WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Registration information
To guarantee enrollment, either a $100 deposit or payment in full is due 21 days prior to start of any class or workshop. After that date, please contact the class instructor directly to see if there is space available. You can pay online through PayPal or download a mail-in registration form and send it with your check. Please note: Members receive a $20 per class discount. To find out how to become an NMAL member and receive the discount, click here.
Cancellation and Refunds
There will be a $100 cancellation fee if you cancel your attendance within 14 days of the starting date of the class. Prior to that date, if you cancel your attendance, there is no cancellation fee and your payment will be refunded. Once the class has begun, there will be no refunds.
QUICK LINKS
Workshops Descriptions are in date order. If you wish to navigate quickly to a specific instructor's workshop, click below on the name of the class you wish to view. To see an instructor's biographical information, click on the instructor name in the Upcoming Workshops section below.
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
HOLLY ROBERTS * NEW!
Paint, Construction and Collage (WS175)
April 13, 14 and April 20, 21; Saturdays and Sundays, 9 AM to 2 PM
Tuition: NMAL Members $645 Non-Members $665
By layering paint with constructed images to build works out of a variety of materials the student learns to paint both supportively and expressively.
Visit Holly Roberts website.
Dramatic Florals workshop (WS114)
April 22–24, 2013; 9:00am-4:00 pm
Tuition: Members $307, Non-Members $327
In this three-day workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60" by 120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop – a more manageable size.
For the best learning experience, sketches and reference photos are provided to help guide you step-by-step through the learning process; you are welcome to bring your own reference photos and sketches if you prefer. Birgit suggests that you bring a few of your own photos to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful; beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid.
Still-Life Painting Workshop (WS119)
May 3–5, 2013; 9:30am–4:30pm
Tuition: Members $360, Non-Members $380
Qiang's approaches to still-life painting will be demonstrated with particular focus on composing dramatic setups by observing light distribution, and using bold and loose strokes to create a powerful and accurate representation on canvas. Personal attention will be given to each student according to his/her current skill level and personal goals in art. The business of art is also included in the workshop.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
Stronger Watercolors Through the Art of Simplification (WS129)
May 7–9, 2013; Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am –4:00 pm
Tuition: Members $260, Non-members $280
For thirty years, Eric has traveled the world painting a myriad of subjects, under every imaginable condition. These experiences have taught him how to assess the most complicated subject matter, and synthesize it down to its most basic elements. In this workshop, he will teach students how to see the world as a tapestry of interconnected shapes, rather than a conglomerate of individual objects. Through simplification, you’ll learn how to make your paintings stronger artistic statements. The classes will include lecture and demonstrations, with an emphasis on individual assistance. Mostly, we’re going to have a lot of fun. Both experienced and beginning watercolorists are welcome.
Contact instructor by email or call 719-845-1845 (home) or 719-680-3551 (cell); download registration form.
When Less Is More—The Art of Simplifying the Landscape(WS115)
May 13–15, 2013; 9:30am-4:30 pm
Tuition: Members $195, Non-Members $215
This workshop focuses on the process of seeing and painting the landscape in ways that enable artists to convey their intent quickly and effectively. Sessions will cover distilling the visual complexity of nature to a few compositional choices, use of limited color palettes and values and the economy of brush strokes.
Attendees should be of intermediate skill level and have some experience painting outdoors. Gear for plein air painting will be necessary. Studio and outdoor sessions will include demonstrations in oil. All mediums are welcome. Maximum 12 students.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
Short Pose Figure Painting—Moving Value Into Color (WS122)
May 17- 19, 2013; Friday-Sunday, 9:30am-4:30pm.
Tuition: Members, $235; Non-members $255, plus Model Fee of $35
The basis of strong painting comes from painting from life, designing beautifully simplified shapes in their correct values. We will paint from the clothed model in the environment, concentrating on designing the entire composition in relation to the figure. We will use brush and palette knife, progressing from five-minute to one-hour poses. This class will benefit the beginner as well as the long-time professional.
