Drawing workshops
online and in the heart of
Northern New Mexico
Drawing Canyon, Sage and Sky
Drawing workshops
online and in the heart of
Northern New Mexico
Drawing Canyon, Sage and Sky
Surrounded by piñon and juniper, complex geological formations, endless cloudscapes and Milky Way skies, this high desert environment is open for sensory discovery through drawing. Artist Agnes Martin called this region of New Mexico her home, working in concert with the terrain. Here, we walk and draw within badlands and sage fields, gather earth pigments, handcraft charcoal, pastels and natural paints, and expand drawing practice through tutorials and independent studio work, all as connected to the experience of place.
In-person residential workshops span six evenings and five full days of field excursions, studio work and tutorials.
Sessions are designed for artists and scholars keen to connect their practice to the land.
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1) Cañon del Rio Immersive Drawing Retreat: May 22 - 28, 2025
2) Badlands Drawing Research Workshop: May 30 - June 5, 2025
**The 2025 Application window is closed. If you would like to apply for 2026 workshops, dates TBA, please apply here**
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Sessions start at $2850 per person, inclusive of tuition, six nights lodging, field outings, art supplies and chef-prepared meals.
The application deadline for both workshops is March 1, 2025. As the workshops may fill before the deadline, early application is encouraged.
Working with artist and professor Sara Schneckloth, participants come away with fresh techniques, a body of mixed-media drawings, relationships with new colleagues, and the experience of being immersed in the open air, vast silence, and remarkable natural diversity of this singular landscape. Together, we explore stunning field locations and generate drawings that embody the land and sky of Northern New Mexico, with natural materials as our guide.
Residential Workshops
The residential workshops combine field and geologically-inspired drawing, material tutorials, independent art production, and professional dialogue. The residential sessions are geared toward experienced artists seeking to deepen their drawing practice, craft and work with natural materials, meet colleagues with shared interests, and be immersed in the landscape of this less-traveled corner of New Mexico.
Admission by rolling application until filled. Deadline to apply is 3/1/25.
Online Workshops
Online Geological Drawing Workshops
In live online workshops, we draw with natural materials and geological specimens responsibly gathered in New Mexico and sent to your home. Sessions are fully interactive, and combine demonstrations, materials exploration, and professional dialogue. You'll receive a shipment of art supplies and diverse stones to work from in your own home studio. These sessions are geared toward artists at any level seeking to deepen their drawing practice, engage with natural materials, and meet new colleagues, as we work between the high desert and your studio.
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The Settings
There are two sites for workshops in 2025.
1) Cañon del Rio is a beautifully-appointed retreat center just outside the town of Jemez Springs, New Mexico (alt. 6200'). All rooms are singles, with private bath.
2) The Circle A Ranch is a 360 acre property within the Santa Fe National Forest near Cuba, New Mexico (alt. 7000'). The historic lodge dates from the 1920s with many original features. Single and double rooms share a bath.
Locations are chosen for their blend of remoteness and accessibility, sweeping vistas, rich color, and abundance of compelling natural forms. Field outings alternate with material and process tutorials and independent studio work. We venture to nearby canyons, forests, and mesas, where we hike, gather raw materials and draw in the field, weather permitting.
Immersive Drawing Retreat - May 22-28, 2025
Badlands Drawing Research Workshop - May 30-June 5, 2025
Badlands Drawing Research Workshop - May 30-June 5, 2025
Our base of operations is Cañon del Rio, a spacious and comfortable retreat center near Jemez Springs, NM. You will have a private room and individual work space with access to large terraces, heated pool, walking trails to the river and panoramic views of the surrounding mesas.
Badlands Drawing Research Workshop - May 30-June 5, 2025
Badlands Drawing Research Workshop - May 30-June 5, 2025
Badlands Drawing Research Workshop - May 30-June 5, 2025
Held at the historic Circle A Ranch outside Cuba, NM, we venture into nearby canyons and badlands to immerse in this rugged and beautiful terrain. Rooms at the Circle A include single and double bedrooms, with both private and shared baths. Rates vary based on room choice.
Creative Director
Badlands Drawing Research Workshop - May 30-June 5, 2025
Lodging and Cuisine
Sara Schneckloth's studio practice brings together art and science with an abiding love for the southwestern landscape. With over twenty years of academic and field teaching experience, her images and essays feature in exhibitions and publications worldwide.
Lodging and Cuisine
Lodging and Cuisine
Lodging and Cuisine
The price of workshop includes six nights of lodging, chef-prepared dinners, fresh and healthy buffet lunches and continental breakfasts, art supplies and more.
FAQ
Lodging and Cuisine
Application
Do I need a vehicle? What is the weather like? The altitude? What materials do I need to bring?
These and more can be found below.
Application
Lodging and Cuisine
Application
Applications for the residential workshops are reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline for May/June 2025 is March 1. The workshops may fill well before the deadline.
Online workshops do not require an application.