Seeing & Using Design to Capture Your Subject
Nov 2-6, 2026
Scottsdale, AZ
What does the act of ‘seeing’ mean for an artist? Discover the answers in this workshop as the specifics of observing a subject, interpreting the visual elements, and executing it all onto canvas are explored. We will discuss the way the optics of the eye work as well as seeing light, form, atmosphere, and space. The fundamental principles of painting - composition, drawing, value, color, and edges- will also be stressed. Each day we will begin with a demo covering the principles mentioned above, followed by a fun day of painting and personal instruction. Students may choose to work from their favorite photos and field sketches or set up still life subjects throughout the workshop. Individual attention will be a high priority as well as laughs and lots of enthusiasm! For more information contact the Scottsdale Art School by phone or with link below:
1-800-333-5707
Majestic Vermillion Cliffs Destination Workshop
March 15-19, 2027
Vermillion Cliffs, AZ
The Iconic Vermilion Cliffs offers artists a dramatic landscape of glowing colored sandstone, sweeping desert views, sculpted rock formations, and ever-changing light. In this workshop, students will explore how to simplify a complex scene, organize strong shapes, and capture the warm/cool color relationships that make this region so memorable. Emphasis will be placed on composition, value structure, color, edges, and atmospheric perspective while painting on location. Daily demonstrations, individual instruction, and plenty of encouragement will help students strengthen their plein air process and develop more confident, expressive paintings. All skill levels are welcome, as well as oil and acrylic mediums.
• Portable equipment and transportation required;
• Registered students will receive lodging information
For more information contact the Scottsdale Art School by phone or with link below:
1-800-333-5707
“Dixon Country” Destination Workshop
May 10-14, 2027
Mt Carmel, UT
This southern UT area was Maynard Dixon’s muse with its red cliffs, expressive cottonwoods, winding streams, and quiet rural charm. Mt. Carmel and Orderville provide inspiring subjects. This workshop will focus on seeing design in the landscape and translating that vision into strong, personal paintings. Students will work with the area’s rich contrasts—sunlit canyon walls, cool shadows, desert vegetation, and expansive skies—while practicing composition, drawing, value, color, and edge control. Each day will include demonstrations, focused instruction, and one-on-one feedback. An added bonus includes a private tour of Dixon’s studio, home, and property through the Thunderbird Foundation!
• Portable equipment and transportation required;
• Registered students will receive lodging information
For more information contact the Scottsdale Art School by phone or with link below:
1-800-333-5707
Beartooth Pass Destination Workshop
July 19 - 23, 2027
Red Lodge, MT
Beartooth Pass is known as the Alps of Montana because of its luscious flowering meadows, rugged rock, weathered pine and 950+ alpine lakes!! The high alpine views make for great plein air light, atmosphere and stunning subjects. In this five-day workshop, we will cover the fundamentals of designing a strong arrangement, handling value and color as well as atmospheric perspective. There will be daily demonstrations, lots of attention and laughs to make the class informative and fun. All skill levels are welcome, as well as oil and acrylic mediums. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience the high country in paint.
• Portable equipment and transportation required;
• Registered students will receive lodging information
For more information contact the Scottsdale Art School by phone or with link below: