Landscape Painting in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 20 -25, 2007
Classes are geared to every level of experience. They begin at 9AM with lectures on structural elements of the landscape and the ways in which the students can incorporate those elements into their work. These lectures will be provided to get the students started and to help them organize their ideas so that the actual viewing of the landscape will not seem overwhelming. The use of value, texture, color, and spatial concerns will be taught as a vehicle for helping the individual student find their own expression.

Painting from the pond and garden.

Following the lectures, there will be group painting sessions in the landscape in which the issues presented in the morning lectures will be utilized. All students will be instructed on arrangements of the elements discussed at the actual sight and instruction will be given on the organization of composition while viewing the landscape. For those who wish to participate, there will also be instruction on making visual and written notes with drawings to create landscapes in the studio ­ a valuable tool in retaining the visual information obtained in travel for work later at home. There will be a break from noon to 3PM for lunch. There is ample time to go into town, have lunch, visit galleries or to take a relaxing break on the property. We will also spend time in town sketching the sights of Santa Fe.

Working in the Moonhouse

There is an excellent restaurant at Sunrise Springs for those who wish to stay. The instruction in the afternoon painting sessions (3:00 – 5:30PM) is geared more to the individual. This will enable each student to express specific ideas or problems they have with the work and how they would like it to develop. Group critiques will follow the afternoon sessions on the deck of the Moonhouse. Students will come together to discuss the day’s work and to consider their concerns for the following day. The critiques will be over in time for dinner in town or on the property. This is also an excellent time of day to photograph the skies at dusk.

Location
The workshop will be held at the Inn at Sunrise Springs Inn and Retreat which offers the ideal opportunities for painting the beautiful landscape of New Mexico. Set on 70 rural acres in a quiet desert valley just 20 minutes from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, it nestles in the heart of a serene, natural oasis, amidst spring fed ponds, century old cottonwoods, and majestic views of the Sangre de Cristo and Sandia mountain ranges.

Two outside views of Sunrise Springs Inn

There are unlimited possibilities for the landscape painter. The inn is set in a lush, green area that is surrounded by hills that offer spectacular views of the desert around Santa Fe. The meeting space for the group will be the Moonhouse, an adobe structure of 900 square feet with glass doors that open onto wooden decks overlooking the ponds. Its cloistered atmosphere creates a comfortable and meditative spot for the artists to enjoy the view.

Garden room

Sunrise Springs, historically was used as a refreshing stagecoach stop for weary travelers looking for fresh water and rest. Today, its visitors enjoy meandering pathways, expansive terraces and extensive views while also enjoying its proximity to the bustling art scene in Santa Fe.

Garden View and student working on patio

Class Fees: Fees are based on a minimum of 6 students and will be reduced if more students sign up.

Fees with 6 students: $800 per student for classes and studio (Fees with 7 students: $707)

This cost covers classes and the studio but does not cover food, lodging or transportation. Arrangements can be made to share rooms or transportation costs with other students.

Accomodations
Sunrise Springs has three choices of accomodations in different price ranges.

Pond View Rooms: These rooms are small but very nice and suitable for one person. They are near the restaurant and office area and have nice shady porches. ($109 per night)

Garden View Rooms: These rooms over look the gardens either upstairs or down (most prefer upstairs for the better views but there is no elevator) and accommodate two people either in a king bed or two doubles. ($154 per night)

Casitas: These are very spacious and private with a fenced in patio. Some have a very small extra room that can serve as an extra bedroom. They also have a small kitchen area. They can accomodate two or three people ($174 per night)

The above costs do not include a $4 per day resort fee, or a 10.3215 tax. For photos of all accommodations and the property at Sunrise Springs please visit: www.innatsunrisesprings.com

(Room Reservations are the responsibility of the student and should be made as soon as possible to insure availabilty.)

Registration:
A check payable to Libby Johnson will hold a place for you. (please email Libby at Libby@LibbyJohnson.com for mailing info.) This fee will be refundable until July 31, 2007.

July 31, 2007: The balance will be due and the amount will depend on how many students are going. As stated above, all fees are non-refundable after this date unless another student is found to take your place. It will be the responsibility of the student to find a replacement.

2003 Group Picture near Sunrise Springs.