Retreats take place at my light-filled art studio, just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter needing a reset, my retreat will give you the tools needed to make spectacular artwork. I provide all of the supplies you need so all you have to do is show up!
santa fe retreats
MARCH 3-6
April 7-10
June 16-19
September 22-25
2025 Painting Beyond Boundaries Retreat
painting beyond boundaries: 4-Day abstract painting retreat in Santa fe, nm
Painting Beyond Boundaries is a 4-day art retreat designed for those who want a creative reboot in order to begin or advance an abstract painting practice. We explore how to paint abstractly, color theory, how to create a dynamic surface, techniques using surprising items, natural pigments, and unique painting tools. Each day comes with several demonstrations and a challenge that helps students to take more creative risks and feel inspired.
Students share their goals and support each other in this small class in which I provide ample personalized coaching. By the end of the workshop, students feel renewed by learning a multitude of new techniques and ideas that will launch their work in new and exciting directions. This course is designed for all levels of abstract painters, and gives students the skills and confidence to continue a practice of painting upon return home.
Painting Beyond Boundaries
- 1 half day Canyon Road art tour &
3 full days of painting instruction - Welcome breakfast at the Teahouse (4-day retreat only)
- Canvas boards, heavy duty papers, wood panels
- Acrylic paint & mediums
- Fabrics, art papers & other materials
- A variety of brushes, palette knives, and other tools to use
- Apron
- Snacks
- Tea, coffee, carbonated water.
- Class size: 4-10 students
- 4 days: $995 including tax
- Location: 5041 Agua Fria Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507
- Transportation to Workshop: I suggest to rent a car or take Uber ($15 each way)
- We have a casita that sleeps 2 adults adjacent to the retreat location. Contact me if you are interested.
- Click here for other accommodations in Santa Fe.
- Santa Fe is the closest and easiest airport. Albuquerque is one hour away.
- I recommend KAYAK to book your flight:
Andrea is simply amazing! I had zero painting experience and took a private lesson then did an Artist Retreat.
I tried taking a class 20 years ago elsewhere, felt so intimidated & quit after 1 class. This experience could not have been more different! Andrea is kind, caring, knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, helpful & provides constructive feedback. She taught me the basics in color, composition & mediums in a way that was easy for me to follow.
The retreat was so well organized! I was constantly impressed. We had an agenda that included morning exercises, Artist quotes & visuals to get us inspired then demos and painting time. Healthy snacks, beverages and all in a very comfortable/ inviting environment. The studio is beautiful with a lot of natural light, we had all the paints, brushes, mediums & materials to incorporate into our work that we could have needed.
Our group was a mix of experienced painters and newbies like me. Everyone really got what we each “needed” & came for out of it.
Do not hesitate to sign up for lessons and/or the Artist Retreat! You will walk away feeling so confident & inspired!
-Kelly Schneider
Kelly, April 2022
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DAY 1: GET INSPIRED & GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER
9 am--10:15 am--Welcome Breakfast at The Teahouse
10:15am-11:45 am--Canyon Road Gallery Tour
Rest of Day Free to Explore Santa Fe
DAY 2: ABSTRACT PAINTING & TEXTURE
9am-3:30 pm
DAY 3: PURPOSEFUL PLAY, COLOR & UNIQUE TECHNIQUES & TOOLS
9am-3:30 pm
DAY 4: TAKING RISKS & DRAWING TOOLS
9am-3:30 pm
General Schedule
- 3 days/18 hours of instruction
- 3 stretched canvases
- Acrylic paint & mediums
- Fabrics, art papers & other materials
- A variety of brushes & palette knives to use
- Apron
- Snacks
- Tea, coffee, carbonated water.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
Learn More About the Retreat
- 3 days/18 hours of instruction
- 3 stretched canvases
- Acrylic paint & mediums
- Fabrics, art papers & other materials
- A variety of brushes & palette knives to use
- Apron
- Snacks
- Tea, coffee, carbonated water.
Where to Stay in Santa Fe
Unearth your unique abstract voice in a small workshop filled with like-minded individuals, where all the required materials are thoughtfully provided.
Unearth your unique abstract voice in a small workshop filled with like-minded individuals, where all the required materials are thoughtfully provided.
Unearth your unique abstract voice in a small workshop filled with like-minded individuals, where all the required materials are thoughtfully provided.
"Quality instruction and inspiration was definitely provided by Andrea. An artist and educator, Andrea gave encouragement and tips for objective evaluation so my inner critic didn’t get the best of me. Color theory, principals of art and design, and texture application with all kinds of tools and mediums were the highlight for me. 3 full days to learn and create is long but a necessary retreat to break down barriers I was experiencing in my own creative expression. I returned home inspired, with direction and purpose and have been painting ever since! I have a show in April!"
"I returned home inspired, with direction and purpose..."
"...For four days, I met with her for three hours each day, and we painted, we drew, we discussed, and when things got hard, I told her I couldn't do it, but she pushed me out of my box and coached me through it. I have learned how to draw, how to mix colors, how to create several different types of textures on canvas, how to paint. And I love it! If I ever forget what I learned, that's okay...because Andrea painstakingly took notes for me while I learned, and I still regularly use those notes at home when I paint by myself. Andrea was a high school art teacher, and she draws from best teaching practices to instill in her private students the basic knowledge needed to get started and then, just as importantly, to work independently...."
" I cannot recommend Andrea highly enough!
