A R T L I F E W O R K S H O P S

“Creativity it is not something we ever lose, but rather something that has been just overlooked, possibly relegated years ago to a still, unused corner of our being. However, it still remains quietly within us all, patiently waiting, just below the surface of things.  Till now.

Come experience an ArtLife Workshop, designed for the absolute beginner or seasoned artist, and get inspired. Again.”  NICHOLAS WILTON

TESTIMONIALS

LESLIE JANE

“The workshop I attended with you at Esalen has been a great boon to my art. I thank you so much.
I have painted everyday since I got back. I find that I love the problems painting in abstract offers.
Also, the thoughtful email broadcasts that you send out are always totally relevant to what I am dealing with! How do you do that?
Lezlie Jane

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

 

MOLAKAI   January 7th – 12th

MOLAKAI   January 7th – 12th

MOLAKAI   January 7th – 12th

MOLAKAI   January 7th – 12th

MOLAKAI   January 7th – 12th

Don’t have time for a workshop?  Sign up for a ArtLife Studio Class!

Workshop begins January 24th, 2015 and runs through January 31st, 2015!

Located on one of the most pristine, least developed islands in the Hawaiian archipelago; the Hui Ho’olana retreat has been dedicated to the growth of the artistic spirit since 1994.

Now Nicholas Wilton invites you to this paradise for a 7-day workshop and retreat. This workshop is a playful, open-ended exploration of the creative image-making process. We will be utilizing imagery inspired from our own personal stories, life experiences and the lush tropical surroundings of Molokai.

There will be hands-on exploration of fundamental painting principles as well as gaining an understanding of how to sustain our own creative momentum. Throughout the week, we will work on a series of small paintings on wood panels, often working on several pieces simultaneously, leaving little time to worry about success or failure. Ample in class demonstrations, one-on-one instruction and a willingness to embrace chance, risk and personal intuition will help guide us on our artistic path. By the end of the retreat, participants will have learned how to create a piece of art that it at once compostionally strong and an authentic extension of themselves.

All accommodations at the Hui Ho‘olana are shared, and there are two types of accommodation for workshop guests; bedrooms in the lodge and nearby detached cabins. Lodge accommodations include 4 bedrooms and 2-shared bathrooms with showers. The lodge is a 50-year-old wooden hunting lodge, built by the Cooke family (the original owners of the Hui Ho’olana) for their vacations together, and beautifully appointed. Our group will also use this building during meals and as a living room space. Our group will also use this building during meals and as a living room space. The nearby private cabins are accessed by earthen paths in a quiet forest setting that lead to the two shared shower houses. Each shower house has 2 toilets, 2 sinks, 2 showers. And don’t forget to take a dip in the inviting outdoor claw-foot bathtub.

This workshop is designed to accommodate people from a wide variety of disciplines, and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you already have an established artistic practice or are just starting out on your creative journey, or perhaps somewhere in between, this workshop is for you. No prior artistic experience is necessary, only a willingness to play. So come join us as we celebrate a process of inspiration, reclamation, and the journey of self-discovery through painting.

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Course fee: $2,345, plus a $75 materials fee. This fee covers all room accommodations and food costs. A $1,172 deposit is required to reserve your place.
To submit payment by mail please make checks payable to Nicholas Wilton, and delivered to: 480 Gate 5 Road, Suite 300W, Sausalito, CA 94965. To make a payment by phone, please contact Ferris at [email protected] with your name, telephone number, and the best time to call. For more information about this workshop, please contact Ferris at [email protected]

 

Workshop begins May 3rd, 2015 and runs through May 8th, 2015!

One part educational center, one part spiritual retreat, the renowned Esalen institute has been redefining our modern concepts of self, society and culture since its inception. Now, Nicholas Wilton invites you to take part in this prestigious legacy with one of his ArtLife workshops.

Comfortably nestled along the breathtaking coastline of Big Sur, the environment of Esalen is incredibly relaxing and especially suited to art making. This workshop is a playful exploration of the creative image-making process, and we will draw upon imagery inspired from by our own personal stories.

