June/July 2026 Edition

Special Section

In Motion

Art Schools & Workshops

Award-winning artist Adrienne Stein conducts a demonstration during a workshop in Scotland, through the Workshops in France program. 

 

The drive to keep growing is what keeps artists constantly in motion, often journeying outside of their studios and into the world. Sometimes it’s about refining the fundamentals, and other times, it’s about stepping into entirely new environments—learning from mentors, exchanging ideas with peers or simply encountering the unexpected. That’s where art schools and workshops come into the mix. The paths offered by these programs are as varied as the artists who take them: immersive destination workshops, focused ateliers, flexible online courses and more. 

Today, that landscape is more expansive than ever. You can build structure into your practice or find a program that is flexible with your life and schedule, choosing between guided instruction and self-paced exploration. Whether you’re seeking discipline, experimentation or a sense of adventure, the ways in which you can push your practice forward are endless. 


Mitch Baird, Amber Blanket, oil, 9 x 12” (22 x 30 cm)

Scottsdale Artists’ School
“Plein Air Painting in Beartooth Pass, Montana” with artist Mitch Baird is an off-site destination workshop taking place July 27 to 31. Beartooth Pass, the “Alps of Montana,” offer lush meadows, rugged rocks and more than 950 alpine lakes. In this five-day plein air workshop, artists of all levels explore composition, color, value and atmospheric perspective through demonstrations, guidance and encouragement, capturing breathtaking landscapes in oils or acrylics.

Contact Info
3720 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251  |  (490) 990-1422
info@scottsdaleartschool.org  |  scottsdaleartschool.org




Oil painting by NMA student Tom Bernardes.

New Masters Academy
New Masters Academy is the original online art academy, delivering structured, studio-style training in traditional drawing, painting, sculpture and animation since 2011. Students learn from a world-class faculty of acclaimed fine artists and Disney veterans through thousands of HD video lessons, live classes and on-demand critiques. An unmatched reference library of high-resolution photos and interactive 3D models paired with a global student community makes mastery accessible from anywhere.

Contact Info
info@nma.art  |  nma.art




 

ATELIER Vanessa Rothe Fine Art
ATELIER Vanessa Rothe Fine Art offers everything from academic fundamentals and drawing to plein air painting in California and Europe. Past instructors include Derek Penix, Ray Roberts, CW Mundy, Juliette Aristides, Quang Ho, Patrick Lee and Bryan M. Taylor. The new “Inspired by the Masters” series begins with a focus on Sorolla, from September 25 to 27. Learn art history and paint models on the beach, recreating the artist’s famous scenes. The workshop will be taught by Tom Balderas and Leon Okun. Dive into the art studios and shores of Laguna Beach! 

Contact Info
(949) 280-1555  |  vanessarothefineart.com




Cindy Briggs’ artwork on the April/May cover of International Artist.

Cindy Briggs Watercolors
Through Cindy Briggs Watercolors, enjoy enriching painting experiences in Italy, Portugal, France, China, California, Maine and on European Rhine River cruises. Select from Cindy’s “All About Watercolors” and seven additional signature online programs. Discover color in engaging sessions with Terracotta.art, Palette-Exchange, Smithsonian Art Studios and more. 

Contact Info
cindybriggsart@gmail.com  |  cindybriggs.com




Organizer and artist Julie Snyder in France. 

Workshops in France
Workshops in France hosts artists of all levels in destination art retreats and workshops, where inspiration meets adventure, including France, Scotland, Italy and Ireland. Château accommodation, gourmet meals, fine wine and ground transport are included for the perfect blend of art, immersion and camaraderie in unforgettable settings. Experience art retreats without instruction, or focused workshops with Zoey Frank, Daniel Gerhartz, Steve Huston, Joseph Zbukvic, Dave Santillanes, Bryan Mark Taylor and more.

Contact Info
(818) 533-2363 | valerie@workshopsinfrance.com |  workshopsinfrance.com




Painting by BACAA founder Linda Dulaney.

Bay Area Classical Artist Atelier 
The Bay Area Classical Artist Atelier was founded to further the practice and education of artists working in the Old Masters methods in the classical realist tradition. BACAA is committed to upholding the highest standards of art instruction by providing opportunities for all artists that include drawing and painting workshops taught by master artists and instructors in an intimate atelier setting, as well as a supportive, collaborative, student-friendly learning environment, among many other benefits.

Contact Info
(650) 622-4183 | info@bacaa.org  |  bacaa.org