What’s the flow of each day like?

Each day begins at the studio under the wide Santa Fe sky, with that unmistakable New Mexico light washing the space in soft neutrals and warm tones. Coffee, tea, and simple snacks will be waiting as we gather and settle in. We’ll start with a short, visually rich slideshow—drawing from art, landscape, and color—to spark ideas and set the tone for the day.

From there, the day unfolds in true studio fashion: focused painting sessions, open work time, and generous breaks to step back and reset. You’re welcome to wander the outdoor labyrinth, sit in the courtyard chairs, or simply take in the colors of the land—adobe, dust, sky, and sun—before returning to the canvas.

There’s a rhythm—but no pressure. These are Santa Fe studio days at their best: paint, pause, reflect, repeat. No distractions, no deadlines, and no one asking you where the scissors are.

Do I need painting experience?

All levels are welcome—truly.

This is a supportive, judgment-free studio environment where curiosity matters more than credentials. You don’t need to “know what you’re doing” to belong here. If you’re experienced, you’ll stretch in new directions. If you’re newer, you’ll be guided with clarity and encouragement. No mistakes. No pressure. Just good work unfolding.

What kind of art will we be making?

We’ll be working primarily with acrylic paint, exploring expressive, experimental approaches that encourage risk-taking, curiosity, and breaking out of familiar habits. The focus is on paint handling, layering, color relationships, and letting the material do some of the work for you.

Rather than laboring over one or two “precious” paintings, you’ll build a body of acrylic studies—layers, variations, surprises, and discoveries. This approach keeps the energy moving and takes the pressure off getting it “right.”

The goal is momentum, not perfection. You’ll leave with a generous stack of fresh work, new ways of working with acrylics, and ideas that continue to spark long after you’re back in your own studio.

Think: less “masterpiece,” more acrylic-powered creative reboot.

Why only ten people?

Keeping the group to ten creates a spacious, calm, and intentional studio environment. There’s ample room to work comfortably, ask questions, and receive thoughtful one-on-one guidance without interruptions.

For returning students, this means continuity and depth—space to push your work further, refine your approach, and have meaningful conversations about your current exploration.

For first-timers, it offers support without pressure. You’ll be guided, seen, and encouraged in a welcoming rather than overwhelming environment.

The result is a focused, unrushed, and quietly elevated studio experience—where the emphasis is on the work, the materials, and the joy of painting well. Throughout the retreat, Tesia remains present in the studio, offering individual guidance as it naturally fits into each painter’s process.