TAOS 2024 To be Announced

TAOS, NM

April 17 - 23, 2022

Persephone’s Journal

Wayfinding with Color and Light

The greek goddess Persephone travels between the dark places and her beloved, sun-warmed earth. Her life embraces both dark and light. In drawing and painting, we learn to see light in relation to shadow, a color in relation to its opposite, a line emphasizing a shape and more. In this watercolor workshop, we’ll delve into ‘learning to see’ exercises that build skills while freeing the mind and hand.

Persephone doesn’t flinch at transitions but moves right into them. As artists, we’ll explore this territory, sometimes tentatively, sometimes boldly, learning to be comfortable with watercolor’s whimsical behavior; in so doing we deepen our vision and skills and learn to trust in the process.

We’ll paint on location in the New Mexican high-desert and respond to the particular landscape known to many as the Land of Enchantment. Georgia O’Keeffe once described it as the ‘Faraway Nearby’ with its contrasts: such as the vastness of sky against the specific details of red adobe and a turquoise pick-up truck.

We’ll use journal writing and visual warm-ups prompts to fuel our explorations and connect our intellectual and creative intentions. A willingness to jump right in is all that is required. Through writing, making, and discussing art we gain so much from each other, simultaneously discovering the uniqueness of our own intuitions and abilities.

We stay at the iconic Mabel Dodge Luhan House, a place where artists and writers have been gathering and creating for nearly a century, and where we dine together on out-of-this-world delicious food. We’ll take a day trip to Abiquiu and tour Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio, visit Ghost Ranch, and sketch the White Place (Plaza Blanca) where O’Keeffe painted.

Email for more info: Julia@jmorganart.com

Rooms are assigned with your registration; please write in your top three or four choices. Peruse rooms at the inn on-line.

Julia has been teaching art travel workshops in Egypt, India, France, New Mexico and New England to rave reviews since 2011.  It is not just about technique, it’s learning to SEE color, form and light. And it’s about centering yourself and listening to your inner artist.

What participants had to say about Julia: 

"Warm, ebullient, loves her profession and generous with passing on skills- brings out the the positive in others and their skills.'"

"She really knew how to support many levels simultaneously of projects and skill-building that met the range of interest and needs."

"Fabulous instructor!"

"I am so impressed and grateful for Julia's thoughtful and inspired teaching."

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Includes accommodation at Mabel Dodge Luhan house, breakfasts & lunches, 3 in-house dinners, admission to Georgia O’Keeffe studio and Ghost Ranch, daily painting and drawing sessions with supportive art critiques, writing guidance, and supplementary art materials. (You will bring watercolor supplies, a stool & optional landscape easel.)

Please read the cancelation policy. Registering for the workshop acknowledges you have read the policy. Thank you!

PARTICIPANTS’ WORK