art classes & fall colors

This is an adults-only week – offered from September 21-28 – that lets you combine a guest ranch vacation with the chance to learn or improve your artistic skills.

If you visit Colorado Trails Ranch during this week, you’re not required to participate in the art program; you can just enjoy all the regular activities offered at our guest ranch, along with the spectacular fall colors – whether on horseback or by van trips into the mountains.

The art classes feature drawing and painting, using the exquisite colors of nature for inspiration: a bouquet of wildflowers… the green pines, red oaks, and golden aspens… the vibrant blue Colorado skies…

All supplies are provided; the instructor is Pat Fullerton, who has more than 30 years experience as an art teacher and clinician.

Sample itinerary

Sunday:
Arrive at the ranch and settle in, enjoy a delicious dinner, meet the other ranch guests and staff, and have a brief orientation.

Mornings during the week:
Riding and other activities are available in the mornings, with the following art-related activities during the afternoons.

Monday:
Drawing with the right side of the brain; negative shapes, contour, profile, portraits

Tuesday:
Perspective drawing; 1 & 2 point perspectives, imaginary city

Wednesday:
Watercolor introduction; line, shape, form, color, value, texture, color mix washes, glaze, washes, wet into wet, and saving whites as positive shapes

Thursday:
Indoor painting, still life and/or landscape; unity by grouping, overlap and repetition, and variety and excitement by contrast and scale

Friday:
Outdoor Painting: Landscape

Saturday:
Finish up any unfinished paintings/drawings, work on any technique that was puzzling… and exhibit your work at a show!

Discounted rates apply to this week (20% off of regular rates). If you have any questions, please contact us.