What Student Say

“Gretchen is calm and approachable, and really helps demystify the art of landscape painting. She gives you confidence you can do this, no matter what your background. She has thought of every detail – all you need to do is show up and be prepared for a lovely experience.”

— Tiffany MacNeil, Activities Manager, Calistoga Ranch

"Dear Gretchen, Thank you very much for the incredible afternoon. The setting and the set up, your skill and passion in breaking down the lesson into very chewable and digestible bites. The color mixing was indeed over the top for me. Truly thank you, thank you, thank you! It makes me excited to know that we will have guests that will have the same experience!"

— Valerie Beck, Owner . Cottage Grove Inn, Calistoga

"Dear Gretchen, We want to thank you for the fabulous experience painting in the vineyards yesterday. We both had a fun and relaxing time, and we think our paintings turned out much better than expected! The experience was great from start to finish. The setting was picturesque and the set-up of the easels and paints accented the scene perfectly. The luncheon was delicious. Your guidance was very helpful and we both felt like we learned a lot and came home with a great painting. I am planning on telling all of my family and friends that this is a unique and wonderful way to experience the Napa Valley."

—Remi Cohen, Vineyard Manager, Marryvale, St. Helena

"Gretchen, Jason and I had a fabulous time. We are dying to do it again. It is such a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. You are a great teacher, we both learned so much. We keep looking at our paintings in awe that we were able to create that in one class. Bravo to you for having this vision and for making it such a great experience for the students!!!"

— Marissa Stubbs, Special Events, Marriott, Napa Valley

"Hi Gretchen!!! I think all the thanks should go to YOU!
(I have a thank you card in the mail, but couldn't stand waiting to share my gratitude for this experience.) You are a fantastic teacher. I learned a lot, both about landscape painting as well as my own abilities. Being in such a remote location, not accessible by the masses made the day feel extra special."

— Jaime Chiang, San Francisco

“Joining Gretchen for a landscape painting workshop is an exquisite way for our clients to relax and take some time off from wine tasting. It will cultivate your creativity while enjoying the spectacular views of Napa Valley through an artistic eye.”

— Linda Swearingen, Owner, Napa Valley Tour Company. 

"Ms. Kimball has created a fantastic sensory experience for visitors and residents of the Napa Valley. The element of active participation allows each person to view and express their own perspectives of the beautiful Napa Valley on canvas, thus memorializing their experience."

— Christopher Hill, President, The Christopher Hill Gallery, St. Helena