A Brief FAQ:
Where and what will I paint?
We will paint in various locations in the historic part of San Miguel and out in the nearby countryside.
How much will I paint?
On average, you will receive six to seven hours of instruction each day, as part of a group and individually from an instructor. Frank, Anne, and Thomas will offer helpful demonstrations and share practical information tailored to your present ability. They will also share things you can continue to work on after your workshop.
What will I learn?
Emphasis will be placed upon the plein air painting techniques. For example: how to start by capturing the design of light and shadow, how to create a sense of form and distance, how to harmonize color, and how to simplify what you see. Focus will be placed upon alla prima painting methods, and other things that are helpful when working on location.
The more advanced student will be challenged with additional concerns.
What art supplies will I need?
The supplies you will need to bring are basic to oil painting. You will work between 8 x 10 and 11 x 14 inches in size and your instructors will encourage you to produce two to three paintings a day. (No worries, you can do it!) We will send you a comprehensive materials list after you register, including information about how to successfully navigate the TSA and fly with your paint and gear.
Where will we stay?
Since San Miguel is a sophisticated town with a large ex-pat community there are many options available for lodging. We will provide you with a comprehensive list of suggestions and expect you to arrange your stay. Hotels and BnBs in San Miguel are easy to reserve online and they are inexpensive compared to the US. San Miguel hotels and BnBs are used to accommodating Americans and other world-travelers and they happy to work with you. The list we provide will put you within easy walking distance to all of our gathering points so you will not need a car.
Are meals provided?
When we paint outside of the town we will provide lunch, ranging from a gourmet experience to convenient box lunches. You will be responsible for your own breakfasts and most of your dinners. But no worries, San Miguel is internationally-known for its many cafes and restaurants and offers a wide selection of price and menus from almost every country. In fact, the food is so good in San Miguel it is often called the 'Paris of Mexico'.
What can I expect for weather?
February is a fantastic time to paint in San Miguel. The sun rises around 6:45 am and sets around 7:30 pm which provides ample time for everyone to paint in the morning and afternoon light. San Miguel is at 6400 feet and average daytime highs in February vary between 68° to the low 80s° F, which makes being outdoors a pleasant experience. The nights cool down and all you will need is a comfortable sweater.
If my spouse or partner comes what will they do?
With advanced notice, your partner or spouse is welcome to accompany the group. Or, if they prefer, they can explore the many artisinal shops and local markets which fill the streets. There are historic churches, villages, and towns specializing in various arts and crafts nearby, as well as several hot springs, yoga studios, cooking schools, horseback riding, and mountian bike excursions. There are even guided tours to the historic state capitol, Guanajuato, an elegant colonial city that was central to the birth of Mexico. Your partner can tour on their own, or with the new friends they will meet while you paint. San Miguel is a very friendly place and fun place to just hang out.