We will also focus upon our own life experiences and the natural beauty of Esalen for artistic motivation. With these sources in mind, we will engage in a hands-on journey of exploration of fundamental painting principles, and how to use them to create meaningful and unique work. Throughout this workshop we will also investigate, discuss and learn how to sustain our own creative momentum, and how inspire others to do so as well in the face of our ever busy daily lives. Expect numerous in class demonstrations on new techniques and tools, as well as considerable one-on-one instruction. And as this workshop will taught in the Art Barn, workshop participants will have the option to continue working into the night.

Also be certain to take advantage of all the fine amenities offered at Esalen. Workshop participants have the option of taking in the natural beauty of Big Sur by walking along breath taking coastal trails, or going hiking in the hills among ancient coastal Redwood Trees. You can stroll along pristine beaches, or take in a sweeping view of the endless Pacific ocean. Esalen also provides some of the finest, locally sourced organic meals, which are as healthy as they are stunningly delicious. There is also the option to simply hang out at Esalen and enjoy a yoga class – and of course be certain not to miss taking a dip in their world-famous hot springs and watch the sun set.

This workshop is designed to accommodate people from a wide variety of disciplines, and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you already have an established artistic practice or are just starting out on your creative journey, or perhaps somewhere in between, this workshop is for you. No prior artistic experience is necessary, only a willingness to play. So come join us as we celebrate a process of inspiration, reclamation, and the journey of self-discovery through painting.

[add_to_cart id=”2288″ style=”padding:5px;border:none;width:150px;” sku=”esalen”]The fee for this workshop ranges from $650 to $3,550, depending on which accommodation type you choose. Please refer to Esalen’s room pricing and tuition page, available here. This course also offers Continuing Education credits for MFTs and LCSWs. For more information regarding this workshop, please contact Ferris at [email protected]
Retreat begins February 27th, 2015 and runs through March 1st, 2015!

Considered a hidden gem of the Bay Area, family owned Westerbeke Ranch has served as a place of rest, relaxation, and self-discovery for over 50 years. Now Nicholas Wilton invites you to experience the rustic beauty of Sonoma Valley with a 3 day weekend painting workshop.

Using the Six Art2LIfe principles of value, color, design, texture, risk and soul, workshop participants will embark on a creative journey that embraces personal intuition and choice. Together we will learn how to craft compositionally strong work that is an authentic, unique expression of yourself.

 

Ample time will be dedicated to in class demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, as this creates a fertile environment for artmaking. We will also investigate the concepts of change and improvisation, working on many pieces simultaneously, allowing ourselves to work boldly and without fear of failure. Generous time will be given for experimentation with new tools, mediums, and techniques, collectively learning how to step out of our comfort zones; it is in this space, after all, where the best art is often made. Using this process as a backdrop, there will also be discussion on developing and sustaining your own creative practice, particularly in the face of our modern, fast-moving world.

Westerbeke Ranch offers shared accommodations in five charming and comfortably furnished redwood cabins. Delightful paths lead to the cabins, which are nestled in the gardens above the pool area. Each cabin has a series of bedrooms with each bedroom having its own bathroom and private entrance. Then there are the amenities available at Westerbeke – a swimming pool, hot tub, massage, stunning hiking trails, plenty of sun lit and shaded benches to relax on, and of course some of the most delicious authentic homemade cuisine available in the Bay Area, made with the best locally sourced ingredients. Also not to be missed is Westerbeke’s selection of Sonoma wines.
This workshop is designed to accommodate people from a wide variety of disciplines, and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you already have an established artistic practice or are just starting out on your creative journey, or perhaps somewhere in between, this workshop is for you. No prior artistic experience is necessary, only a willingness to play. So come join us as we celebrate a process of inspiration, reclamation, and the journey of self-discovery through painting.
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Course fee: $700. This fee is inclusive, covering the all room, board, food and art materials cost. A $300 deposit is required to reserve your place.
To submit payment by mail, please make checks payable to Nicholas Wilton, and delivered to the following address: 480 Gate 5 Road, Suite 300W, Sausalito, CA 94965. To make a payment by phone, please contact Ferris at [email protected] with your name, telephone number, and the best time to call. For more information about this workshop, please contact Ferris at [email protected]