Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Pennsylvania
Watercolor Workshop in the Poconos
Program No. 16912RJ
Learn our instructor's unique teaching style and insightful approach while she inspires your creativity and improves your watercolor skills beside the beautiful Delaware River.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
May 4 - May 9, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025
DATES & PRICES
| No shuttle | Roundtrip airport transfer |
|---|---|
|
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Mar 23 - Mar 28, 2025
Apr 13 - Apr 18, 2025
May 4 - May 9, 2025
Oct 12 - Oct 17, 2025
Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
1
Check-in, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Class
Shawnee on Delaware
2
Watercolor Landscape Instruction, Local History
Shawnee on Delaware
3
Watercolor Wildlife Instruction, Development, Concert
Shawnee on Delaware
4
Watercolor Instruction, Free Time, Animal Presentation
Shawnee on Delaware
5
Final Classes, Art Show
Shawnee on Delaware
6
Program Concludes
Shawnee on Delaware
At a Glance
Amid a thriving arts community brushing the banks of the Delaware River and the serenity of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, your surroundings help you turn professional instruction into watercolor mastery on this exceptional artistic adventure. Study the principles of watercolor painting through the interaction of water, color, paper and brush; investigate watercolor tradition with exposure to the work of the masters of the medium; and, from this, develop your own personal style.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Minimal walking.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy the tutelage of an accomplished, professional artist with national awards in her body of work.
- Complete multiple paintings during the week that will then be displayed during our art show.
- Explore your perception of beautiful landscapes with the majestic Delaware Water Gap as the inspirational setting.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal and a live performance or event. Please refer to the supply list for recommendations of what to bring. Reference material will be used for some paintings, which Shawnee will provide. Do not hesitate to call with any questions prior to purchasing additional items on the list. The watercolor paper is of the utmost importance, but some of the other items can be substituted. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Toni Chaplin
Toni has lived most of her life in Northern New Jersey, currently in Sparta. Since her first sale at the age of fourteen, she has been fulfilling her dream of being a professional artist. Her paintings can be found in both public and private collections, and she has studied with wonderful artists like Arleta Pech, John Salminen and more. Her primary mediums are watercolor and acrylic and finds inspiration in the beauty of nature. She teaches at Sussex County Community College and other locations.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Toni Chaplin
View biography
Toni has lived most of her life in Northern New Jersey, currently in Sparta. Since her first sale at the age of fourteen, she has been fulfilling her dream of being a professional artist. Her paintings can be found in both public and private collections, and she has studied with wonderful artists like Arleta Pech, John Salminen and more. Her primary mediums are watercolor and acrylic and finds inspiration in the beauty of nature. She teaches at Sussex County Community College and other locations.
Midge McClosky
View biography
Midge McClosky is the cultural program director for the Shawnee Institute, executive director of the Shawnee Playhouse, and the artistic director of the Worthington Players. Before moving to Shawnee, Midge worked as a professional actress, singer, and dancer performing musical theatre in 49 of the 50 states. Her extensive credits cross over into film, television, commercials, voiceovers and live industrials. She and Chris, her husband of more than two decades, have two grown sons.
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Watercolor Workshop in the Poconos
Program Number: 16912
Watercolor Composition Made Easy
Professional looking paintings depend on good composition. David Becker makes it easy: simple keys to composition, taught in a very visual, easy-to-grasp way, that the watercolourist can apply immediately for successful results.'
NOTE - If you cannot locate this book, any books on watercolor composition and perspective will be helpful.
Exploring Color
Unlock the secrets to gorgeous, expressive, unforgettable color!
Finding color combinations that not only work but excite the eye is one of the greatest challenges artists face. This updated and expanded 30th anniversary edition of the North Light classic Exploring Color teaches artists of all mediums and skill levels how to use and control color in their artwork and shows how exhilarating and enjoyable the ride can be.
Popular art instructor and best-selling author Nita Leland will help you take any artwork you make to new color heights. Memorable paintings from more than 30 contributing artists are inside to inspire you, along with 75+ hands-on exercises, 8 step-by-step demonstrations and countless nuggets of color knowledge--all in your own private workshop!
Learn how to master color mixing, assemble the perfect palette for your artistic goals, select just the right color scheme, and communicate color in a way that elevates your designs way beyond the ordinary. Start a handy journal to keep track of your discoveries, with customized mixtures, color wheels, reference charts and other tools designed to uncover your color personality and help you work with color more efficiently.
Nita knows that the quest for perfect color can be fun, and it can be yours. So stop guessing, and start exploring!
"Beautiful color is no happy accident. Color can be learned." --Nita Leland
NOTE - If you cannot locate this book, any other book on color use and control would be beneficial.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
5B, 3L, 5D
)
10 expert-led lectures
7 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Orientation, Class
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware
Meals:
D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Inn check-in from 4:30 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After you check in at the front desk and get settled into your room, join your fellow Road Scholars in the hospitality room to socialize until the Welcome Dinner begins. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. We will offer each day an invigorating stretch session. Our hands-on watercolor workshops will be directed by a professional artist with national awards in her body of work. We will have designated workspaces for the entire program and will lock the room at night for safety and security. We will complete multiple paintings on the subject matter assigned by our instructor and display our work during a closing art show. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
7:00 p.m. at the Inn.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:45 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will meet our watercolor instructor, learn about her experiences as an artist and teacher, review the materials list and learn a handful of tips and tricks to help you blossom and grow this week. Bring all your supplies to this class. The studio will be open afterwards if you would like to paint on your own. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Watercolor Landscape Instruction, Local History
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretch session available mid-day. Extended periods of sitting while painting.
