In this workshop, we will explore our deepest knowing by stilling the body through short meditations and guided visualization - gently nudging us to the places that hold a deep reservoir of imagery. We will begin from the ground up making handmade gesso then using dry pigments in combination with paint. Lauren will guide you through a series of idea-generating techniques and gestural exercises that lead to understanding the balance found between technique and intuition. Spontaneous mark-making, collage and painting techniques will all be employed to broaden our visual vocabulary and art making dexterity. Our materials will be quality paper, boards, handmade gesso, dry pigment, collage materials, glues, oil sticks, cold wax and oil paint.
 
Location: Canton, North Carolina
Instructor: Lauren Mantecon
Cost: $1675 USD
Sponsor: Cullowhee Arts
Website, email, 828-342-6913

This dynamic paper, paint and textiles-based workshop will feature painting, printing, marbling, heat transfer, collage and stitch techniques on various substrates to build texture and create strong visual impact. The session kicks off with methods of painting and printing on a variety of papers and fabrics to lay down a base of color and pattern from which to build. Use acrylic, fabric paints, and dyes, and apply with brushes, sponges, and rollers; take advantage of the stunning natural surroundings to print with solar (sun) dyes using resist processes; experiment with marbling and add in details with oil pastels and drawing tools. Inspiration for mark making will be all around us!
 
Location: Canton, North Carolina
Instructor: Leisa Rich
Cost: $1,675 USD
Sponsor: Cullowhee Arts
Website, email, 828-342-6913

Colley’s students will be learning techniques to paint subjects such as Landscapes, Interiors, Seascapes and Urban Scenes. With Colley’s easy-going nature he will help guide you towards producing works that are bold, confident, and skilfully handled paintings filled with light. Students will be covering topics such as edges, tonal values, composition, brushwork, color saturation and focal points. We will be experimenting with techniques that will allow us to infuse abstract brush treatment into a realistic image.
 
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructor: Colley Whisson
Cost: $615
Sponsor: Painting Miles
Website, email

Irish artist Róisín O’Farrell has created a concentrated and clearly structured course held over three days that focuses on painting technique, finding inspiration and overcoming the barriers to creativity. Together we will explore: How to use a limited palette, understanding color theory, really getting to grips with tonal value, the six-stage technique involved in painting a painting from start to finish, fundamentals of good composition, sketching, underpainting, applying paint – brush & palette knife, finishing up & evaluation. The workshop includes painting demonstrations and practical hands-on exercises to let you get some paint under your nails.
 
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructor: Róisín O’Farrell
Cost: $550
Sponsor: Painting Miles
Website, email

Established by artists Penny L. Arrowood and Michelle Davis Petelinz, Your Creative Connection, Haw River 2018 is an all inclusive, mixed media art experience set in the scenic foothills of North Carolina. Designed for women by women: a memorable event to inspire creative discoveries. Aside from travel to and from the venue, everything that students need is included: lodging, linens, studio space, instruction, supplies, chef-prepared meals, daily snacks, and engaging evening activities. Immersed in our art-venturing, we will explore surface design employing myriad mixed media techniques and a variety of mediums. Studio time is structured to inspire new-comers, seasoned artists, and creative writers alike. Our final day will feature a showcase of the work created during our time together.
 
Location: Browns Summit, North Carolina
Instructor: Penny Arrowood & Michelle Davis Petelinz
Cost: $1,500
Sponsor: Your Creative Connection
Website, email, 910-875-7416

Have you ever wondered how to Loosen-Up your painting style? Paint with more Freedom? Be more Spontaneous? Be more Expressive? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then my Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting Workshop is for you! I will teach you how to do each of these realizing there should also be a firm foundation of structure for your paintings using shape, value, color, edges, and center of interest. This workshop is not only about painting abstract compositions, but also about learning to loosen up and paint more freely. All who attend will be able to apply the lessons learned to their own style of painting in their studios.
 
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructor: David Kessler
Cost: $385
Sponsor: Painting Miles
Website, email

Have you ever wondered how to Loosen-Up your painting style? Paint with more Freedom? Be more Spontaneous? Be more Expressive? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then my Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting Workshop is for you! I will teach you how to do each of these realizing there should also be a firm foundation of structure for your paintings using shape, value, color, edges and center of interest.
 
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructor: David M. Kessler
Sponsor: Painting Miles
Website, email

Have you ever wondered how to Loosen-Up your painting style? Paint with more Freedom? Be more Spontaneous? Be more Expressive? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then my Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting Workshop is for you! I will teach you how to do each of these realizing there should also be a firm foundation of structure for your paintings using shape, value, color, edges and center of interest.
 
Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Instructor: David M. Kessler
Sponsor: David M. Kessler Fine Art
Website, email, 336-418-3038

Let’s paint the bigger picture. This two-day intensive workshop combines demos, in-class assignments, and individual instruction to teach students the techniques to create fresh, deliberate marks on a big canvas. Using observational painting as our launching point, we’ll embark each day with energetic painting exercises designed to tap into each participant’s personal voice. The practice of working directly from life results in a heightened awareness and a lasting impression of the moment.
 
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructor: Lisa Daria
Cost: $380
Sponsor: Painting Miles
Website, email

Have you ever wondered how to Loosen-Up your painting style? Paint with more Freedom? Be more Spontaneous? Be more Expressive? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then my Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting Workshop is for you! I will teach you how to do each of these realizing there should also be a firm foundation of structure for your paintings using shape, value, color, edges and center of interest.
 
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Instructor: David M. Kessler
Sponsor: Jerry's Artarama-Art of the Carolinas
Website, email