Painting & Drawing
Code: D1633-25
-
II
Level II
Students have basic knowledge of 2-D art making including form, negative space, value and line.
Watercolor: Color, Nature, Abstraction
Sep 15 - 19, 2025
9AM-5PM
Tuition: $1,430.00
Studio Fee: $125.00
Registration Fee: $45.00
NEW: Tuition includes the welcome dinner and daily lunch
Registration Information
Concept
This workshop invites students to find the balance between spontaneity and control within the watercolor medium. We explore the evolution of abstract form from the observed reality of nature, with an emphasis on color palette. Each student completes a series of work that explores one central subject. This course focuses on the line, color, structure, and form in relation to natural objects. Various experimental techniques and tools that can be utilized to create a finished painting are demonstrated. Activities include presentations of visual images, discussions of abstract painting, and student-instructor consultations.
Media & Techniques
Painting in watercolor, drawing, abstractions, color mixing, design, composition
Faculty
Jan Heaton
Jan Heaton is a professional watercolor artist. Her paintings celebrate nature, and then abstractly reach beyond the obvious. Art dealers and galleries in Austin, San Francisco, San Antonio, and Atlanta represent her work. In the classroom, Heaton believes all students are individuals with their own story and library of inspiration. Her teaching methods are formed by her belief that everyone learns and makes art in their own way.
Jan Heaton, Summer 1
Tuition: $1,430.00
Studio Fee: $125.00
Registration Fee: $45.00
NEW: Tuition includes the welcome dinner and daily lunch
Registration Information
Painting & Drawing
Make, reflect, consider, engage—these are all critical elements of the Painting and Drawing workshops at Anderson Ranch. Our exceptional workshops combine focused, hands-on art making with critical feedback for artists of all levels. Painting and Drawing guest faculty are phenomenal artists and educators with experience supporting students by offering technical knowledge and encouragement.
The bright, natural light of the Wyly Painting and Drawing Building provides an inspiring environment where students can explore and expand their artistic practice. Our facilities are equipped with individual worktables, wall space, easels, rolling palettes, odorless solvents, a wide range of hand tools, computer access with Adobe software, wifi, printing, scanning, and projection capabilities. Spend a week here— or several—and engage in a variety of activities that will fuel your practice throughout the year.
Workshop Details
Workshop Supplies
For general information about studio access, shipping, and more, please visit our info page.
If you have any questions regarding your supplies for your workshop, please contact Lindsey Yeager, [email protected].
Provided by Anderson Ranch
Equipment
- Butcher paper
- Containers
- Cordless drills
- Cutting mats**
- Drawing boards
- Easels
- Gamsol (OMS)**
- Gloves
- Glues**
- Hand tools: hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, clamps
- Laser printer
- Palette knives**
- Palette-topped utility carts
- Presentation projector
- Push pins
- Rags
- Rulers**
- Scanner
- Scissors
- Spray bottles**
- Staple guns
- Stools
- Tape**
- Work tables
Supplies
- Blue tape**
- Fabriano 300 lb cold press, extra white, 22" x 30", 5 sheets**
- Natural sponges**
- Paper towels
What you need to bring
Required Tools and Supplies
- 2H pencil**
- A range of watercolor tubes, primary and secondary colors with neutrals (see below for recommended colors)**
- Chopsticks or a bamboo sketch pen
- Watercolor brushes of choice**
- Watercolor palette, Speedball Robert E. Wood Covered Palette recommended**
- Prohibited supplies: power tools, torches, spray paint, encaustic, turpentine, resin, plastisol, any solvent that isn’t low VOC
Optional Tools and Supplies
- Alizarin Crimson**
- At least 4 22" x 30" sheets of a favorite watercolor paper if you would prefer that over the provided Fabriano
- Burnt Sienna**
- Burnt Umber**
- Cerulean Blue**
- Creative Mark - Harmony Squirrel Quill Brush, Sizes 2 & 8
- Creative Mark - Mimik Synthetic Watercolor Wash Brush, Size: 3"
- Daniel Smith 266 Dot Chart
- Hansa Yellow Deep**
- Hansa Yellow Medium**
- Hookers Green
- Indigo
- Neutral Tint**
- Perinone Orange
- Quinacridone Rose
- Sap Green**
- Sepia**
- Sketchbook**
- Undersea Green
- White (or light colored) t-shirt for screen printing**
- Winsor Blue, Red Shade
- Winsor Violet
- Yellow Ochre
* Available for purchase in the studio.
** Available to purchase at the Anderson Ranch ArtWorks Store for 10% off.
Learn more about shipping supplies and artwork to and from the Ranch in the Student Handbook.
Lodging & Meals
Housing is limited and includes shared and private lodging options. Reservations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you reserve housing, the better your chance of receiving your preferred option. Please note: Workshop costs do not include accommodations.
NEW: Tuition includes a welcome dinner and lunches. In our effort to foster a stronger sense of community and accessibility at Anderson Ranch, we include the welcome dinner and all lunches as part of the tuition for summer workshop students. Our hope is that this adjustment will encourage all students to come together to share meals and engage in meaningful conversations. The Ranch Café Meal Plan, which is included with Room and Board fees, strives to provide healthy, creative meals that will nourish your artistic creativity. Learn more.
We have established a Business Safety Plan with added layers of precaution that prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students, faculty and guests while continuing to provide you with the Anderson Ranch experience that you know and enjoy.
Related Events
Scholarships, College Credit & Discounts
Making Art Accessible
Applications for scholarship support are encouraged. Specific scholarships are funded by Ranch supporters, either through endowed funds or special gifts.
Many colleges and universities offer college credit for workshops taken at Anderson Ranch. Discounts are available for students and teachers.
You Might Also Be Interested In
-
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.
Aug 4 - 8, 2025
9AM-5PM
Figurative Painting: Creating Symbols and Narrative
David Antonio Cruz
Tuition $1,415
Code D1019-25
This workshop explores the fundamental properties of symbolism and developing narrative within paintings to convey imagery through the lens of popular and historical gestures and signifiers. We examine figures in painting, photography, art history, and literature and use these examples as sources for live model sessions, studio practice, and discussions. Students work on self-directed projects but are also prompted with exercises and ideas to consider. They participate in one-on-one and group discussions and individual critiques with the instructor. Students are asked to be actively involved in dialog to discuss and develop their research, methods, and practice. *The instructor is present in the workshop daily from 9 am - 3 pm and students work independently from 3 - 5 pm.
-
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.
-
IV
Level IV
Students have advanced skill and knowledge of painting and drawing. Students are highly motivated and self-directed, have a minimum of five years experience in their field and have multiple portfolios of their artwork. Portfolio review is required for admittance to some Level IV classes.
Aug 4 - 8, 2025
9AM-5PM
Master Class: New Avenues and Investigations
Liz Ferrill, Ruby Neri
Tuition $1,480
Code D1020-25
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.
-
O
Open to All
Students of any skill and knowledge level.
Aug 4 - 8, 2025
9AM-5PM
Whispers of Meaning: Implicit Storytelling in Painting
Michael Krueger
Tuition $1,415
Code D1021-25
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.