{"title":"James Swanson","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt Golden Dog Farm, we’ve always believed that happiness is golden. This August, we’re bringing that belief to life in a whole new way with paintbrushes, a pond full of splashing Goldens, and one of the most celebrated dog painters in the country.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us for three very special events centered around award-winning artist James Swanson, whose breathtaking oil paintings of Golden Retrievers in water have earned him top honors at national exhibitions across the country. While happiness is sometimes hard to put into words, James always finds a way to capture it in his paintings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"when-art-imitates-life","title":"Brushstrokes of Happiness:  A Golden Retriever Focused Painting Retreat 8\/25-8\/27","description":"\u003ch4 align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Three-Day Workshop with Award-Winning Artist James Swanson\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch4 align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eAugust 25 - 27, 2026\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 10.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAt Golden Dog Farm, we’ve always believed that happiness is golden — and what could be happier than a pond full of splashing Golden Retrievers? When we discovered James Swanson’s breathtaking oil paintings of Goldens in water, we knew we had to invite him here to let art imitate our “happy’s” life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eJoin us for three unforgettable days painting, playing, and finding your own version of golden happiness — right at the source. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMeet Your Instructor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eJames Swanson is an award-winning artist celebrated for his extraordinary ability to capture the joy, motion, and spirit of Golden Retrievers in water. At Golden Dog Farm, he’ll be right at home — and so will you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYour Three Days at the Farm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis isn’t just a painting workshop. It’s a full immersion in everything Golden Dog Farm has to offer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAlongside daily instruction from James, your days will be filled by the world-famous Golden Retriever Experience, a Bee Experience, a Farm Tour (including how maple syrup is made), and of course, a Wine Tasting. Our resident Goldens — a genuinely happy bunch — will serve as your live models, whether they’re leaping into the pond, wrestling in the grass, or basking in the afternoon sun. And of course, the full happy of Butternut Goldens will be here to model during the Golden Retriever Experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBecause working with live dogs means embracing a little beautiful chaos, quick sketches are highly encouraged. Gouache is ideal for fast, energetic studies, and supplies will be on hand for everyone to try. You’ll also spend time collecting reference photographs — especially at the pond, where the dogs love to swim — building a rich library of material to fuel paintings both during the workshop and long after you’ve gone home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA more detailed itinerary will be sent to you after booking. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Studio Space \u0026amp; Materials\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Ira Allen barn (c. 1770) at Golden Dog Farm will serve as your primary workspace — a fitting spot to paint the adorable pups who give this stunning location its name.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 4.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlease bring:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eA plein air easel (lightweight recommended)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eBrushes and canvases\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0in 0in 8.0pt .5in;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eYour preferred oil painting supplies\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOils and gouache will be available at the farm, but as this is our very first art workshop, participants are responsible for bringing their own core materials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLodging \u0026amp; Meals \u0026amp; Transportation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 16.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAttendees are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations, and we recommend \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sterlingridgeresort.com\/?gad_source=1\u0026amp;gad_campaignid=290436290\u0026amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD-ohLZiEouryn-boA--bFi0ifE3L\u0026amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI15HVosbMkwMVUEL_AR28hgTiEAAYASAAEgL-hPD_BwE\" title=\"Sterling Ridge Resort\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSterling Ridge Cabin Resort\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, a short drive from the farm. A light breakfast and box lunch will be provided each day at Golden Dog Farm and refreshments will be available throughout. Dinners are on your own — there are great options nearby in Jeffersonville and in Stowe – about a 20-minute drive away. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eReservations \u0026amp; Cancellation Policy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpace is limited to 12 participants. (If you'd like to bring a plus one that won't be painting but would like to join us for the farm activities and lunches, we have that option as well.)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour plus one will be able to participate in the Golden Retriever Experience, the Bee Experience, the Farm Tour, and the Wine Tasting - as well as enjoy the light breakfast and boxed lunches. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA \u003cb\u003e50% non-refundable deposit\u003c\/b\u003e is required to reserve your space, with full payment due \u003cb\u003e60 days before (7\/1\/26)\u003c\/b\u003e the workshop begins. To make the 50% deposit payment, please give us a call at 513-808-6597. You can also make your payment in full now, but 50% of it will be refundable if your plans change. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 4.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eA few important notes:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eWe will monitor attendance and confirm whether the workshop will run at least 30 days prior to the start date — please plan your travel accordingly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0in 0in 20.0pt .5in;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eIn the unlikely event of cancellation due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, Golden Dog Farm will issue a full 100% refund.