Michelle will help you improve your use of oil paint and teach you how to quickly see and paint with an emphasis on using color to create the effects of light and value. Learn to create form with color notes and learn how to see and paint light. Michelle will do demos throughout the workshop as well as provide plenty of individual instruction. This class will jolt you into “Level 2” painting- seeing as an artist, the language of the visual world. Upon Registration, please email the instructor for your Supply List and with any questions that you may have: mpchrisman@earthlink.net
Workshop Size: Minimum 6, Maximum 14 students.
Student questions prior to workshop are welcome; contact instructor by email or cell phone: 575-613-0443; download registration form.
All Genre Tutoring in Oils (WS127)
May 20-24, 2013; Monday-Friday, 9:30am–4:30 pm
Tuition: Members $460; Non-members $480
Robert will offer his knowledge, skill and experience to address your particular needs in the major genres....portrait, figure, still life, and landscape. You can view images of his work in all of these subjects on his website.
Still life should be done from your own objects, while the other genres can be painted from exceptional photos. There will be demos of methods and problem solving of your needs when pertinent. Please contact Robert with specific questions.
Contact instructor by email or phone, 505 892 7752 (home) or 385 7021 (cell) ; download registration form.
Expressive Watercolor Portraits from Photos (WS123)
May 29-30, 2013; Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Tuition: Members $170; Non-Members $190
Take the intimidation out of painting portraits once you discover they are comprised of shapes, colors and values like any subject. Learn to simplify and break the face down to paintable shapes by understanding how light falls across the forms. Understand facial proportions, features and appropriate lighting through demonstrations. Participate in discussion and experiments of how to create different flesh tones. After practicing with your own black and white reference photos, let loose with confidence to enhance color, character and personal expression. Bring basic watercolor materials with quality watercolor paper, tracing paper. Tabletop easel to support your paper at an angle is also suggested. Materials list upon request.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
MARY SWEET * NEW!
Japanese-Style Woodblock Printing Without a Press (WS176)
June 1 – June 2 and June 8 – 9, 2013; Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Tuition: Members $175, Non-Members $195
No press is needed as students learn to employ traditional Japanese methods in woodblock printing. After carving the blocks students will have the opportunity to print either black and white or several colors using a reduction method.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen: Plein Air Painting Workshop in The Land of Enchantment (WS116)
June 5–7, 2013; 9:00am-4:00 pm
Tuition: Members $295, Non-Members $315
The instructor helps artists encounter the landscape in different locations each day. He keeps the student limit to just eight artists in order to maximize student/teacher time. Waid aims to help each student develop greater skills of observation and proficiency; then personal response becomes an expression with artistic merit. Waid seeks to enable each artist to paint more fully from this realm of interpretation
Contact instructor by email or phone 505-892-9425; download registration form.
Expressive Watercolor Flower Portraits (WS124)
June 17–18, 2013; Monday and Tuesday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Tuition: Members $170; Non-Members $190
Capture the unique character of flowers with close-in “portrait” paintings. Learn strategies to distill your subject into simple shapes, values and colors. Create a dimensional feel through layering and flowing washes for soft, exciting backgrounds. Enjoy the spontaneity of starting with pours and random color. Work from your own photos, your imagination or live flowers—your choice.
Bring basic watercolor materials with quality watercolor paper, tracing paper. Tabletop easel or small box top to support your paper at an angle suggested. Brown-bag lunch. Materials list upon request.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
Portrait Painting and Drawing Workshop (WS130)
June 27–29, 2013; 9:30am-4:30 pm
Tuition: Members $300, Non-Members $320
This class is open to students who wish to paint the classical portrait. We will explore the techniques of the old masters. Special focus will be on using chiaroscuro (light and shade), values, transparency and opacity, edges, cool and warm color relationships, controlling color intensity, and paint and brush quality as well as atmosphere (the illusion of form in space).
