting instruction with David Hornung (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodations for 6 nights.
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Airfare, trip insurance, transportation to/from retreat, supplies, alcoholic beverages, tips for staff, art supplies, spa treatments, travel before or after the retreat and/or any personal purchases made.
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When you register for the retreat, you have two payment options. You can choose a payment plan (3 payments) or to pay in full. If you choose the payment plan, your credit card will be charged for one-third (1/3) of the total retreat fee and the two following payments will be automatically charged as follows: second payment of one-third (1/3) will be charged 30 days after registration, and the final one-third (1/3) will be changed 60 days after registration.
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We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at retreats@artfuelstudio.com. All payments are billed in US Dollars.
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Yes, trip insurance is required and must be purchased within 14 days of your retreat purchase. Please read our Terms & Agreements (link below) for more information regarding insurance requirements.
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ARTfuel retreats are non-refundable and non-transferable. Our full cancellation policy can be found in our Terms & Agreements (link below).
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Our retreats can often accommodate vegetarian, gluten free, lactose-free and other common food sensitivities. Please note that other specific diets (e.g. FODMAP, keto, vegan) cannot be accommodated. We will send a questionnaire prior to the retreat asking for your requests so the venue is prepared. Please reach out to us if you have any specific food diets not listed above prior to signing up so we can confirm we can accommodate your request.
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Below is a short list of supplies needed, but you'll receive a full list with specifics in advance of the retreat.
Acrylic Paint
Matte medium
Disposable palette
Hot pressed watercolor block
Newsprint paper
Cutting tools -
Once you have made your initial payment, a receipt will be sent to your email immediately. A second email with more information about the retreat will arrive within 72 hours of booking. If you do not see these emails, please check your junk, spam, or promotions folders.
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To view the ARTfuel Studio Retreats Terms & Conditions, please click HERE.
