And then I Become the Teacher

Guiding new art travelers through the luminous world of watercolor.

​​I had the honour to join a recent women's retreat hosted by Dee Rock of Untamed Tours at Cameron Lake where I met a group of wonderful ladies and taught watercolour painting using my winter images of on my most recent page "Light in Landscape".

The retreat kicked off with a great food, lighthearted icebreaker, filling the space with laughter and easing everyone into a sense of connection. This was followed by an energizing session of Buti Yoga, blending movement, breath, and music to set a powerful tone of openness and shared energy. From the very start, the mood was one of warmth, encouragement, and a willingness to embrace the experience together.

I had the joy of guiding 10 wonderful participants through a landscape painting class, where they explored the art of capturing sky, mountains, and trees. It was incredible to watch each person's vision take shape as they experimented with techniques that were often completely new to them. Seeing their confidence grow with every brushstroke was truly rewarding!

Here are some of the paintings created! Some at the beginning of their journey and others continuing their adventures in watercolour art.

A Weekend of Creativity, Community, and Adventure

This past weekend was a beautiful blend of creativity, connection, and adventure in the heart of Tumbler Ridge. The itinerary was packed with enriching activities—yoga, cross-country skiing, macramé, drum circles, quilling, and snowshoeing—all paired with great food and warm, rustic accommodations.

While I wasn’t able to participate in everything, I was continually amazed by the talent, generosity, and spirit of those who led and taught throughout the weekend. Tumbler Ridge is home to some truly incredible individuals who share their skills with such enthusiasm.

Michelle Chisholm—an artist in her own right—brought an infectious energy to the event, hosting yoga sessions, leading the drum circle, and guiding some of the skiing adventures. Catherine Hebison shared her expertise in macramé, while Carol Lui introduced participants to the delicate art of quilling. Meanwhile, Jolaina Wildhahn kept everyone well-fed with her incredible cooking, ensuring that every meal was as nourishing as the experience itself.

Behind the scenes, Darcy Stanyer kept the generators running so we had light throughout the weekend. He also prepared the ice for the daring few who braved the polar dip—donning their bathing suits in the dead of winter to plunge into the freezing lake.

It was a weekend filled with laughter, learning, and a deep appreciation for the people who make this community so special. These moments remind me why Tumbler Ridge is such a wonderful place—not just for its stunning landscapes but for the amazing people who call it home.

Would you take the plunge into an ice-cold lake? Or would you stick to something a little warmer, like a drum circle by the fire? Let me know in the comments!