SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS OF NEW ZEALAND

DECEMBER 3-19- 2024

photo Leader Daisy Gilardini

Artist in Residence David McEown

The Snares / Macquarie Island / Bounty Islands / Chatham Islands /Antipodes Islands / Auckland Islands / Campbell Island

This expedition has huge appeal to pelagic enthusiasts, penguin fanatics and those interested in island endemics.

For those aspiring to capture every penguin species, this expedition brings you remarkably close to your goal. You'll have the opportunity to photograph endemic penguin species such as the Yellow-eyed, Snares Crested, Royal, Erect-crested, as well as non-endemic species like Gentoo, Rockhopper, and King penguins.

In addition to the diverse penguin species, there will be ample opportunities to photograph various species of Albatross, including Southern and Northern Royal, Light-mantled Sooty, Buller’s, Salvin’s, Wandering, and Chatham Island Albatross.

contact us if you’d like to receive the detailed itineary and/or proceed with the booking.

SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO- NORWAY
small group of only 10 guests on Yacht!

Photograph, sketch and paint the arctic wonders of Svalbard.

Renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.

David McEown , artist in Residence
For information please request a Brochure

Note, Trip is now Sold Out, please request a spot on the wait list

KATMAI NATIONAL PARK

AUGUST 31st  to SEPTEMBER 8th, Photography and sketching GRIZZLY BEARS IN ALASKA

Private charter - small group of only 6 guests - only one spot available! For more information please request a brochure .

Gibsons School of the Arts

4 Day Studio Watercolour Workshop on the sunshine coast, Gibsons , BC.

July 8 -11, 2024

Explore watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and essential techniques. Enhance your perception, way of “seeing”, and connectedness to the earth with this travel-friendly medium. Through guided perception exercises and step by step demonstrations, participants will learn to paint transparent watercolours inspired by  nature. Light filled west coast forests and sunrise intertidal beach scenes will be our main subjects to  during this 4 day studio session.

(Intermediate to advanced and even suitable to artists new to watercolour but with some art background)

Registration now open! (CLASS NOW FULL WITH WAIT LIST)

Join RCGS Ambassadors
Wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and artist David McEown
aboard the MV Cascadia with Maple Leaf Adventures for this special Canadian Geographic trip.
June 7-15, 2024

Haida Gwaii, formally known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago of islands on the continental shelf off Canada's west coast. Join us for an 8-day adventure by land and sea. You'll explore the famed, rich marine life and rainforests, as well as the Haida culture. Includes the whole archipelago, from north to south, ancient to modern, including Gwaii Haanas and UNESCO World Heritage Site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints).

information and booking!

We will spend a full 11 days/10 nights aboard our privately chartered yacht sailing the
Galápagos Islands. That allows us to visit all the significant islands and gives us
the best chance for wildlife viewing.
We typically go ashore twice a day to observe and record the unique wildlife —
the same plant species and animals Charles Darwin encountered when
formulating his theories of evolution and natural selection in 1835.
Our days are full and involve both early-morning and late-afternoon excursions,
to catch animal activity at its peak and take advantage of the best light for
photography and sketching and painting in watercolour. Snorkeling sessions are available most days.
Evenings are set aside for natural history presentations, photo workshops, art demo and lessons plus
image reviews from the Tour Leaders. Viewing of the night sky at this time is
incredible, as there is no interference from ambient, artificial light from human
settlements. We search the night sky for the Southern Cross and other
constellations not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.

SOLD OUT, please contact David for waitlist information and brochure

Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C, Canada

Watercolour workshop and retreat, with David McEown 

May, 2024. Inspired by the ocean shoreline, ancient forests and mountains of Canada's west coast we will explore watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and learn essential techniques as we  paint directly from nature. We also will practice perception exercises to enhance our, way of “seeing” and connectedness to the earth with this travel friendly medium. Accommodation, and healthy gourmet meals also available, plus access to many of the other activities offered at Hollyhock; yoga, meditation, bodywork, sea kayaking and nature tours.

REGISTRATION NOW AVAILBLE !

OPEN STUDIO EXHIBITION

Join us at the Ontario studio for an exhibition featuring David’s watercolour originals inspired by nature, including Plein-air paintings, studio painting and a selection of giclée prints.

Saturday, November 18th, from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, November 19th, from 10 am to 6 pm

414 Becker Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario.
Street parking and refreshments will be available!

A wide selection of artwork on display can be found on David's Store Page.

Join RCGS Ambassadors
Wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and artist David McEown
aboard the MV Cascadia for this special Canadian Geographic trip.
Sept. 03 - Sept 10, 2023

It is a land of fjords, mountains, rainforests, and great river estuaries. It is home to grizzlies, wolves and the mysterious white Spirit Bear. This special trip with Canadian Geographic is timed for peak experiences of natural beauty and wildlife.

information and bookings

Photography and sketching in Africa with Daisy Gilardini and David McEown

(sold out) contact us for more information and wait list.

• Sunday, July 16, 20234:00 PM
  Wednesday, July 26, 20238:00 AM

3 nights in the Kalahari Desert

4 nights Chobe NP - Namibia side

3 nights Chobe NP - Botswana side

KHUTZEYMATEEN GRIZZLY BEAR SANCTUARY
BRITISH COLUMBIA - CANADA
8 DAYS - JUNE 5TH TO 12TH - 2023
Small group of 10

(SOLD OUT!)

Recent video from from David’s Blog! Khutzeymateen

Photo leader Daisy Gilardini
Artist in residence David McEown
For full brochure and registration form
please e.mail daisy@daisygilardini.com

SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO- NORWAY
small group of only 10 guests on Yacht!

