SANTA FE ARTIST GETAWAY

I just returned from the Santa Fe Artist Getaway, where I attended an abstract painting workshop. Never been to Santa Fe. Never painted abstract paintings. Much. Well, a few abstracted landscapes. But I wanted to learn more about the process. So, I booked an abstract expressionist painting workshop in Santa Fe in a bit of a mid-life-crisis move.

Turns out it wasn’t much of a mid-life-crisis move after all. Apparently, people do it all the time. I met a wonderful group of women artists from different parts of the country—all who had traveled to Santa Fe Artist Getaway alone. And I thought I was stepping out of my comfort zone. Well, I was. But I guess it’s not that unusual.

First of all, our instructor Beverly was lovely.

Kind, patient, inspiring, and oh so talented. Both as an artist and an instructor. She encouraged us, gently prodded us to push a little further, and taught us new techniques and ways of thinking. 

The space. It felt healing. And nurturing.

The Santa Fe Artist Getaway is truly that. An artist getaway. Beautiful big windows, stunning views, great light, and a front porch. Spacious, both inside and the surrounding outdoor space. All nestled in the wide open spaces of New Mexico.

As an added bonus, there was coffee and other beverages available throughout the day. And get this…Beverly prepared us healthy lunches each day which were over-the-top delicious. My favorite was enchilada day! I’d almost go back to the Santa Fe Artist Getaway for her cooking.

The workshop.

We painted for four days and discussed mark making, materials, color, composition, movement, and the history of abstract expressionism, among lots of other things. We also learned new ways of painting and had time and space to experiment and use our own voices.

I’m not sure where this workshop will take me as far as my painting voice, but I know that it expanded my work in a way that I needed. Look for a new collection of abstracts based on my trip, and read more about how I spent my time while I wasn’t painting. Lots of art galleries, museums, shopping, and food.

Want to read more about Santa Fe? Here’s my mini travel guide of the places I visited in Santa Fe. Or, want to read more about other cities? Here are a few of my travel collections, including the story behind the Italy collection.