Join artist Michele Wiesen for a fun and creative day of painting as you create your own portrait of Wowzee, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary's magnificent primary buck.

Workshop Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026

 Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

 Location: Museum Art Studio

 8035 Indian Lore Dr

 West Bend, WI 53090

Cost: $150 per person

 Includes all paint supplies, a pre-drawn 11" × 14" canvas, and personalized instruction.

Class Size: Limited to 20 participants.

No drawing experience is necessary! Each canvas will be pre-drawn, allowing participants to focus on painting techniques and creative expression. Throughout the day, Michele will guide students step-by-step while sharing tips and techniques used to create successful wildlife paintings.

Hour 1: Welcome & Painting a Peaceful Snowy Background

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Welcome, introductions, and overview of the day's painting process.

Michele shares the story behind Wowzee, Shalom's magnificent primary buck.

Since all canvases are pre-drawn, participants can immediately begin painting.

Using large flat brushes, students create a peaceful Wisconsin snowy backdrop, blending blue, purple, pinks, and beige with white to create snow.

Add soft background tree trunks and subtle woodland details to create depth and atmosphere.

Hour 2: Establishing Wowzee's Base Colors

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Begin painting the buck's foundation colors using layered earth tones.

Learn how to block in major shapes and create dimension through simple value changes.

Establish the major shapes, values, and distinctive features that make Wowzee such a memorable wildlife subject.

Lunch Break & Artist Demonstration

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Relax, visit with fellow artists, and enjoy lunch while paint layers dry.

Michele will demonstrate several image transfer and copy methods used by artists to accurately place subjects on canvas.

Learn simple techniques that can help you prepare future paintings and wildlife portraits of your own.

Ask questions and gain insights into Michele's artistic process.

Hour 3: Building Form, Fur & Detail

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Develop Wowzee's rich autumn coat using layered color techniques.

Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.

Learn how highlights, shadows, and color temperature work together to create realism and depth.

Refine facial features, neck structure, and body contours.

Hour 4: Painting Wowzee's Signature Antlers

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Paint Wowzee's impressive rack with step-by-step instruction.

Learn techniques for creating realistic antler texture, form, and natural coloration.

Focus on painting his unique drop point and beautifully polished tines.

Add subtle highlights to create realism and depth.

Hour 5: Fine Details & Finishing Touches

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Add detail to the eyes, ears, nose, and facial markings.

Learn how small adjustments create expression and realism.

Refine fur textures and final highlights throughout the painting.

Receive individual coaching and personalized feedback.

Hour 6: Final Details, Signing & Showcase

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Complete final touches and highlights.

Sign your finished painting.

Share your work during a mini gallery walk.

Group photo with completed paintings.

Leave with your own finished 11" × 14" portrait of Wowzee.

What You'll Take Home

✅ A completed 11" × 14" acrylic painting of Wowzee

 ✅ New wildlife painting techniques and skills

 ✅ Knowledge of artist image-transfer methods

 ✅ Individual guidance from artist Michele Wiesen

 ✅ A memorable day of creativity with fellow art enthusiasts

Class size is limited to just 12 participants to ensure personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one assistance throughout the day.

🎨🦌 Reserve your seat early. This workshop is expected to fill quickly!