My goal is to show you how approachable painting can be with a few key techniques, basic principles of design, and a dedicated teacher under your belt. I love to teach first-timers as well as experienced painters who need a creative reboot. I light up from the idea of getting more people painting so we can keep expressing our creative selves and tap into a place of joy and calm. I have shown my work in several galleries around the country, and have a Masters in Art Education.
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 that I wanted to get back to teaching and making art. So I packed up my Turquoise colored Ford Probe with my favorite things and my cat Jolie, and we headed to New Mexico where I got an alternative 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 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 here I am in dream territory living my being a "full-time artist" dream. I love teaching beginners who *think* they have no artistic talent, and intermediate students who need a push to advance their skills.
Those who want to gain or improve painting skills will learn how to create a strong piece of art through foundational principles of good design in our light-filled studio, just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. We believe you make your best work when you feel supported, inspired, and are given a multitude of techniques and tools with which to create. We aim to empower anyone who has the desire to paint to realize that they too can make art.
It is our goal to share the gift of painting with others, because we know the many benefits of making art, including calming the mind, relaxing the nervous system, and an overall feeling of connection and inspiration. We get to know each other, learn from each other’s process, and rejoice in each other’s successes. We are here to teach, learn, share, laugh, and paint our hearts out! We are in the business of helping you make great art—book a class to see for yourself!
5041 Agua Fria Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507
"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."
"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.
"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."
"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 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!"