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-top: solid #C9A84C 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid #C9A84C .75pt; padding: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-top: 8.0pt; text-align: center; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #C9A84C .75pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 0in 0in 0in;\" align=\"center\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"\u003eHappiness is golden. Come paint it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Golden Dog Farm LLC","offers":[{"title":"Brushstrokes of Happiness Workshop","offer_id":48745993863419,"sku":null,"price":1399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Brushstrokes of Happiness Workshop Plus One (includes a second reservation for a non-painting participant)","offer_id":48745993896187,"sku":null,"price":1899.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4888\/3451\/files\/untitled-1-476.jpg?v=1775052859"},{"product_id":"a-happy-in-motion-august-28-3p-5p","title":"A Happy In Motion Aug. 28","description":"\u003cp class=\"s3\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eA Happy in Motion\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s5\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eExtended Golden Retriever Experience with Artist James Swanson\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s5\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eFriday, August 28, 2026  |  3:00 – 5:00 PM  |  $129.95\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s6\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eAt Golden Dog Farm, happiness is golden — and on this special Friday afternoon, you’ll get to watch it come to life on canvas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eJoin us for an extended two-hour Golden Retriever Experience, featuring a live painting demonstration by award-winning artist James Swanson. As Uncle Lenny and a full \"happy\" of Butternut Goldens splash, play, and do what they do best, James will be painting right alongside you — capturing the joy, motion, and spirit of the moment in real time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eThis is a rare opportunity to witness a masterful artist at work in the very setting that inspires him. Watch how he reads the light, responds to the dogs, and transforms a fleeting moment of golden happiness into something that lasts forever.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s9\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eNo painting experience required — just a love of dogs, art, and a golden good time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s12\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s10\"\u003eThis experience immediately precedes the \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"James Swanson's Artist's Reception\" href=\"https:\/\/admin.shopify.com\/store\/golden-dog-farm-vermont\/products\/9282013528315\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJames Swanson Artist’s Reception\u003c\/a\u003e from 5:30–8 PM (Free and open to the public!). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s11\"\u003eStay for the evening!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"s14\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s13\"\u003eHappiness is golden. Come watch it happen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Dog Farm LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48607161254139,"sku":null,"price":129.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4888\/3451\/files\/BB3I5376.jpg?v=1775052859"},{"product_id":"james-swanson-artist-reception","title":"James Swanson Artist Reception","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eAn Evening of Golden Happiness\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eJames Swanson Artist’s Reception\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"s5\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003eFriday, August 28, 2026  |  5:30 – 8:00 PM  |  Free Admission\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eThe paint is barely dry — and the paintings are ready to find their forever homes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s8\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eJoin us for a relaxed and festive evening at Golden Dog Farm celebrating the work of award-winning artist James Swanson. Fresh from a week of painting Dewey, Uncle Lenny and the Butternut Goldens in this idyllic Green Mountain setting, James will be on hand to share his work, talk about his process, and mingle with fellow dog lovers and art enthusiasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s16\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s15\"\u003eThe evening features:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"s17\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA curated showing of James Swanson’s paintings, available for purchase\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"s17\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCash bar\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"s17\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHors d’oeuvres\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"s18\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e• \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Curated Selection of our better-behaved dogs (or less food motivated anyway)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s9\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s9\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s7\"\u003eNo cover charge. No pretension. Just beautiful art, golden company, and the kind of happiness that’s hard to put into words, but is somehow always beautifully captured by James in his award-winning paintings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"s12\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s10\"\u003eThe reception follows an Extended Golden Retriever Experience (reservations required) at 3:00 PM. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s11\"\u003eArrive early and make a full afternoon of it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"s14\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s13\"\u003eHappiness is golden. Come celebrate it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden Dog Farm LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48607193792763,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0602\/4888\/3451\/files\/wet-1-small1600-4_b4019945-ff4a-45ec-b73b-205a0c4ce9d5.jpg?v=1775052859"}],"url":"https:\/\/goldendogfarm.com\/collections\/james-swanson\/family-farm.oembed","provider":"Golden Dog Farm LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}