January 21 - 28, 2012

Painting in Plein Air and the Studio

(Open for pastels, oils or water media), with
Master Artist
Albert Handell
-For beginners with some experience, to advanced artists

Plein Air Painting demo with Albert Handell

What to expect:
Imagine the best art workshop vacation of your life: Painting in a charming fishing village
and other exotic locals along the gorgeous Pacific coast of Mexico , with master artist -
workshop leader Albert Handell! Immerse yourself in the joys of authentic Mexican village
life at one of the most beautiful and arts oriented locales in Latin America,
Casa de los Artistas, in the safe and serene village of Boca de Tomatlan,
10 miles south of Puerto Vallarta.


Albert Handell - La Puerta, oil, 17"x20"
"

A glimpse at the workshop and the weeks itinerary:
Arrange to arrive Saturday the 21 of January from noon on, at Puerto Vallarta International Airport,
where we will meet you and bring you to the Casa. You will be shown to your private room, with
balcony and wonderful views, settle in, refresh yourself - breath in the unique environment of the
Boca and then, in the late afternoon, join other participants on the second floor of the Casa in the
main dining and living area for a snack and to meet and greet one another. We will have a short
orientation and then at approximately 6:30 we will cross the river to have dinner at Ramones'
Hauchinango ("Red Snapper") Restaurant, (this is a fishing village after all, though there are other
things on the menu as well, to accommodate all varieties of diets). We dine on the beach with our feet
in the sand as we become acquainted with one another and watch the sunset over the magnificent
Bay of Banderas, waves lapping on the shore just a few yards away.


Albert Handell - The Essence of Palms, 17" x 16", Pastel

This workshop will be an intensively rewarding and meaningful experience of study and painting with Master Artist Albert Handell. The workshop is geared toward all levels of student/artist of the landscape, who work in pastels, oils, or water media. For your convenience, the Casa studio is open 24 hours. You are urged to come in early, before breakfast if you like. The morning demonstrations by Albert will begin right after breakfast, (approximately 9:30).

During this week, Mr. Handell will demonstrate three of his favorite and
well known painting techniques:

1. PURE PASTEL – From beginning to finish

Albert Handell - The Coyote Fence, 14" x 16", Pastel


2. MIXED MEDIA PASTEL- starting with watercolor for his under-painting and
finishing with pastel

Albert Handell - A Spring Morning, Santa Fe, Pastel/Watercolor, 14" x 18"

3. OIL PAINTING – Albert starts by establishing transparent oil color washes, through-out
the entire canvas. He then selects and paints a specific area in detail, followed by working from
this center of interest out, finishing his painting with vibrant palette knife and brush work.
TRULY AN EYE-OPENING DEMONSTRATION-!!


Albert Handell - Peaceful Flow, 30" x 36", Oil

Subjects demonstrated in each of Alberts workshops:

• THE PAINTING OF TREES and their rhythmical inner workings


Albert Handell - Very Early Spring, (Dogwood), Pastel, 12" x 18"


• THE PAINTING OF A MOUNTAIN STREAM, WATER FALLS AND MOVING WATER etc.


Albert Handell - Spring Thaw, 12" x 24", Oil

• THE SUBJECT FOR THE THIRD DEMONSTRATION is open and varies from
workshop to workshop


Albert Handell - Late Evening Glow, Oil, 60" x 40"


Another gourmet meal is prepared and served by the Casa chef Ruby and her assistant at approx. 12:30 - 1 and after lunch is siesta till approximately 3pm. This is your time, - work in the studio if you like or engage yourself in one of the myriad of additional activities available to you at the Casa, (see below)

In the afternoon sessions, Albert will give individual, in depth help to each artist at their easel.

This is a workshop that you definitely don't want to miss. If you’re ready to take your
painting to the next level, spend a week relaxing in the tropics, learning and having fun with one of the great contemporary painting masters - sign up now!



Albert Handell - oil, Summer Swirl, Taos 24" x 18"

Additional activities available at the Casa:
When you’re not painting: during the siesta and Friday, your time is your own. Your hosts will
offer you three wonderful activities during the week, which are included in the cost of your
trip (see below for more details). Or you can relax on the beautiful beach, stroll through
the botanical gardens, photograph the charming village, take a siesta, visit the zoo,
go hiking, walking, sea kayaking, zip lining, shopping in the Mercado, or exploring the galleries
and cafés. You can enjoy peaceful alone time, or hang out with other guests.
Information & Registration: (413) 625-8382

Your All-Inclusive Cost Includes this and more:

• For Participants: 5 Workshop days - after breakfast to lunch, approx. 3 hrs. in the studio,
then after lunch and siesta, 3 more hours of painting, and some evenings, (Sunday thru
Friday). Friday is free time -spend it finishing some painting, explore, relax - and then
a late afternoon/evening “critique” and “fiesta” celebrating participants work
The workshop ends with this extensive critique of the student/artist work, including paintings
created during the workshop, and if possible, examples of previous work painted before the
workshop (bring 6 or 8 photos, slides, digitals, or originals). You will receive specific
recommendations based on that overview, so that you can continue sensibly on your
own after the workshop.
— More than 30 hours of Workshop time, (schedule is flexible to accommodate excursions)

