When we booked the Family Keepsake Painting Class with Andrea Cermanski, we had no idea of the great experience we would have. We found the class when searching online for a fun activity to do with our 11-year-old granddaughter when we spent a week together in Santa Fe. We discovered that Andrea is a fantastic teacher, and her lovely studio space was the perfect place to learn something new together and have a great time in the process. One of the really nice things about taking a class from Andrea is that she provides everything you need in the way of art supplies. All you have to do is show up at her studio at the scheduled time. Andrea's many years of teaching experience is evident, as she patiently explains step-by-step what you can do to create your own abstract painting. She began by explaining what makes a pleasing piece of art, showing us the various perspectives that artists utilize. She showed us several techniques to use, and we learned how to mix paint to create our own custom colors. We learned how to make our art more interesting when Andrea introduced us to "mediums" and showed us how to use them to create texture in our paintings. She also showed us how we can create interesting patterns in our paintings. Andrea encouraged us to ask questions, and she gave each of us the help and encouragement that we needed to create our own canvas during the class. Andrea is an accomplished artist, and her teaching style is appropriate for all levels of artists. Our granddaughter is very proud of her finished painting. We had a wonderful time, and we created some great family memories, along with some interesting paintings. We all agreed that we can't wait to do it again. It was a great family activity. read more

"Taking an abstract painting class is something I have always wanted to do, but never done. I am so thankful I took the leap and booked with Andrea. Two hours melted by, and I was totally lost in a guided process of experimentation, color, and form - several techniques to make really interesting looking effects with paint - that I would have never figured out on my own or tired - and I truly enjoyed it! I would not have been able to do this at home from a book or youtube. Andrea guided us through the basic process and techniques, and gave us encouragement throughout the two hours on what to try or do next, following intuitive sense as well as principles of art, like color theory, composition, the rule of thirds etc. At the end of our session, I only wished we had more time. Especially for me, someone who is pretty type A and measurable results driven, being guided through an abstract creative process was both liberating, a little scary, and ultimately rewarding. I wish we could do it all over again. Thanks Andrea! Highly recommended! Oh, and she was great with my teenage son too" - Adrienne Harvitz read more

I had such a wonderful experience at Andrea's abstract acrylic painting workshop in Santa Fe. Andrea was a great inspiration and created such a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere. What I appreciated most was how she helped me let go of overthinking and simply enjoy the process of painting. I tend to get stuck trying to make everything "right," but Andrea encouraged me to be more playful, spontaneous, and trusting of my instincts. That shift made such a difference in how I approached my painting. I left the workshop feeling more relaxed, inspired, and excited to keep experimenting. Andrea is a wonderful teacher who brings creativity, warmth, and a real sense of freedom to the painting process. I highly recommend her workshop to anyone who wants to loosen up, explore their creativity, and have fun with abstract painting. read more

Andrea's workshop was incredibly nourishing, filled with new techniques, and a vibrant, creative energy. Her space is beautifully decorated and she creates a wonderful atmosphere in the classroom. I am a beginner painter, to be honest the three day workshop was the first time I had ever painted with acrylics and different mediums. It was truly an honor to get to watch her paint and see her techniques in action. I used this art workshop and trip to Santa Fe as a gift to give back to myself and to aid me in my life transition. I can't recommend it enough for artists of all skill levels, as I was the least experienced, Andrea also catered to the professional painters in the group; offering something for all. Coco the dog is an added treat as she is the sweetest, most well behaved pup! Love, love, love. read more

Andrea is an excellent teacher. The workshops are well organized and the time is nicely split between demos, painting and feedback time and there's a perfect amount of downtime for breaks and conversation where fellow artists share tips and stories of their art journey. Andrea creates a relaxing yet focused atmosphere. The connections with other participants and the group camaraderie fostered was a rich and wonderful side benefit. I learned lots of new techniques, a ton about materials and supplies and excellent fundamentals about composition, color, etc. Andrea is warm, encouraging, fun, helpful and generous in her instruction and heart. Traveling to Santa Fe it was nice to not have to haul my supplies and so easy knowing a great lunch was provided each day. I'm hoping to return sometime soon! read more

The painting class I took with Andrea was fun and inspiring. There was a lot of laughter mixed with good learning about painting techniques, perspectives, structures, colors and more. I hadn't taken a painting class since middle school and I've never felt like I can draw or paint well at all. I was a bit nervous taking this class but as soon as we started I felt better. Andrea has a way of making a person feel at ease. Then the fun began and I ended up creating something I really liked. I even got inspired to break out my daughter's paints and add to it at home the next week. My painting is on my wall now. I highly recommend this experience with Santa Fe Painting Workshop. It's just good for the soul. read more

I recently had three exciting painting days with Andrea . Focusing on abstract painting, I learned that once again I could be stimulated to produce. and to explore through the workshop curriculum and the energy transmitted from the participants. Unlike recent paintings in my home studio, my creations in these three days took on more boldness. I had more energy to explore. I found the workshop studio to be ideal with excellent lighting and generous workspace. Andrea continued to supply us with valuable demonstrations and product aides. Elaine B read more

I did a private class with Andrea and it was so wonderful!! Andrea is an amazing artist and she is also a great teacher!! Thorough, patient and just a fun person to be around! I really wanted a basic introduction to how to use the paints, mediums, brushes, pallets etc. I got that and so much more!! She even helped me with the anxieties I was having around painting. I left feeling inspired, and way more confident! Ready to go home and explore. I look forward to another class after I have played some on my own. Highly recommend! read more

I had the most excellent and fun time at this 3-day painting workshop. I'be been painting for 4 years and yet still learned a lot from Andrea Cermsnski. The Santa Fe Painting Workshop is the place to go and the venue is small enough you get to know and share with other artists. Andrea gave each of us her full attention. I gained a lot of confidence in using mixed media which is what I wanted to learn. I highly recommend anyone from beginners to those who have been painting for a while to take this class read more

I had a great time at Andrea's abstract acrylic workshop. Andrea is a great teacher. She introduces the techniques and methods in a well paced way and is clearly passionate about teaching abstract painting. Her studio space is cozy and inviting. As a real novice, I found her workshop approachable and fun! I met some other great artists too and I came away inspired to keep working on abstract painting. I'd highly recommend this workshop and might even go again some time in the future. Thanks Andrea! read more

Andrea is an amazing artist and teacher. Her work is unique and she really takes the time to not only teach you about how to create your own masterpiece, but the details of what you decide to use and how it can be incorporated in your work. She can take anything and use it as art, even common household items, like foil! She will allow you to explore your inner creativity while also offering some great tricks along the way. I would happily take her class again any day! read more

Andrea is such a great artist and teacher! Those two qualities don't often go hand in hand, but we learned so much and had a blast--- and it was so bonding with my 9 year old daughter and me together! read more

Andrea is a wonderful facilitator of creativity and teacher! The studio was comfortable and had everything we needed. We had a great time. Our paintings are a wonderful memory and story starter. read more

Fantastic class, Andrea is a wonderful teacher. I'm totally inspired! I would highly recommend attending her class!