Breakfast:
In the Inn’s River Room Buffet.
Morning:
We will begin instruction and painting with landscapes — natural scenery such as mountains, valleys, trees, rivers, and forests, especially where the main subject is a wide view — with elements arranged into a coherent composition. Sky is almost always included in the view, and weather is often an element of the composition.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
Our watercolor workshop will continue with opportunities for individual instruction and critiques on our landscapes project.
Dinner:
At the Inn.
Evening:
We’ll gather for a historical presentation in Shawnee's own museum. This lecture features a fascinating introduction to the rich history of our area presented by a local Historian. The studio will be open and available for those who want to work independently to complete and dry projects.
Day
3
Watercolor Wildlife Instruction, Development, Concert
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretch session available mid-day. Extended periods of sitting while painting.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We explore watercolor wildlife. By its nature, watercolor is willful and notoriously difficult to master. It blooms like a flower on paper, like a plant growing beyond the confines of the medium. So, to render wildlife in watercolor is quite a challenge.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
For our next class, we will have discussions and consultations with our instructor who will provide individual instruction and critique focusing on our current wildlife project. We will have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Brick Oven Pizza at the ShawneeCraft Brewery.
Evening:
The Shawnee Institute concert series, open to the public, presents a variety of performing groups throughout the year. In tonight’s concert, we’ll hear local musicians. This is a great opportunity for community engagement with the audience member and performers.
Day
4
Watercolor Instruction, Free Time, Animal Presentation
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Extended periods of sitting while painting.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
Our focus today will be on the timeless beauty of still life painting. By painting flowers, fruit, and other still life subject matter with watercolors, we will receive comprehensive art instruction for identifying and executing the shapes we find in these painting compositions.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. The studio will be open should you like to use your free time to continue to work on your paintings.
Dinner:
At the Inn.
Evening:
Join us for a LIVE animal presentation from The Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center! Gain insight to animal senses and the physical adaptations that allow them to survive. The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center was founded in 1983 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1988. Licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the PWRC serves Monroe, Lehigh, Northampton, Wayne, Pike and Luzerne Counties. The facility takes in more than 2,400 animals annually including fawns, owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, squirrels, rabbits, songbirds, foxes raccoons, and bears.
Day
5
Final Classes, Art Show
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretch session available mid-day. Extended periods of sitting while painting.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We will continue to paint to our heart’s content with instruction from our expert. She may start an additional painting or devote this time to working on the previous work of the week. All the while, we will have discussions and consultations with our instructor who will provide individual instruction and critique focusing on our individual projects.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
We will spend the afternoon making final adjustments in preparation for this evening’s art show, ultimately setting up the displays and putting away our supplies.
Dinner:
At the Inn. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Our pieces will be displayed in the hotel for viewing by Road Scholars and any interested members of the public. The art show will provide opportunities to display the techniques we have learned. We will take our pieces home after the art show.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Inn check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the Inn. This concludes our program. There are no formal activities this morning, but we are invited to partake in the many activities offered through the recreation department and Spa at the Shawnee Resort. While many activities are free, there are some that do require reservations and/or payment.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
- Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
- Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
- May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 27 Reviews
Sort By:
Fantastic program! Highly recommend!
— Review left November 16, 2024
If you’ve never tried painting with watercolors and would like to do so, this program is a must. The instructor introduces new concepts at a a pace that ‘newbies’ can assimilate and you will learn SO MUCH!
— Review left November 2, 2024
Toni Chaplin is a wonderful instructor who worked well with our group who had very diverse experiences with watercolor from beginner to those with more advanced skills. As a solo traveler I found the group to be very welcoming and there was no time when I felt uncomfortable.
— Review left October 7, 2024
Toni was a wonderful instructor...knowledgable, warm, encouraging and such a great sense of humor. Along with painting techniques, she also taught about supplies, mixing colors, tips for correcting errors, and matting/framing. She is well worth the program fee. Liz was her assistant and worked very hard to accommodate any personal needs or requests and to make sure we were well informed about meals, other activities and special events. She kept the prograam organized and on schedule. Both Toni and Liz were so welcoming, approachable, and available to all participants. Thank you both for making this a wonderful experience.
— Review left September 28, 2024
The instructor was teaching beginners and experienced painters and all enjoyed her step-by-step method. She made sure everyone understood how the process works and sometimes why things didn't work. It was a very enjoyable course.
— Review left April 22, 2024
This was my first trip with Road Scholar and it was a test to see if I would like to continue taking trips with them. It surpassed my expectations and I loved the watercolor class at the Poconos! The teacher was the BEST! Traveling solo, I was nervous about not knowing anyone. However the great people from all over the country made me feel comfortable right away! I will definitely sign up for more Road Scholar trips!
