Create, Connect, and Explore at The Inn at Newport Ranch
Artists in Residence Series
Creativity thrives at The Inn at Newport Ranch, where 2,200 private acres of dramatic coastline, ancient redwoods, rolling meadows, and ever-changing light inspire artists year-round. The 2026 Artists in Residence Series welcomes Gyotaku master Dwight Hwang for immersive retreats that blend artistic instruction, exploration, and connection to nature. Building on the success of past retreats, including two acclaimed programs led by Windy Chien that resulted in a permanent Ranch installation, these intimate experiences invite artists and enthusiasts to learn from masters in one of California's most inspiring settings.
Upcoming Talent:
Dwight Hwang - Dwight Hwang is one of the world's leading practitioners of Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese art of fish printing, which he discovered after a successful career as a storyboard artist in the film and animation industries. His acclaimed "living impressions" have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and created in collaboration with organizations including Patagonia and NOAA. Through his work and teaching, Dwight combines technical expertise, storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Living Impressions
The Art of Gyotaku with Dwight Hwang
November 1–6, 2026
Join internationally acclaimed artist Dwight Hwang for a five-night retreat exploring Gyotaku, the centuries-old Japanese art of nature printing. Set across 2,200 private acres of dramatic coastline, old-growth redwoods, rolling meadows, and nine distinct microclimates, this immersive experience invites guests to observe the natural world and transform it into lasting works of art. Under Dwight's guidance, participants will learn both traditional Gyotaku and European nature printing techniques, creating layered compositions inspired by Newport Ranch's extraordinary landscapes. Whether an experienced artist or curious beginner, guests will enjoy a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world's foremost practitioners in one of California's most inspiring coastal settings.
Begin your artistic journey with an introduction to the history, philosophy, and traditions of Gyotaku. Dwight will share the origins of this centuries-old practice while demonstrating the techniques and creative process that have made his work internationally recognized.
Guests will create their first prints while learning the fundamentals of composition, ink application, and impression-making. Participants will also receive guidance on collecting natural materials that will be incorporated into later works.
Art begins with observation.
Today is devoted to immersing yourself in the extraordinary landscapes of Newport Ranch while gathering the natural materials that will become part of your final creations.
Spanning 2,200 private acres and encompassing nine distinct microclimates, Newport Ranch offers an ever-changing canvas of coastal bluffs, old-growth redwood forests, fern-lined canyons, meadows, eucalyptus groves, and windswept ocean vistas. Guests are encouraged to wander, photograph, sketch, collect leaves and botanical specimens, or simply slow down and observe the intricate textures, patterns, and forms found throughout the property.
Optional wellness experiences, including morning yoga and guided mindfulness activities, offer additional opportunities to deepen your connection to the landscape and sharpen your creative perspective.
This day of exploration serves as both inspiration and preparation for the artistic work ahead, allowing participants to gather the natural elements that will later be incorporated into their Gyotaku and nature-printing compositions.
Expand your artistic toolkit through the practice of European nature printing. Using sumi ink and oil paints, participants will learn techniques for capturing the intricate textures and forms found in leaves, grasses, ferns, and other botanical elements collected throughout Newport Ranch.
This session introduces the complementary techniques that will ultimately be combined with Gyotaku to create layered, one-of-a-kind works of art.
Building upon foundational skills, guests will continue their exploration of traditional fish printing techniques using locally sourced fish selected for their unique textures and forms.
Participants will create larger and more detailed compositions while intentionally leaving space within each piece for the botanical elements that will be added during the final stage of the process.
On the final day, participants will bring their work together by combining Gyotaku and nature printing into completed mixed-media compositions.
With Dwight's guidance, each guest will create a finished piece that reflects both the natural beauty of Newport Ranch and the timeless traditions of this remarkable art form.