Photograph, sketch and paint the arctic wonders of Svalbard.

Renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.

David McEown , artist in Residence
For more information and bookings please visit Amazing Views Photo Tours

Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C, Canada

Watercolour workshop and retreat, with David McEown 

May, 2023. Inspired by the ocean shoreline, ancient forests and mountains of Canada's west coast we will explore watercolour’s magical flowing spontaneity and learn essential techniques as we  paint directly from nature. We also will practice perception exercises to enhance our, way of “seeing” and connectedness to the earth with this travel friendly medium. Accommodation, and healthy gourmet meals also available, plus access to many of the other activities offered at Hollyhock; yoga, meditation, bodywork, sea kayaking and nature tours.

More information and registration! (Course is SOLD OUT, however view registration for waitlist)

SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO- NORWAY
small group of only 10 guests by Yacht

Photograph, sketch and paint the arctic wonders of Svalbard.

Renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.

David McEown , artist in Residence
For more information and bookings please visit Amazing Views Photo Tours

Program Description . During this two-day course, artist David McEown will provide step by step demonstrations that will explore composition, working from a value sketch and transcending photo reference into an original intricate studio painting inspired by the mountain landscape.

2 Saturday sessions,

David will record and edit each session in which participant will get a link to replay the lessons.

Jan. 21st, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Jan. 28th, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

(Available spots have now been SOLD, please follow the link to be added to the waiting list)

Registration and further information.

“This virtual studio program is a unique opportunity for practicing artists to fine-tune observational and technical skills under the guidance of David McEown, an award-winning artist, and a master of watercolour painting.

Through guided perception exercises and live demonstrations, participants will learn how to paint scenes from nature and enhance their understanding of the environment. This online studio program aims to help artists develop a personal visual vocabulary while interpreting sketches and transcending photo references.

4 Autumn 2022 Saturday sessions, with a new landscape subject each week.

David will record and edit each session in which participant will get a link to replay the lessons.

Nov 5, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Nov 12 , (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Nov 19, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Nov 26, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Class sold out

Registration and further information.

It is a land of fjords, mountains, rainforests, and great river estuaries. It is home to grizzlies, wolves and the mysterious white Spirit Bear. This special trip with Canadian Geographic is timed for peak experiences of natural beauty and wildlife.

information and bookings

Cspwc/scpa Watercolour Paint Out “Plus”, held in the beautiful Village of Harrison Hot Springs, BC. August 22-27, 2022

David McEown will give a presentation on August 26 th, 1-3 pm. Information about the wonderful instructors, plein air painting events and registration can be found at https://cspwc.ca/cspwc-scpa-watercolour-paint-out-plus-20

Northern British Columbia , Grizzly Bear viewing.

Photography , video , sketching.

(sold out ) wait list

Daisy Gilardini Photo Guide

David McEown artist in Residence

We are pleased to announce a creative photography and opportunity to sketch and paint in the High Arctic , with Amazing Views
SVALBARD ARCHIPELAGO- NORWAY
11 days with a small group of only 10 guests
Sold Out
I am thrilled to be doing this trip along renowned wildlife photographer Daisy Gilardini and an expert crew and Polar Guides.
For full brochure with detailed information and bookings
please e.mail me

We will spend a full 11 days/10 nights aboard our privately chartered yacht sailing the
Galápagos Islands. That allows us to visit all the significant islands and gives us
the best chance for wildlife viewing.
We typically go ashore twice a day to observe and record the unique wildlife —
the same plant species and animals Charles Darwin encountered when
formulating his theories of evolution and natural selection in 1835.
Our days are full and involve both early-morning and late-afternoon excursions,
to catch animal activity at its peak and take advantage of the best light for
photography and sketching and painting in watercolour. Snorkeling sessions are available most days.
Evenings are set aside for natural history presentations, photo workshops, art demo and lessons plus
image reviews from the Tour Leaders. Viewing of the night sky at this time is
incredible, as there is no interference from ambient, artificial light from human
settlements. We search the night sky for the Southern Cross and other
constellations not visible in the Northern Hemisphere.

Tour Leaders , Tui De Roy, Daisy Gilardini and artist David McEown

Sold Out (wait list)

“This virtual studio program is a unique opportunity for practicing artists to fine-tune observational and technical skills under the guidance of David McEown, an award-winning artist, and a master of watercolour painting.

Through guided perception exercises and live demonstrations, participants will learn how to paint scenes from nature and enhance their understanding of the environment. This online studio program aims to help artists develop a personal visual vocabulary while interpreting sketches and transcending photo references.

4 Autumn 2021 Saturday sessions

Oct 23, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Oct 30, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Nov 6, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

Nov 13, (12:00pm to 3:15 pm (EDT) 

WORKSHOP IS NOW SOLD OUT

McMichael Canadian Art Collection online registration.

“This virtual studio program is a unique opportunity for practicing artists to fine-tune observational and technical skills under the guidance of David McEown, an award-winning artist, and a master of watercolour painting.

Through guided perception exercises and live demonstrations, participants will learn how to paint scenes from nature and enhance their understanding of the environment. This online studio program aims to help artists develop a personal visual vocabulary while interpreting sketches and transcending photo references.

4 Spring 2021 Saturday sessions (3 hours each)

April 17th (12:00pm to 3:00 pm (EDT) 

April 24, (12:00pm to 3:00 pm (EDT) 

May 1st, (12:00pm to 3:00 pm (EDT) 

May 8th (12:00pm to 3:00 pm (EDT) 

This workshop is now SOLD OUT, please contact David to be forward to wait list , thank you for your interest!

Registration available online.