Painting and Drawing Workshops

Contemporary Painting and Drawing Workshops

Anderson Ranch Arts Center’s Painting and Drawing program offers exceptional workshops that combine focused, hands-on art making with critical feedback and reflection. These workshops emphasize making, reflecting, considering, and engaging—critical elements that fuel artistic growth and deepen creative practice for artists at all levels.

Immersive Painting and Drawing Workshops for Artists at Every Level

Our painting and drawing workshops offer hands-on instruction in diverse techniques and approaches, taught by phenomenal guest faculty who are accomplished artists and educators. Designed for beginning, emerging, and professional artists, the program emphasizes technical knowledge, conceptual development, and creative exploration through individual guidance and encouragement.

Advance Your Painting and Drawing Practice in an Inspiring Creative Community

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Anderson Ranch provides a transformative environment where painting, drawing, and artistic innovation intersect. Artists expand their artistic practice, develop new perspectives, and experience meaningful creative growth in bright, naturally lit studios designed for focus and discovery. Spend a week here—or several—and engage in activities that will fuel your practice throughout the year.

Not sure where to begin? View our workshop guides for additional programming insights and our workshop FAQ’s for details. Our friendly artistic staff is also here to help guide your creative path. Email us at [email protected], and we’ll match you with the perfect workshop.

Painting and Drawing Workshops

sculptural painting workshop combining digital fabrication and dimensional form
  • II

    Level II

    Students have basic knowledge of 2-­D art making including form, negative space, value and line.

  • III

    Level III

    Students have formal training in critical issues of 2-­D art making, experience with public critiques and a solid portfolio of their artwork.

Sep 7 - 11, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM

Beyond the Canvas: Digital Fabrication and Sculptural Painting

Damien Davis

Tuition $1,295
Code D1532-26

In this hands-on workshop, students use the Fab Lab’s laser cutter and CNC router to translate personal imagery and visual ideas into hybrid works that combine digital precision with analog expression. Pushing two-dimensional painting onto three-3 dimensional surfaces creates a dynamic sense of wall power, and lets us explore painting as an object through individual experimentation. Incorporating physical elements, and painting on a variety of substrates and collage develops a sense of physicality, space, and texture. Painters and sculptors alike are invited to step outside of the rectangular picture plane, developing a deeper understanding of material relationships and the sculptural potential of the painted surface.

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contemporary acrylic painting workshop exploring materiality and abstraction
  • O

    Open to All

    Students of any skill and knowledge level.

Sep 14 - 18, 2026
9 AM - 5 PM

Contemporary Acrylic: Materiality and Abstraction

Brent Greenwood

Tuition $1,295
Code D1633-26

This workshop, open to students of all levels, explores the connectedness between nature, the elements, and people through acrylic painting and mixed media art making. Using fluid and heavy body acrylics, participants incorporate the fundamentals of composition, color theory, energy lines, and mark making. Using mixed media applications, students explore creating layers, adding surface texture, and developing meaningful subject matter in their work. Abstraction and representationalism are investigated and merged into imagery to evoke dynamic and complex paintings.

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  • P

    Portfolio Review Required

    Students have advanced skill and knowledge of painting and drawing. Students are highly motivated, have a minimum of five years experience in the field and have a portfolio of their artwork. Typical students are academics and professional artists.  

  • S

    Studio Session

Jan 4 - 29, 2027
9 AM - 5 PM

January Studio Sessions: Painting & Drawing

Lindsey Yeager

Tuition $5,200
Code ZSD0101-27

Anderson Ranch’s January Studio Sessions provide artists the opportunity to work on independent projects while receiving mentoring and critique sessions with Anderson Ranch artistic staff. Each participant receives an assigned studio space, orientation and access to equipment, as well as some morning group demonstrations and / or critiques. This program affords artists the experience enjoyed by national and international artists who access our state-of-the-art studios. Participants may expand their practices, take artistic risks, try new media or complete works for exhibition. *Studios are open 24 hours a day and on weekends for students enrolled in multiple weeks, with limited use of equipment due to safety requirements. IMPORTANT DETAILS: Students will be responsible for all material costs associated with their projects. Private dorm rooms are available at Anderson Ranch for an additional fee; click here to view January 2027 lodging options. Breakfasts and dinners are included in the dorm fee. Lunches are included in the studio fees. TO APPLY: Applicants must submit project proposals or portfolios for approval. Contact Liz Ferrill to apply: [email protected]

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Additional Summer Workshops

Anderson Ranch Arts Center is thrilled to present over 150 workshops in seven mediums led by world-renowned faculty. Whether you’re exploring a new passion or refining your craft, there’s a seat waiting for you. View all workshops.

About the Studios

Painting and Drawing Facilities

The Wyly Painting and Drawing Building at Anderson Ranch Arts Center offers bright, naturally lit facilities supporting traditional, contemporary, and experimental painting and drawing practices. The inspiring studio environment is designed to support focused art making and creative exploration.

Studio Equipment and Ammenities

  • Individual worktables for each artist
  • Dedicated wall space for work in progress
  • Easels and rolling palettes
  • Odorless solvents and a wide range of hand tools
  • Computer access with Adobe Creative Cloud software

Digital & Technical Support

  • WiFi connectivity throughout the studio
  • Printing and scanning capabilities
  • Projection equipment for presentations and critiques

Together, these facilities provide an ideal environment for expanding your artistic practice and exploring new creative directions. Learn more about our studio spaces.

Additional Resources

Reach out! We’ll help you find the perfect workshop.

Are you overwhelmed by workshop options? Or do you know which workshop to take but are unsure about the skill level, faculty, or techniques? Our staff is ready to answer questions and assist in selecting the perfect workshop for your next creative journey. Please feel free to reach out any time, and we can point you in the right direction!

Liz Ferrill

Artistic Director of Painting, Drawing & Printmaking; Artists-in-Residence Program; Critical Dialogue Program

Call: 970-924-5076

Email Liz

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