sj in new mexico

My Encaustic Art Retreat at Ghost Ranch is a dream come true! I’ve admired Georgia O’Keeffe since visiting her work at the Met as a 16-year-old artist, and now I’m thrilled to invite you to join me in this magical, otherworldly landscape. Here, you'll find inspiration to explore Encaustic Art for the Soul.

Experiment with art principles, imagery development, and create a series of works that find your voice. You’ll explore techniques like photo encaustic, printmaking, mixed media, image transfers, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this New Mexico retreat will leave you inspired, equipped with new skills, and filled with memories for a lifetime!

Book Me! I'm in!

The Journey

Highlights of the Retreat

This Encaustic Art Retreat in New Mexico is a DREAM come true – a home away from home. Join me as we travel to this magical land with its rolling landscapes and picturesque views, where you can be inspired to explore your Encaustic Art for the Soul. Here, in this place, your journey awaits you!

Explore principles and practice imagery development and learn to create a series of works while finding your voice. You will engage in various methods and techniques including photo encaustic, printmaking, incising, mixed media, image transfers, imbedding, and mark-making.

An ideal retreat for beginners and seasoned artists alike – the New Mexico countryside will inspire you as we explore Encaustic on Georgia O'keefe's Ghost Ranch. You will leave full of inspiration, with new artistic skills, and a lifetime of memories!

  • Guided tour of the places Georgia painted and see her private residence
  • Private or shared cabin with en suite bath that has views for days
  • All meals at Ghost Ranch included
  • Workshop instruction with most supplies included
  • Photo shoots
  • Imagery development
  • Dedicated studio and open studio time
  • Mentoring and group discussions
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ghost ranch entrance
seven people displaying their completed art work
group of people taking a gander at the montain

The People

Testimonials from attendees.

"I have enjoyed taking encaustic classes with Shelley Jean. She shares her expertise in the techniques of encaustic painting in a creative, fun and relaxed atmosphere. She gives positive and encouraging instruction that is right for the beginner as well as seasoned artist looking for a creative venue. Shelley is well prepared and shares her research with her students. Because of her creative ideas, I have learned some very unique advanced techniques. I look forward to taking future classes that blend my artistic ideas with encaustic painting."

Barbara Smith

Artist / Teacher

"Shelley Jean is a wonderful instructor. She brings years of encaustic experience into the studio and just the right sensibility. She gives the student plenty of freedom to experiment with the medium, generously provides art supplies, and steps in at just the right moment to give you the nudge you need to move forward with your work of art. Her great personality creates a fun atmosphere for learning and experimenting."

Julie Dunsworth

Artist

The Vision

See for yourself. Imagine immersing in art and environment. 

horseshoe river at dusk
unused encaustic wax blocks placed on steps
seven people displaying their completed art work
bigger sky
ghost ranch entrance
door
mountain rage with blue skies and white flufffy clouds
wagon
wagon wheel
gr paint mountains
group of people taking a gander at the montain
looking over a working artist shoulder

Important FAQs

Please read through all FAQs so you know what your retreat will look like, what is included, and the costs and terms associated with the trip. 

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