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My journey in becoming a professional artist.
My introduction to art came during college when I fell in love with a few painting classes I took.
I studied Art History, and after graduation headed off to Cameroon, West Africa to teach English with the Peace Corps. Upon my return to the U.S., I worked at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a year until I realized I wanted to get back to teaching and making art. So I packed up my turquoise Ford Probe with my favorite things and my cat Jolie, and we headed to New Mexico, where I got my teaching certification. In my spare time I took art classes and started showing my paintings at a gallery on Canyon Road. I taught middle and high school English and Art for 20 years, but eventually I started to crave working with people who were as passionate about painting as I am. So I left my steady teaching job to pursue Santa Fe Painting Workshops full-time — and I haven't looked back since.
1235 Siler Lane
Santa Fe, NM 87505
At Santa Fe Painting Workshops, we demystify abstract painting — giving you the principles, process, and confidence to create work that's intentional, expressive, and unmistakably yours.
If you've ever walked away from a painting session frustrated — not sure why it worked last time and fell apart this time — you're in the right place.
I'm Andrea Cermanski, a gallery-represented abstract painter with nearly 30 years of studio experience and a Master's in Art Education. I believe abstract painting isn't mysterious — it's misunderstood. Most teachers show you what to do. I teach you why it works, because understanding the principles behind your choices is what transforms unpredictable results into a confident, repeatable practice. And I hold nothing back — every technique and hard-won insight from decades in the studio is yours to learn.
I work with painters who are tired of inconsistent results and ready to understand why their work succeeds or struggles. Whether you join me for a retreat in Santa Fe or through one of my online courses, you'll leave with real skills, fresh inspiration, and the confidence to keep creating work that's unmistakably yours.
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feminists under 40
"It is clear Andrea loves what she does and was born for teaching."
"My son and I had an amazing weekend in Santa Fe and the best ending to it was taking our abstract painting class with Andrea. From the minute we walked in, we were in a warm and welcoming environment. Its clear Andrea loves what she does and that she was born for teaching art. I had no experience and felt a little inhibited, but with her guidance and support it was an extremely positive experience and I certainly learned a lot."
"Different (BETTER) than
just a ‘Wine & Paint’ class!
"I was looking for an experience beyond the typical tree painting class and Andrea’s class was perfect! I’ve taken many art classes and am a relatively experienced painter, but my mother was more nervous about being “let loose” to paint whatever she wanted to. During our class, Andrea handled both our desires wonderfully. Giving us mediums, techniques and suggestions whenever we needed them. We could have brought in reference photos, (or wine lol) but being surrounded by Andrea’s work was inspiration enough. We both walked away really feeling like we created something memorable and unique in just two hours.
"We created some great family memories, along with interesting paintings."
"Andrea is an accomplished artist, and her teaching style is appropriate for all levels of artists. Our granddaughter is very proud of her finished painting. We had a wonderful time, and we created some great family memories, along with some interesting paintings. We all agreed that we can’t wait to do it again. It was a great family activity."
"Good Teacher, Knowledgeable, Patient & Encouraging."
"Andrea Cermanski has all the skills of a good teacher. She's knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and gives precise and helpful instruction to each individual student, allowing him or her to discover their hidden artistic talents."
"I left feeling inspired, and way more confident!"
"I did a private class with Andrea and it was so wonderful!! Andrea is an amazing artist and she is also a great teacher!! Thorough, patient and just a fun person to be around! I really wanted a basic introduction to how to use the paints, mediums, brushes, palettes, etc. I got that and so much more!! She even helped me with the anxieties I was having around painting. I left feeling inspired, and way more confident! Ready to go home and explore. I look forward to another class after I have played some on my own. Highly recommend!"
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