— Review left April 17, 2024
I particularly liked the class instructor!
— Review left April 13, 2024
Excellent opportunity for both beginners and intermediate artists. Step-by-step instructions included many tips, tricks and fixes along the way.
— Review left November 26, 2023
Toni Chaplin has a gift to bring out the best in each student.
— Review left November 11, 2023
The program went beyond my expectations! My Instructor Toni is Gifted, Nuturing, Kind..even in coaching!! The place Shawnee Inn! So very nice and welcoming! Food was great! The history of the place for the workshop Amazing as well as the paticipants and group leader Liz. I signed up for next year!!
— Review left October 21, 2023
If you love to paint with watercolors, if you want to try watercolors, if you have lots of experience, a little experience or no experience at all, but might like to try something new, this a a wonderful class to Join! Toni Chaplin is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. You will love the time spent. I also want to recommend the lovely Swanee Inn. Food is good, rooms are comfortable. I loved the vintage quality of this inn. The beauty of the surroundings are great. What a wonderful experience!
— Review left September 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this trip. As a beginner, I was worried that I would not be able to keep up with the other students. That didn’t happen. Toni Chaplin was a great instructor. She taught the beginners the basic while helping to improve the skills of the more advanced students. I learned a lot about subject matter and color mixture. My fellow travelers added to the experience, sharing their ideas, learning from their successes and mistakes. The Shawnee Inn and Golf resort was beautiful. The rooms were comfortable, the food delicious and the staff helpful. I personally recommend the facial and massage. I can see why so many students are repeat participants.I have already signed up for next year.
— Review left June 25, 2022
I highly recommend taking Toni Chaplin’s watercolor classes, an excellent instructor for new or experienced painters.
— Review left June 20, 2022
Toni Chaplin is a gifted watercolor painting instructor. Even if you have never painting anything in your life, you will be amazed at how much you will learn and the art you will produce.
— Review left June 11, 2022
One of the best instructors I've ever worked with, and I learned so much! We covered so many topics during the week that I feel prepared to continue learning at home. I'm already enrolled in a future session. Totally recommend for painters at all skill levels.
— Review left April 19, 2022
This course is great for beginners or advanced painters. Toni gives individual instruction to meet your needs. It's a great course!
— Review left April 18, 2022
Great experience. Very enjoyable as a beginner. Toni is a great teacher!
— Review left November 21, 2021
Toni Chaplin is an amazing artist and a fantastic teacher. She presented multiple subjects and techniques with lots of demonstrations and targeted coaching over the course of the week. Experienced and novice painters, alike, learned new watercolor skills!
— Review left October 30, 2021
I loved this course. Toni Chaplin is a great instructor, knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. She provided a great number of practical tips and techniques and as a result I feel that my painting skills have improved greatly. The setting was beautiful and meeting people from all over the country added much to the experience. I hope to repeat this program in future.
— Review left September 20, 2021
Toni Chaplin is a wonderful teacher. She demonstrated her teaching over and over again helping each student individually as needed. I loved this class and cannot wait until I can take another one of her classes, because she has so much to give us.
— Review left September 18, 2021
The Watercolor Workshop in the Poconos with Toni Chaplin was just amazing. The location is beautiful and the accommodations were lovely. The best part however was the instructor. Toni Chaplin is an accomplished and talented artist with years and years of experience. But her true strength is that she is an amazing teacher. She teachers, allows her participants to apply and practice the skill, then she helps each artist individually all while being amazingly supportive. My confidence level went though the roof working with her. Her approach makes this workshop a perfect choice whether you have painted a very short amount of time, or whether you are an accomplished artist of many years experience. There is something for everyone. Her techniques, tips, and tricks have wide application for each person to use in their own art when they return home. And she is just delightful! Very humble and supportive. Also each participant got as much one on one time as they needed. The is a wonderful program and I highly recommend it to any watercolorist. You will come away relaxed, rejuvenated, and with a feeling that this was a week well spent. It is also a great value for the money.
— Review left June 8, 2019
I will recommend Road Scholar to my family and friends. I am extremely satisfied with the Level of professionalism and accommodations. It is an experience I will not forget. The best workshop experience I've had. Thank You
— Review left June 8, 2019
This is the best way to travel anywhere in the world. It's like getting a second family both from the group you go on and the staff at your destination.
— Review left June 7, 2019
If you are interested in learning watercolor painting or if you desire to improve your existing skills, this program is for you. You will be amazed at what you will accomplish in this short week.
— Review left June 2, 2019
I had no watercolor experience and very little art experience of any kind but was able to keep up with the class and produce paintings I'm proud of, all thanks to the incredible instructor, Toni Chaplin.
— Review left May 18, 2019
If you are thinking about taking a watercolor class with Toni Chaplin, sign up today. She is excellent and you will love the class.
— Review left May 17, 2019
If you love to paint, Paint in the Poconos with Toni Caplin!
— Review left May 4, 2019
