Saturday/Sunday, January 30th-31st, 2027 | 8am-12pm
$150 (Materials not included) I $285 (All-inclusive)
Watercolor: A High Desert Workshop
What to Expect
This 4-hour watercolor workshop focuses on Watercolor painting practices, technical considerations, color theory, and art history. In this course we will focus specifically on the palettes and overall painting approaches used by J.M.W. Turner, including the expressive artistic exercise known as “Skying.”
***Please note that this is NOT a step-by-step, introductory painting course, but questions are greatly appreciated and always encouraged.
***Due to environmental considerations, we will not be using solvents and participants will be responsible for cleaning their supplies off-site.
***We will be painting En Plein Air, in the High Desert Wilderness. Participants must be able to stand, sit, walk/hike for the duration of the class, as well as, carry all materials and supplies to and from the painting locations. If you are unable to attend classes due to the aforementioned requirements, please contact us to discuss private painting lessons.
SaturdayCapturing the Spirit
Arrival/Introduction8:00-8:15 am
Walk to Painting Location/Setup8:15-8:30 am
Discussion/Demo on working from light to dark, the wet-on-wet technique.8:30-8:45 am
Closing/Q&A11:30-11:45 am
Watercolor Sketching8:45-9:45 am
Discussion on the practice of "Skying" and how it can influence our artistic expression. Discussion on Color Theory9:45-10:00 am
Break/SnackReturn to Cowboy Shack/ Departure11:45-12:00 pm
10:15-10:45 pm
10:00-10:15 am
10:45-11:30 am
Watercolor SketchingSundayRadical Acceptance
Arrival/Introduction8:00-8:15 am
Walk to Painting Location/Setup8:15-8:30 am
Discussion on Composition and Scale.8:30-8:45 am
Closing/Q&A11:30-11:45 am
Painting8:45-9:45 am
Discussion on the practice of "Skying" and how it can influence our artistic expression. Break/SnackPaintingReturn to Cowboy Shack/ Departure11:45-12:00 pm
10:15-11:30 pm
9:45-10:00 am
10:00-10:15 am
FAQs
Do I need to bring my own Art supplies and materials?
1
Yes, each participant is responsible for purchasing and bringing their own art supplies and materials to class. Please refer to the “Recommended Supplies/Materials List” for the class you are attending. Please note that we take a minimalist approach to our supply list, as it allows participants to focus on what is most essential—the act of painting itself. If you have any additional questions regarding Art materials/supplies, please contact us via email.
I have never painted before, should I attend one of your classes?
2
Our classes are typically not intended for first-time painters. Private lessons are available for those who are interested in beginner/introductory painting instruction.
What is the High Desert Classroom?
3
We will be meeting and painting in the Galisteo Basin Preserve, a High Desert landscape consisting of 12,000 acres. It is a desert wilderness, home to snakes, coyotes, birds, cacti, juniper trees, piñon pines, and other wild plants. It is often very hot, and at times, windy—but this place is also a great teacher.
I have a physical, and/or medical condition that would prevent me from attending your class in the High Desert. What can I do?
4
The High Desert Classroom does require the ability to walk, hike, stand, sit, and carry your supplies to and from the painting location. The landscape is often hot and the terrain can be challenging. If you are not able to attend in a safe way, please contact us and we can schedule private lessons, using the same curriculum, or customize lessons to meet your needs in a more suitable environment.
I have attended other painting workshops, what is different about this one?
5
Aside from painting in the wilderness, what makes this painting class different, is that we are not teaching you to paint like someone else—we are guiding you to your own artistic vision. Questions are always welcome and strongly encouraged, but there is very little, step-by-step instruction. This class has been carefully curated in a very specific way to breakdown the barriers to the creative process, and provide a wellspring of artistic understanding to its participants.
How many paintings will I paint?
6
Well, that depends. Some participants choose to work on multiple pieces over the course of the class, while others may only complete one painting. Some artists discover a new understanding of what a finished painting is.
Are participants given homework assignments?
7
Aside from painting in the wilderness, what makes this painting class different, is that we are not teaching you to paint like someone else—we are guiding you to your own artistic vision. Questions are always welcome and strongly encouraged, but there is very little, step-by-step instruction. This class has been carefully curated in a very specific way to breakdown the barriers to the creative process, and provide a wellspring of artistic understanding to its participants.