Because the facial features are the essential focus of a portrait, the workshop begins with a clear explanation of the canons of proportions of the head that have been used by the old masters for centuries in assuring a likeness of your subject. There will be a starting demo as well as painting from the live model. Students will be encouraged to develop and attain their artistic goals of personal expression. Each student will receive plenty of individual attention at their easel, including discussions of goals for their future work.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
Portrait Painting Workshop (WS117)
July 22–26, 2013; 9:30am-4:30 pm
Tuition: Members $410, Non-Members $430
Students will have 10 models for this workshop. There will be a new model for each 3-hour session. We will begin with a monochrome palette, burnt umber and white and graduate to more colors as the week progresses. Burnt sienna and ultramarine blue for the second day, the three primaries for the third day, a warm and cool for each of the primaries on the fourth day and ending with the Sargent palette on the fifth day. It is essential to have a good beginning and to create an accurate head study by simplification of abstract forms, and this is better understand without the problems of color in the beginning. Understanding basic bone structure, musculature and relationships between forms are essential to good portrait painting. These methods will help the student understand how the head is constructed and feel confident in undertaking future head studies.
Contact instructor by email or phone 505-823-9320; download registration form.
TOM BLAZIER * NEW
Clouds and Sky in the Landscape (WS155)
August 9 – 11, 2013; 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Tuition: NMAL Members $195 Non-Members $215
Impart luminosity in skies, strengthen compositions with effective placement of cloud shapes, and enhance mood with creative use of color.
Exploring and Experimenting with Landscape Painting (WS118)
October 7–11, 2013; 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Tuition: Members $490: Non-Members $510
Join Jordan Wolfson, painting in oils directly from nature in the extraordinary surroundings of New Mexico. Beginning with a naturalistic approach, we’ll explore color and tonal mixing in order to create a believable sense of light and space. As we continue, we’ll experiment with alternative approaches, allowing ourselves to explore and engage with new territory, both inside and outside. Questions of personal direction will be addressed, along with aspects of fresh paint-handling and composition. Directness and spontaneity will be encouraged! Students will receive individual instruction within a creative and supportive atmosphere. All levels are welcome.
Contact instructor by email or call 401-688-1390; download registration form.
ALBERT HANDELL * NEW
Three-Day Painting Workshop On Location (WS167)
October 18 – 20, 2013; 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
NMAL Members $395 Non-Members $415
Join Albert Handell in his second annual exciting 3-day outdoor painting workshop. You will see and learn what to select and emphasize, and what to play down or even take out of your paintings in order to make a strong design statement, and work sensibly towards finishing. Sign up with a $100 tuition deposit or payment in full if you prefer.
Strategies for Brilliant Watercolors (WS125)
November 6–7, 2013; Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Tuition: Members $170; Non-Members $190
This workshop is suitable for all levels, and will allow you to try multiple approaches to working in watercolor and find the best for you. How do you start your paintings? Do you get halfway through and paint yourself into a corner? There are multiple ways to approach any subject matter. Learn how to choose where you want your painting to go and what techniques you can use to bring your creative expression to life. Discover what works best for you by trying some different strategies for building several paintings of the same subject. Develop personal expression after practicing with painting from photos of your own subject or from imagination. Bring basic watercolor materials with quality watercolor paper, tracing paper. Tabletop easel to support your paper at an angle is also suggested. Materials list upon request.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
Contemporary “Glass-less” Watercolors (WS126)
November 19–20, 2013; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am–4:00pm
Tuition: Members $175; Non-Members $195
A perfect follow up workshop to Strategies. Learn techniques for painting any subject on Ampersand™ AquaBord™, a textured, clay-coated, surface.Easily lift back to white, create rich color and have a long working time. Or paint traditionally on watercolor paper and affix to HardBord™. Demonstration of presenting works in a non-traditional “gallery” manner: sealed, stained cradle sides or dropped into a frame—without glass, and with or without matting! Discussion of other options and surfaces for creating glass-less watermedia works. Galleries & collectors LOVE the results! Sealing/laminating materials $5 supply fee included.
Please contact instructor, as we may have free sample product from the manufacturer—if not, you will need to purchase and bring one each 9x12” Aquabord & Hardbord (with or without cradle) prior to class. Materials list upon request.
Contact instructor by email; download registration form.
ALBERT HANDEL: March 7 – 9, 2014
STUDIO INCAMMINATI: March 17 – 22, 2014
ROB LIBERACE: July 21 – 25, 2014
STERLING EDWARDS: August 18 – 22, 2014