Wisconsin
Learning at Lake Geneva: Watercolor, History & Lakeside Beauty
Program No. 25531RJ
Unleash your creativity in beautiful Lake Geneva! Under the guidance of an expert, refine your watercolor skills while exploring the region’s artistic inspiration and rich history.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Lake Geneva, WI
2
Understanding Watercolors, Landscape Painting, Local History
Lake Geneva, WI
3
Boat Excursion, Explore the town of Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva, WI
4
Still Life Paintings
Lake Geneva, WI
5
Final Classes, Art Show
Lake Geneva, WI
6
Program Concludes
Lake Geneva, WI
At a Glance
Discover the beauty of watercolor painting in the inspiring setting of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Under the tutelage of an expert instructor, learn the basic skills to capture serene landscapes, still life paintings and the historic charm of this lakeside retreat. Step back in time at historical sites like Black Point Estate and Gardens, the Baker House or the Yerkes Observatory. Delve into local history as a historian brings Mary Sturges to life, the woman whose family helped shape Lake Geneva into the “Newport of the Midwest.” This beginning watercolor class will give you the techniques you need to bring your inner artist. Join us on an immersive workshop that blends creativity, history and the natural beauty of Wisconsin’s beloved lakeside town!
Activity Level
Easy Going
Getting on/off a Transit van & tour boat. Walking up/down 100 steps from boat dock to historical estate.
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…
- Learn watercolor techniques from an expert instructor and accomplished artist as you capture the beauty of Lake Geneva, and complete multiple paintings during the week that will then be displayed during our art show.
- Step into the late 1800s and learn why wealthy Chicagoans built stately mansion along the shore of Geneva Lake.
- Discover downtown Lake Geneva during free time, exploring gems like the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation Gallery 223, the Geneva Lake Museum, Donian Wetland Nature Preserve and Library Park.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This is a Road Scholar Retreat program. Our Retreat programs offer a tranquil respite from daily life in locales that lend themselves to outdoor exploration, reflection, or study. The accommodations may be basic in nature, but the facilities offer communal spaces to gather and to relax.
Featured Expert
All trip experts

Lisa Dukowitz
Lisa Dukowitz grew up and currently lives in southeastern Wisconsin. She taught painting for over 20 years in a variety of settings including college and upper-level high school. She earned her MFA in drawing and painting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts and studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She has won awards in both teaching excellence and art competitions. Her mixed media artwork is rooted in nature and has been exhibited in public art events, juried exhibitions, and Midwest travel publications.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Scott Litwiller
View biography
Scott Litwiller is a career educator. As an elementary teacher, principal, and superintendent, Scott enjoyed developing and improving programs. He brings this same approach to the Road Scholar programs hosted by Covenant Harbor and enjoys interacting with other life-long learners.

Lisa Dukowitz
View biography
Lisa Dukowitz grew up and currently lives in southeastern Wisconsin. She taught painting for over 20 years in a variety of settings including college and upper-level high school. She earned her MFA in drawing and painting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts and studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She has won awards in both teaching excellence and art competitions. Her mixed media artwork is rooted in nature and has been exhibited in public art events, juried exhibitions, and Midwest travel publications.
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.
Learning at Lake Geneva: Watercolor, History & Lakeside Beauty
Program Number: 25531
The Watercolorist's Essential Notebook
With this book, Gordon MacKenzie clarifies and simplifies the process of painting with watercolors. There are a few versions of this book, but the same basic material is covered.
Images of America: Geneva Lake
Through a re-telling of oral histories of people and places from the Geneva Lake area, the reader discovers an appreciation of its community and beauty.