Experimental Painting and Drawing with Michelle
Dive into multidisciplinary drawing and painting techniques with esteemed artist Michelle in Sharon Springs, a charming rural village in Upstate New York. Experiment with oil, acrylic, and watercolor, refine your observational drawing skills, and explore monotype printing, drypoint etching, and collage in her inspiring 1850s church studio. Outside the studio, visit local artist studios, explore a nearby lavender farm, and hike to a picturesque natural waterfall.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1640
- Additional guest(s) (max 3)
- USD $1200
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $750
- Additional guest(s)
- USD $485
Meet the Artist
Michelle is a multidisciplinary artist with over 40 years of experience in drawing, painting, and large-scale public art, including mosaic, terrazzo, and murals. She describes her career as an exploration of color, pattern, and space to create “vivid backdrops for human activity.” A native New Yorker, she has lived in artistic communities across the U.S., exhibited internationally, and received fellowships from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, MacDowell, and Yaddo.
Her practice is defined by bold color, eccentric patterns, and dynamic compositions that bridge painting, architecture, and design. From hand-bound artist’s books and intricate collages to large-scale public installations—such as a mosaic mural for Miami’s riverfront—her work transforms environments and often involves collaboration with artisans. A lifelong learner and self-proclaimed “magpie” of artistic inspiration, she seeks to reveal the hidden geometry in the built environment, making it visible and magical.
Michelle’s VAWAA builds on decades of teaching experience in observational drawing and creative development. She believes in breaking down the creative process into stages, encouraging experimentation, and fostering a deep connection between artists and their work. For her, art is a way to live fully, tell your story, and spread joy. She looks forward to welcoming you to her studio in a stunning 1850s Greek Revival church—an inspiring space to enjoy the perpetual overlap of art and life.
Her practice is defined by bold color, eccentric patterns, and dynamic compositions that bridge painting, architecture, and design. From hand-bound artist’s books and intricate collages to large-scale public installations—such as a mosaic mural for Miami’s riverfront—her work transforms environments and often involves collaboration with artisans. A lifelong learner and self-proclaimed “magpie” of artistic inspiration, she seeks to reveal the hidden geometry in the built environment, making it visible and magical.
Michelle’s VAWAA builds on decades of teaching experience in observational drawing and creative development. She believes in breaking down the creative process into stages, encouraging experimentation, and fostering a deep connection between artists and their work. For her, art is a way to live fully, tell your story, and spread joy. She looks forward to welcoming you to her studio in a stunning 1850s Greek Revival church—an inspiring space to enjoy the perpetual overlap of art and life.
VAWAA Includes:
- Tailored experience for all levels, from beginners exploring new methods to experienced artists refining their skills, and career mentoring for professionals.
- Observational drawing from still life, nature, and possibly live model sessions using charcoal, graphite, colored pencils, wax crayons, and pastels.
- Canvas and surface preparation, including building, assembling, stretching, and priming easel-sized canvases, or working on un-stretched canvas, textiles, wood panels, and various papers.
- Painting and mixed media techniques using oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mediums to alter texture and drying time. Incorporate collage materials like found images, fabrics, and stitching.
- Printmaking without a press, including drypoint etchings on acrylic plates and monotype techniques.
- Hand-bookbinding techniques such as folded, taped, and sewn bindings to create artist books, sketchbooks, or journals.
- Papier-mâché sculpture using wheat paste and newsprint to create shaped objects to paint on.
- Outdoor painting and sketching with watercolors in nature and nearby villages.
- Professional development guidance on artist statements, grants, residencies, pricing, documentation, and curating exhibitions.
- Material exploration and personalized advice on tools and materials.
- Visits to local studios, art openings, and the Upstate New York art scene for artist community and inspiration.
- Connect with nature in Michelle’s vegetable and herb gardens, lounge outdoors, or practice yoga.
Stay at Michelle's
Stay in Michelle’s light-filled live/work studio, just a short walk from the center of Sharon Springs. Located in a modern annex adjacent to Michelle's studio, this inspiring space is perfect for continuing your art-making outside of studio sessions. It features a private entrance, worktables and chairs, ample lighting, cozy reading nook, and a door opening to a private mini-deck. The fully stocked kitchen—available for private or shared use—contains a dining nook and opens to a large shared deck with peaceful views, ideal for outdoor meals.
Amenities include a queen-size bed or two single beds for up to two guests, additional cot for a third guest, and a full bathroom with a tub. During the coldest months, Michelle may need occasional access to the shower. Outside, the expansive grassy lawn offers additional seating, workspaces under the shade of a tree or in the sun, and garden beds filled with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Michelle’s small, friendly dog may wander the property—he barks at first but quickly warms up.
Amenities include a queen-size bed or two single beds for up to two guests, additional cot for a third guest, and a full bathroom with a tub. During the coldest months, Michelle may need occasional access to the shower. Outside, the expansive grassy lawn offers additional seating, workspaces under the shade of a tree or in the sun, and garden beds filled with vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Michelle’s small, friendly dog may wander the property—he barks at first but quickly warms up.
Explore Sharon Springs, NY
Sharon Springs, a charming village in upstate New York 50 miles west of Albany, is a hidden gem steeped in history and small-town charm. Once a thriving 19th-century resort destination known for its mineral springs, the town has undergone a quiet revival, attracting artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs drawn to its picturesque streets and Victorian-era architecture. Today, it is home to a growing creative community, boutique hotels, farm-to-table dining, and the renowned Beekman 1802 brand, which helped put Sharon Springs back on the map. The village’s annual poetry and dance festivals, country village culture, lavender farm, and farm stands with local produce are a beacon of local sustainability and thriving small-town life. With its easy access to hiking trails and nature preserves, Sharon Springs offers a unique retreat for those seeking inspiration in the rolling hills of Schoharie County.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Sharon Springs is during summer and fall (April-December), when temperatures are warm, local produce abounds, and the village is alive with events and festivals. It’s best to avoid winter (January-March), when temperatures are cold and wintery weather can complicate travel.
This session can be extended for up to 10 days. Please add a note in your booking request. Adults 18 years and older, mature teenagers accompanied by a guardian, wheelchair users, and people with special needs are welcome to participate. Though the entryway and bathroom of Michelle’s studio are wheelchair accessible and on the ground floor, the rest of the studio is not set up for wheelchair users.
Michelle speaks English and Spanish.
This session can be extended for up to 10 days. Please add a note in your booking request. Adults 18 years and older, mature teenagers accompanied by a guardian, wheelchair users, and people with special needs are welcome to participate. Though the entryway and bathroom of Michelle’s studio are wheelchair accessible and on the ground floor, the rest of the studio is not set up for wheelchair users.
Michelle speaks English and Spanish.