Workshop: Acrylic Painting - Impasto Pumpkins

NHG proudly welcomes our returning artist and popular teacher Melanie Brannan, whose series of acrylic workshops feature a different inspirational piece of art from a different artist each time that you'll reproduce. In this series, you'll have the opportunity to learn about new colors and techniques, along with something about the artist in each class you attend.

Celebrate the arrival of fall with a vibrant, hands-on painting workshop at NHG! Join Mel as she guides you through creating a bold, textured impasto pumpkin using a rich and unexpected color palette—think teal, cobalt, yellow oxide, and more.

You’ll explore both brushes and palette knives, learning key color theory and technique while drawing inspiration from beautiful pumpkins. With plenty of creative freedom, you’ll design your own colors and composition on a 16” x 12” canvas, using Golden’s Fluid and Heavy Body Acrylics.

All supplies are provided, and all skill levels are welcome—from curious beginners to seasoned artists. Come ready to play with texture, color, and the joyful spirit of fall.

$85. All supplies are included. In order to have the best in one-on-one instruction, our workshop is limited to 20 attendees. Arrive by 1:00 to purchase your wine and be seated as instruction starts promptly at 1:30pm.

Purchase snacks and a beverage from our next-door Cafe, sit down, and create with us in this fun workshop!

Melanie Montgomery Brannan lives in her paintings, moving around and getting lost in a serene place. With her creative talent, she captures emotions on canvas as her paintings evolve through her own personal perspective. Influenced by light, clouds and reflections, she uses layers upon layers to create a great deal of depth and movement. Colors and perception beautifully touch her work. Melanie paints with her heart as much as her brush. Her favorite style of art is impressionism, with Cezanne and Van Gogh among her favorite artists.

Her paintings are in homes in Texas, New Mexico, California, Alaska, Oregon, South Dakota, South Carolina, Ireland and Germany. Melanie moved to fine art and teaching after a long, prolific career in graphic design owning her own firm for 30 years. She has devoted collectors across the country and is represented by San Francisco Street Gallery in Santa Fe, NM, and starting in May at Horses in Motion Gallery in Tubac, AZ. You can see more of Melanie’s work at or @melaniebrannanartist.

Host or Publisher North Haven Gardens