Gouache Painting Workshop in Santa Fe
Instructor: Sarah Burns
May 9-14, 2027
Workshop Overview
Painting and sketching on location is an incredible way to connect with the culture, the architecture, even the food and music! Join me for 4 full days of sketching in beautiful Santa Fe.
I’ll be demonstrating in gouache. Technically you could also use acrylic but I won’t be demoing in that medium. Similar techniques apply to acrylics as gouache because it is opaque so you are welcome to work in that medium.
We will work in sketchbooks mostly. But if you prefer larger paper, that’s fine too.
Whether you love watercolor, gouache or ink, my principle of travel sketching remains the same: joyful creation!
Throughout the week, I will help you with:
- Color exploration, line variation and composition
- Color mixing
- The fundamentals of color and light in the environment while we paint and sketch at beautiful locations
- Perspective and accuracy in architectural sketching
- Introducing various supplies and their uses
- Developing your artistic voice
- Photography and reference photography
Artist Sarah Burns
Sarah Burns is a plein air artist from Inverness, Scotland, celebrated for her vibrant depictions of the Scottish Highlands.
Sarah pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Alfred University in New York and, later, a career in Sustainable Interior Design at RMCAD in Colorado. She then moved to Scotland where she resides.
Transitioning to painting from a successful photography business, she has since devoted herself to capturing the essence of nature in her art. Sarah became a full-time artist and instructor in 2016. Her work has gained international recognition, drawing collectors from around the globe through social media and word of mouth.
Her painterly style was developed through a passion for both abstract and realism landscape art. Her focus is primarily in travel sketching and plein air painting and her sketchbooks tell the story of her wanderlust. Sarah paints with gouache, watercolor, acrylic, and oils.
Sarah’s most ambitious project so far is what she calls “Sketching Scotland: A Coastal Journey” which is taking her around the entire coast of Scotland by foot and cycling with her sketchbooks and cameras (as weather allows).
As a member of the Society of Scottish Artists, Art Society of Inverness, and co-creator of a local plein air group, Sarah remains active in the local art world as well.
Samples of Sarah Burns’ Art
Itinerary
Santa Fe is one of America’s most historic, artistic, and fascinating cities.
Known as “The City Different,” the nation’s oldest state capital city is a place unlike in other in the world.
There are scores of art galleries, restaurants, places to shop as well as a dozen museums featuring culture, history and traditions of this region and the world.
Santa Fe feels like a giant art museum, given how much amazing creativity is all around the city.
Day 1 (May 9): Orientation Meeting and Welcome Dinner
Meet your fellow travelers, your instructor and your tour leader, at our selected hotel in Santa Fe for our orientation meeting at 5pm on day 1.
We will go over the schedule for the workshop and treat you for a welcome dinner to celebrate the beginning of a week full of laughter, painting and new friendships.
Days 2 and 3: Painting in Santa Fe and in the Studio
Highlights include the oldest house in Santa Fe, the renowned galleries along Canyon Road, the historic mission, and the stunning Basilica. These sites will provide you with endless inspiration.
Colored door striking on adobe buildings
Charming adobe-constructed buildings
San Miguel Mission, oldest church in the US
Wonderful art galleries on Canyon Rd
Colored art everywhere
Indigenous culture of the South West
Day 4: On Georgia O’Keeffe’s footsteps in Ghost Ranch
We will spend the day painting on site, with a midday break for lunch. You will have the rare opportunity to work en plein air in the same dramatic desert landscape that inspired Georgia O’Keeffe, surrounded by expansive views, striking rock formations, and exceptional light.
Day 5: Show and Share and Farewell Dinner
The sketching workshop will conclude with a “Show and Share,” offering a moment to celebrate the work created before our farewell dinner.
Yet this isn’t the end—you’ll leave with lasting memories and new friendships forged over days of painting together.
Day 6 (May 14): Departure
It is time to say goodbye but hopefully we will meet again. You can leave at your convenience or extend your stay to enjoy this wonderful place. If you live close to Santa Fe, you can leave the night before after the farewell dinner.
Accommodations
(not included in the price of the workshop)
We have selected a very charming hotel located only 2 blocks from the main plaza.
The tour leaders as well as the art instructor will stay there. We recommend that you stay with the group at the hotel so you can access our studio to paint whenever you want.
We have booked some rooms for the group at a discounted price. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with the hotel info and how to book at the group rate. You need to call the hotel directly in order to get the discounted price. The hotel will not charge your card. They offer free cancellation until 5 days prior to the workshop. However, because of the limited number of rooms we were able to secure, please do not book a room if you are unsure you will stay there.
The air-conditioned rooms are designed with Spanish art work and include amenities such as free Wi-FI, bathrobes and refrigerators. Cable TVs, coffee makers and ironing facilities are provided.
They also offer free full breakfast and free parking.
Price varies with the dates and type of rooms: it starts at $199 + tax for a traditional room.
FAQs
How do I get to Santa Fe?
Fly into the Albuquerque International Airport, a 45 minute drive away from Santa Fe:
At the airport you can choose from more than seven car rental agencies.
There is also the Santa Fe Municipal Airport but it only boasts daily direct flights from Denver, Dallas or Phoenix. Once you’ve arrived, you can find two car rental agencies right at the Santa Fe airport.
What hotel is the group staying at?
Is there a discount at the hotel booked for the group?
Are we painting in the studio or outdoor?
How much painting will we do?
How many participants will be in the class?
Is much walking required?
Pricing and Booking
Pricing Details
The maximum number of participants is 15.
Price: $1,690
The hotel is not included.
How to Book
Payments
- A $600 nonrefundable deposit is due at booking ($300 transferable to a future workshop; see cancellation policy below).
- The remaining balance is due 3 months before departure, with flexible payment plans available.
- Pay by credit card (2.9% fee) or ACH/bank transfer (no fee) through our secure system.
Price includes
- A welcome reception
- 2 dinners: one welcome dinner on day 1 and one farewell dinner on day 5
- All art classes (daily demos, one-on-one support and instructions)
- Transportation and entrance to Ghost Ranch
- A tour leader throughout the week
- Use of a studio
Price excludes
- Your hotel. We have booked some rooms for the participants interested in staying at the hotel where the teacher and the tour leaders are staying.
Check the hotel info here.
Once you have registered, you will get an automatic reply with the the hotel name and how to book with the group rate. - Some meals (the ones not listed as included)
- Painting supplies
- Tour leader tips
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 90 days before departure | $300 can be transferred to another trip with a departure date within 2 years of cancellation date |
| 61-90 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | you get a full refund |