Figurative Painting: Creating Symbols and Narrative

This dynamic workshop explores implicit storytelling through painting, teaching students to communicate narratives using subtleties, symbolism, and nuanced painting techniques. Students develop their skills by creating their own layered and impactful artworks using painterly methods to evoke mood, atmosphere, and place. By the culmination of the workshop, students gain an understanding and apply principles of implicit storytelling, embed subtle narratives within their paintings, and produce art that communicates through suggestion. The format includes engaging lectures, hands-on painting exercises, and dynamic peer critiques.

In this master class workshop for advanced painters, students investigate their intentions and concerns within their painting practice, while working at a rigorous pace in the studio. Class consists of one-on-one and group critiques, discussion, and ample studio time to make new inquiries into your work. Participants are challenged to explore new avenues and dive deep into the content and methods behind their practice. Topics for discussion include content, color and gesture, symbolism, and more. Ruby Neri teaches daily from 1pm – 5pm. Mornings are dedicated to independent studio time with Liz Ferrill present for feedback and dialogue. Students are asked to bring a digital portfolio of recent work to share with the class.

This three-year advanced mentorship program encourages students to push their studio practice. Working at a rigorous pace, engaging in critical dialogue with the group and with the instructors in individual critique, artists refine and expand their investigations. Wide-ranging topics include concept and approach to contemporary art practice as well as technical and material explorations. Students are expected to work independently with the support of their class peers and instructors, raising the ambition of their own studio goals. Although primarily a painting workshop, participation by installation artists and other artists working across media is encouraged. The goal of the series is for students to gain community, develop insight into their work and, through discussion, challenge themselves to reflect on their artistic intentions. 2025 is the first year of this three-year intensive program. In the subsequent two years of the program, the cohort meets in-person at Anderson Ranch from August 10th - 14th, 2026 and August 16th - 20th, 2027. Over the course of the program, there are group and one-on-one meetings via Zoom in March and October of each year. The final meeting is via Zoom in October 2027. Tuition listed is the program cost per year.  TO APPLY: Applications for enrollment are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, please fill out the 2025 Advanced Mentored Studies Online Application Form. This is a rolling application with a priority deadline of Monday, February 3rd.