• For Everyone:7 nights accommodation (single or double occupancy -No extra charge for
a single!) • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners at Oceanside restaurants/all drinks included •
Painting, Lunch and tequila-tasting at mountaintop hacienda • Puerto Vallarta excursion for
gallery walking tour, shopping & city life • Boat Trip to explore the gorgeous coastline with
opportunity to see whales, dolphins, giant mantas/optional snorkeling at Los Arcos National
Coral Reef Park, then on to a fabulous picnic at an exotic secluded beach,
(bring your camera and sketch book!)
• Round trip ground transportation from P.V. airport to Casa

Workshop fee does not include round trip airfare from your city to Puerto Vallarta International Airport, expenses for personal items and
gratuities for the Casa cooks and house care persons
(please click here for details).


The atmosphere: Bob Masla and Monica Levine have created Casa de los Artistas with love and
joy; they are committed to the growth of the individual on a creative and spiritual level, and they
have crafted a stress-free environment of acceptance for their guests. A sense of family often
develops among the participants in the workshops at Casa de los Artistas. The tropical fishing
village of Boca de Tomatlan near Puerto Vallarta is on the same latitude as Hawaii. Typical weather
in January is high 70's to low 80's, dry and sunny. With its spectacular natural beauty, it’s
a painter and photographer’s heaven.
You must be in reasonable physical health to access the Casa.
The studio is on the third floor and you must be able to navigate uneven terrain (paths) and cobblestone unassisted. 

But that’s not all; make sure you bring your camera and sketchbook or journal, as there
are numerous cultural excursions as well. Visit the exotic Botanical Gardens for photography and
sketching and take in it's extraordinary beauty, we will visit the Mt. town of El Tuito to
sketch and stroll it's Plaza, visit a traditional bakery, having lunch and tequila tasting at
a hacienda restaurant, overlooking the mountains and the agave plantation for painting in plein air,
(with opportunities for horseback riding.)
We will also be taking a trip into Puerto Vallarta for shopping the
Mercado, visiting crafts shops, walking the Malecone (boardwalk) and experience the lively arts
scene. There will be a boat trip to explore the gorgeous coastline and spectacular rock formations,
as well as to swim or snorkel at Los Arcos National Coral Reef Park, with opportunities for seeing
sea turtles, whales, dolphins and abundant fish, then on to a secluded beach for a wonderful picnic.
Other wild life is right at hand, from the balcony of your room you can view tropical birds and
observe the local unspoiled Boca. Watch (and participate) as the simple authentic Mexican village life
unfolds around you. This quaint fishing village unspoiled by tourists, is a rare treat off the beaten
path. Words don’t actually do justice to the wonderful adventure in store for each participant.

"A Breath of Fresh Air Among the World of Ordinary Workshops"
- Tom Lynch, renowned watercolor artist and workshop instructor

  Come, relax and paint in this fun and exhilarating workshop.
In the playful, nurturing and supportive environment of Casa de los Artistas exploration is
encouraged and creative expression is cultivated


“This trip was the best I have had. I came with a loved one who
was doing the workshop, so it was a vacation for me.
“FANTASTIC” is the only word I could use and even it is not enough.
I have had some Great Trips before, but This Tops Them All -
Bar None!” -Charles Duncan, Plano, Texas - 2010, Casa Participant Guest


"There are no words to describe the educational/artistic experience at the Casa - it was top notch!
...more than an art workshop, my week at the Casa has been an incredible life altering
event that has nourished my mind, body and soul, - refreshing my creative spirit!"
- Maggie O'brien, Director, Middletown Art Center - (Casa workshop participant)


“What a special spot. I remember the beauty of the ocean and the mountains, the warmth and
friendliness of the people, the dogs and children free to explore on their own without fear.
I remember our wonderful Casa hosts Monica and Bob, Ruby’s gourmet food on the balcony,
dinners on the beach. I felt taken care of from the moment I got to PV airport until Monica
delivered me back again one week later. -Sylvia Rosenfeld, NYC. - Casa Participant



Reservations for this workshop are limited and are on
a first come basis!

Total Cost of this Casa Workshops per Person: $1,895.00,
Non-participant shared bed guest: $1,095.

Non-Participant private room guest: $1,395.

Early Bird Special: Register by October 31, $1,795.00 - Save 100.00


SEMINAR IS LIMITED —
REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE!
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT EARLY
You can reserve your place with a $500. credit card deposit, (no surcharge)
(refundable till August 31, 2011),
or pay in full (surcharge applies)
using our secure paypal system.

Workshop Prices paid with Credit Card on PayPal
Non-participant guests

To learn More About Albert Handell
visit the link below

www.AlbertHandell.com

Albert Handell - Interior Falls, 20" x 40", Oil

To see more of Bobs work and to learn more about him
visit the link below

www.maslafineart.com


Art Workshops/Vacation-Retreats
to find out more contact:
Monica and Bob at (413) 625-8382
www.maslafineart.com
email us : bob@maslafineart.com
or contact Karla and Steven at Boca Divers
011 52 322 228 0713 www.bocadivers.com