Winter Escape: A Plein Air Adventure
Escape to the Warm Sun for a Week of Plein Air Painting with Eric Rhoads
February 5-12, 2027 • Saint Petersburg, FL
Escape Winter and Come to the Warm Sun for a Week of Plein Air Painting
Join PleinAir Magazine™ publisher Eric Rhoads for our exclusive winter “Publisher’s Invitational” Event and enjoy a week of sun, paint, and pure relaxation.
Live View From SkyBeach Resort
A Week Just for You
A week of painting, connection, and coastal light on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Leave your daily routine behind—no deadlines, no distractions, just painting. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a full week dedicated entirely to your creativity.
Wake up to warm Gulf breezes and shimmering waterfront views at SkyBeach Resort, our private beachfront retreat in St. Petersburg, Florida. Enjoy breakfast with fellow artists overlooking the bay, then head out to paint sunlit beaches, palm-lined paths, marinas, and the sparkling waters of Tampa Bay.
St. Pete is known for its vibrant arts culture, brilliant winter light, and colorful coastal character. From tranquil shoreline scenes to lively waterfront energy, every day offers fresh inspiration just steps from your room.
Evenings are for unwinding—coastal cuisine, sunset skies over the water, and relaxed conversation with artists who share your passion. Optional daily art displays give you a chance to share your work, celebrate progress, and grow in a supportive, welcoming environment.
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a creative reset in a place designed for ease, beauty, and inspiration.
All-Inclusive Package
Meet Your Host
Eric Rhoads is the founder and publisher of PleinAir Magazine™ and a passionate painter. He created these events to bring artists together without the pressure of shows or workshops and as a way to connect with fellow artists and enjoy the camaraderie of painting together. Eric’s warm, welcoming personality ensures that every attendee feels like part of the family.
Open to All Skill Levels
This isn’t a workshop—it’s a painting adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, everyone is welcome. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn from each other in a relaxed, supportive environment. It’s a perfect way to dive into the world of plein air painting.
Limited Spaces Available
To keep the experience intimate, attendance is capped at 100 participants. These events tend to sell out quickly, and this new winter edition will be no exception. Secure your spot today! Secure your spot today!
Eric Rhoads' New Winter Escape is the newest Publisher's Invitational Painters Retreat.
Spend a week painting with friends (we pick the spots or you can pick your own). Roll out of bed. We feed you breakfast, lunch and dinner, and we paint all day. In the evenings we sit up with friends talking art, painting portraits and singing! (Musicians welcome).
Our exclusive Publisher’s Invitational events are legendary. Invitations no longer required, everyone is invited. All levels of painters. Our goal is to have fun, make friends, paint together, and escape winter for a week in Sunny Saint Petersburg, Florida.
Everyone attending is equal, weather famous painters or just beginners.
Sadly, to keep it intimate, we restrict attendance to 100 people. You’re invited if you’re easy going, want to have fun and bring no drama!
Join Us February 5-12, 2027
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Shared Accomodations: $3,997 $3,097
Private Accomodations: $4,997 $4,397
Includes: Painting event, map, registration bag, 7 nights lodging, 8 days of meals, opening and closing party.
Meals: All meals are provided (no cooking or cleaning!). Please see Important Notes for special meal accommodations.
Vehicle: You’ll need a vehicle to travel to painting locations or have a friend with a car. Please plan to rent a car if you’re flying in or find ridesharing opportunities by joining the private Facebook group. You’ll be provided the link once you register for Winter Escape. This private page is a great way to get to know people, find a roommate if you need one, and make new friends before you arrive for the event.
Lodging: Attendees will be staying local to Skybeach Resort in either shared or private accommodations at Skybeach Resort.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation today – 07/01/26 = 100% refund, less a $150 processing fee
- 07/02/26 – 10/05/26 = 50% refund, less a $150 processing fee
- 10/06/26 or after = no refund