T1 Enchanted Textures of Taos, New Mexico

Taos’ light, color, and culture have inspired modern artists for over 125 years to create inspirational and memorable paintings. Taos is especially stunning in the autumn with glorious textures and colors. Professional artist and instructor Martha Mans will concentrate on water media and gouache painting with a special small presentation about how she creates her casein paintings, which is becoming an increasingly popular medium. She welcomes acrylic, oil, and watercolor painters to join on this fabulous adventure.

We will have a pre-workshop gathering on Sunday, September 24. We will visit a different location each day with a demonstration by Martha to encourage you to try water media techniques designed to help you hone your painting skills. After breakfast, our day will begin with a gathering at a specific location to watch a demonstration and take technical advice. We will enjoy the rest of the day painting with a break to have lunch and continue painting in the afternoon for as long as you’d like. Since studying how other artists approach painting is important to your artistic growth, and to further your art experience, Martha strongly advises that you take a little time to visit one or more of the wonderful museums or art galleries in Taos to study what other artists both from the past or present find so interesting and inspiring about Taos. We will gather for a critique in the afternoon around 4 p.m. before you head out on your own for dinner at one of the many restaurants Taos has to offer.

Martha will take great care in making sure your experience as a painter in Taos is rewarding. She will work with each of you in the group and as an individual painter. You can expect her to help you work out your individual painting challenges and develop better ways of seeing subject matter to create more dynamically designed paintings.

The Casa Benavides Historic Inn, in the center of Taos, will be our headquarters for this workshop. It is situated next to historic art-connected sites, such as the Mable Dodge Luhan House with its colorful past, where many early artists have stayed and painted. Additionally, it is also across the street from the Couse-Sharp Historic Site and studio museum. The artists, which these houses were named after, were part of the original “Taos Artists” group, which consisted of about 10 artists who were instrumental in putting Taos on the map as an art destination. It is also a few steps away from the historic central old town Taos Square. Additional information regarding lodging options will be shared after registration is complete.

Immerse yourself in a complete painting experience both by creating art yourself and being in the presence of beautiful historic art and the surrounding landscape.

Travel and lodging are not included. Additional information will be provided after registration is complete. 

Level II–IV

Level II – This class is for those who have taken at least one class in the medium. Student should be comfortable with the basics of how to use and manipulate the medium.

Level III – This class is for those who have significant experience in the medium — two or more classes or a year or more of experience.

Level IV – This class is for those with advanced skill or knowledge in the medium. Student should be highly motivated and self-directed. Some classes in this level will require a portfolio review and/or approval of instructor.