Forest Bathed in Watercolor

Make it a mindful holiday! Immerse yourself in natureʻs living work of art; reconnect with your own creativity. Makes a unique gift, too! In a private garden sanctuary nestled against the dramatic Koʻolau mountains on Oʻahu's Windward side, experience the deeply restorative therapy of the forest. Then further your discovery of calm and creativity when you mix color and water, and let your brush flow. Research shows that mindfully spending time in the outdoors, as well as making art can have a powerful effect on mental health. Hawai'i's first and most experienced certified forest therapy guide Phyllis (Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi) will offer a series of playful sensory-based "invitations" designed to help you reconnect with nature, with others, and with yourself. You'll get to wander through the unique tropical flora in the garden, spend quiet time listening to the forest, and sharing with others in your small group. Artist/writer/art teacher Tamara (tamaramoan.com) will then support you in expressing the sounds of the forest and gardens—birdsong, water, wind—with watercolor paints. You'll explore how to translate what our ears hear into color, shape, and movement on paper, using an intuitive approach that requires zero drawing skill or previous art experience. You’ll produce one or two paintings (9" x 12") and leave with your own watercolor souvenirs of your time in an artist’s garden. The session closes with a holiday-themed forest tea ceremony. Afterwards, you're welcome to visit the art galleries on the grounds. Peruse paintings and giclees by Hiroshi Tagami and Michael Powell. You might even find in the ceramics, sculptures, photography, jewelry, and textiles by local artists options for your gift list! What's included • guided forest bathing walk • supervised watercolor painting workshop • all materials for watercolor workshop • locally sourced forest tea & healthy refreshments • free admission to the art galleries onsite after the session Highlights Recommended by Lonely Planet as one of the ways to respectfully visit our islands. ** COMPLETED WAIVER REQUIRED by 24-hours in advance of event start time:** - Forest Bathing Hawaiʻi waiver