Join us for an immersive three-day painting retreat at the beautiful Breakers Art Gallery in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Each afternoon from 1–4 PM, you’ll explore techniques of painting waves and tropical scenes, unleash creativity, and connect with other ocean-inspired artists in a relaxed and inspiring environment just steps from the sand.
3-Day Painting Retreat in Cocoa Beach, Florida 🎨
September 25–27, 2025 | 1–4 PM Daily
Location: Breakers Art Gallery, 142 N. Orlando Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL
Cost: $595 per person
What’s Included:
– 3 days of guided painting sessions
– Light refreshments each day
– A welcoming creative community
Medium Guidelines:
Water-based/acrylic paint is preferred but if you have experience, you are welcome to work in oils. Participants to bring their own supplies - a supply list will be provided upon signup.
*Reference will be provided for painting sessions
Workshop Description:
Day 1 - FUNDAMENTALS OF WAVE PAINTING. We will cover how waves work (a bit of science) 2.) What elements make a great wave painting 3.) how to render each of those elements. 4.) How those elements apply to a myriad of wave compositions. All this will be covered AS WE PAINT- Learn as you do!
Day 2 - TROPICAL SCENES - In this segment we will take what we've learned in day 1 and incorporate it into a TROPICAL WAVESCAPE by adding palms, clouds, beach, rocks and any other elements that help tell the story.
Day 3 - BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER -In our final day, we will attempt to bring it all together into a painting you can be really proud of. You can focus on waves alone or continue in the tropical wavescape motif. This will also be a day to go over with Wade "where the lightbulb went on" and how you can take what you've learned back to your home studio!
Wade Koniakowsky’s focus is capturing Polynesian dreamscapes and the related emotional tie we have with far away lands. His vibe intersects with those same emotions–unspoiled, nirvana-esque landscapes, islander portraits, and ephemeral visions that make you want to sell it all and travel.” Jim Moriarty, past President of the Surfrider Foundation.
About Your Painting Teacher. Wade Koniakowsky is one of the nation’s leading ocean-inspired artists. Wade began painting at the age of six and started surfing when he was 12. By blending these two passions, he has gained worldwide recognition for his oil paintings of tropical settings. Wade was selected by Vans as the artist of the 2018 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, the event that culminates the WSL surfing world tour. He has taught painting workshops for the last 10 years.
Please Note:
– Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. –The closest airport to Cocoa Beach, Florida, is Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB). It's located approximately 22 miles south of Cocoa Beach. The drive from MLB to Cocoa Beach takes about 30 minutes. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is another popular option, located about 52 miles west of Cocoa Beach. The drive from Orlando to Cocoa Beach is roughly 50 minutes via FL-528. Some travelers prefer MCO due to its larger selection of airlines and potential for better deals.
Why Cocoa Beach?
When you’re not painting, enjoy everything this iconic beach town has to offer:
– Surf’s up! Cocoa Beach is one of Florida’s most beloved surf spots.
– Visit the Kennedy Space Center, just 30 minutes away, for an unforgettable NASA experience.
– Stroll the historic Cocoa Beach Pier for shopping, seafood, and stunning ocean views.
– Take in local charm with beach bars, indie boutiques, and sunrise walks along miles of shoreline. – Visit Ron Jon Surf Shop- the world's largest surf shop!
- Visit https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34145-Cocoa_Beach_Brevard_County_Florida-Vacations.html
– Visit https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central-east/cocoa-beach/ for more things to do!
Limited spots available — reserve yours early!
Whether you're reigniting your creativity or diving deeper into your artistic journey, this retreat is designed to inspire.
Cancel by August 22nd for a full refund.
