Flower Farm Series: Three Wednesdays of Plein‑Air Watercolor from a Vintage VW in Lake Ann

LAKE ANN FARM FIELD GUIDE

Flower Farm Series: Three Wednesdays of Plein‑Air Watercolor from a Vintage VW in Lake Ann

A three‑week watercolor Roaming Studio that begins with an open‑air studio primer at the Almira Historical Society and moves to scenic northern Michigan locations — this guide explains the flow, logistics, and what to expect.

Flower Farm Series: Three Wednesdays of Plein‑Air Watercolor from a Vintage VW in Lake Ann.

Duration
5 to 6 Hours
Location
Lake Ann
Operator
Wander with Direction
Category
Farm
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Join a three‑week watercolor adventure in northern Michigan that begins with studio basics under the open‑air pavilion at the Almira Historical Society, then moves into the landscape as participants travel together in a vintage VW bus to paint outdoors, gather inspiration, and leave room for spontaneous local side trips.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE STUDIO

An open‑air primer at the Almira Historical Society

The series opens with a relaxed studio session at the Almira Historical Society’s pavilion where participants assemble watercolor kits and practice foundational techniques to prepare for field painting.

THE JOURNEY

Roaming studio in Atlas, the vintage VW

On field days the group travels together in a stylish vintage VW bus to selected northern Michigan painting locations, turning the transit between sites into part of the creative experience.

THE FIELD

Three hours of plein‑air painting and room for side quests

Each field session includes about three hours of open‑air painting at scenic locations, with time afterward for a spontaneous side quest — perhaps a swim, a farm‑stand stop, or a cool drink at a nearby winery.

What the day feels like

What a session feels like

The series unfolds across three consecutive Wednesdays: a first, grounded studio day to assemble supplies and practice techniques, followed by two field sessions where the group departs in the VW bus to a painting site, spends roughly three hours working outdoors, and then takes a relaxed, optional detour before returning late afternoon.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most from this series — and who should plan accordingly.

1
Plein‑air PaintersIdeal for painters who want guided outdoor sessions and the chance to work in the landscape after a focused studio primer; the itinerary centers on painting time in scenic northern Michigan locations.
2
Beginners & ReturnersWell suited to those newer to watercolor or returning to practice: the first gathering covers assembling kits and foundational techniques before heading into the field.
3
Day‑long OutingsA good match for people able to commit 5–6 hours per session; each field day includes travel, roughly three hours of painting, and an afternoon return.
4
Spontaneous ExplorersAppeals to travelers who enjoy a loose itinerary that allows for spontaneous side activities — swims, farm‑stand stops, or a nearby winery visit are built into the day.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Schedule

Each three‑week Roaming Studio series is held one day per week on consecutive Wednesdays; field sessions begin at 10 AM and the day typically ends around 3 PM.

Meeting Point

Meet at 19440 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI 49650 for the studio session and for departures on field days.

Duration

Plan for a 5–6 hour commitment on session days, which includes travel, painting, and time for an optional post‑painting side quest.

What to Expect / What to Bring

The first session is used to assemble watercolor painting kits and practice foundational techniques; subsequent field sessions focus on plein‑air painting. Bring any personal materials you prefer, and be prepared for several hours outdoors.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is each session?

Each session runs about 5 to 6 hours.

Where do we meet?

The meeting location is 19440 Maple St, Lake Ann, MI 49650.

When do field sessions start?

Field sessions begin at 10 AM.

What happens at the first gathering?

The first gathering takes place at the Almira Historical Society’s open‑air pavilion to assemble watercolor kits and practice foundational watercolor techniques in a relaxed studio setting.

How much painting time is there on field days?

On field days the group spends about three hours painting outdoors at the chosen location.

Is there time for other activities?

Yes — after the painting session there is room for a spontaneous side quest such as a swim, stopping at a farm stand, or visiting a nearby winery before returning mid‑afternoon.