New Mexico
Intuitive Painting Retreats
(Due to the pandemic, I have not set future dates yet. Stay tuned! )
Are you ready to let your creative spirit out of the box of perfectionism and into the freedom and spirit of the high desert air ?
Do you thrive in safe spaces that encourage your intuition and playful side?
And what about having your own creativity guide by your side offering you guidance and personalized attention at just the right moments so that you can experience your own unique breakthroughs?
Surrounded by wide open spaces and natural beauty you will be in the position to see what emerges when you free yourself up from judgment and criticism.
This is a great way to jumpstart your painting life or reconnect with the passions that got you hooked on painting in the first place.
These intuitive painting retreats take place in Julie’s personal painting studio in the northern New Mexico town of El Rito. Approximately one hour from Santa Fe and Taos, El Rito provides you access to nearby hot springs, sacred sights and hiking trails. You will be immersed in this rural setting which provides a slower pace in which you can easily unwind in.
These retreats are for beginners & experienced painters who want to reclaim their beginner’s mind and unfurl in a relaxed setting. This is Northern New Mexico.
Surprising things happen here.
Due to the pandemic, I have not set future dates yet. Stay tuned!
I look forward to seeing you in New Mexico!
“The biggest gift of this retreat? I found my passion! Passion for life, passion for painting.”
What will you experience?
Daily guided painting exercises
A great way to stretch your comfort zone, these exercises are engaging, irreverent and an easy way to get you started each day using a variety of materials in the mood of spontaneity and play. No thinking allowed…
Three days of creative immersion
Plenty of time every day to experiment and develop on your own. You will be provided with canvas and other surfaces, the exact number of paintings you work on will be determined by you. You can have as much reflection time as you like during your painting time.
Sacred space environment brings a sense of safety to your play. No one will give you painterly criticism or evaluations—no one will “like” your paintings. You will not be taught techniques or told what to do.
We begin each day in silence and personal check-ins. The space in which we gather is the secret sauce to your painting time. You will be invited to connect deeply with yourself and your intuitions.
Inspired music and poetry are integrated into the retreat experience, providing a supportive creative backdrop and connection to femininity, flow, the divine.
Food, yum! I will be providing catered lunches on the weekend so that you can count on some healthy fresh food during your days. Breakfasts/Dinners are easily available at nearby spa, hotel or other local spots.
My favorite place: I offer a guided walk through one of my favorite outdoor places in New Mexico, only 20 minutes away from the studio. I will schedule this once we gather for the retreat. It’s mystical. It’s magical. It’s quiet and serene there…..a place I go for spiritual connection.
One on one time (Optional)–You will have time during the retreat to meet with me individually to explore what is coming up for you, personally and/or in your paintings. Note to self: you don’t have to do this completely on your own.
Beyond the Retreat: If you want to continue some aspect of your retreat experience when you get home I am available for phone or video sessions. You can also sign up for my online painting course that meets on Tuesdays (or Saturdays) and become part of the ongoing tribe.
Materials
I provide the art materials. No shipping paint to my studio. No hauling canvas. You only have to get your paintings back home. I am happy to help you arrange that.
I provide acrylic paint, charcoal, pastels, brushes, aprons to wear, un-stretched canvas, paper, canvas boards etc. (Just so you know, this is quite unusual– to have your art materials included in your retreat. )
That being said feel free to bring (ship) some of your own materials if you prefer.
“Such a marvelous experience, Julie. In so many ways…the paintings, the people, the joint experience of creating in the presence of other creatives and feeling so safe and embraced in it—plus the natural beauty of the environment…Thank you from the bottom of my heart…”
This area is really a destination spot, for people wanting to experience New Mexico beyond Santa Fe and Taos.
Many artists live in this area and some of the most revered studio tours reside here.
Some fun places to stay include…
Ojo Inn and Mercantile, Ojo Caliente, http://ojocaliente.com
Clean, simple rooms with a great home-made breakfast. A short walk from mineral springs, resort and restaurant.
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, http://www.ojospa.com
Restorative hot springs, restaurant, massages, healing treatments, walking trails.
Abiquiu Inn, http://wwwabiquiuinn.com
Inn with restaurant, situated in Georgia O’Keefe country, close to general store, Plaza Blanca and the Chama River
AirBnB (studio is in El Rito, up to 20 minutes from Abiquiu and Ojo Caliente), https://www.airbnb.com
Cliff River Springs, http://www.cliffriversprings.com/ Amazing casitas and retreat.
“Julie’s personal integrity throughout the entire process and her skillful facilitation allowed each person to stay true to themselves and open to insights and creativity. Her additional offerings of poetry and music as sources of inspiration enhanced the setting throughout the weekend. The outpouring of the creative voice onto each person’s canvas was amazing!”
Due to the pandemic, no registrations happening at this time. Stay tuned for upcoming online and future in person retreats.
Registration
Registration on hold due to pandemic. Stay tuned.
Registration includes all painting materials (canvas/paper/board etc.), two organic weekend lunches, a facilitated healing walk Saturday evening, and 6.875% sales tax.
Studio Painting Hours: Friday 1-5:30pm / Saturday 10-5 / Sunday 10-4
You will notice you have early mornings and evenings to play with. There are nearby hot springs, sacred sites, incredible walks and hikes.
