Letter to Participants

Painting in O’Keeffe Country

Course # G200929; Six nights Start: Sunday, Sept. 12, 2020 (check-in after 3 p.m.)  
End: Friday, Sept. 18, 2020 (check-out by 10 a.m.)

  Photo by Irene Martinelli
Treat yourself to a painting adventure in Georgia O'Keeffe's own backyard, made famous by the landscapes she captured on canvas. Join us as we walk in her footsteps and try techniques that guided her art. I worked for O’Keeffe in 1976, then went on to my own career in the visual arts. Bring your favorite painting media and enjoy an unparalleled experience in the land that inspired O’Keeffe. Only 8 spots are available. Register for the class.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about Georgia O'Keeffe's approach to painting 
- Try guidelines that she set for herself, determine if they fit your style
- Color theory presented, observe O’Keeffe’s use of color, experiment, and determine what works for you
- Get tips for blending, shading, and creating a sense of mass or volume
- Learn about elements of aerial perspective; see if they fit your work
General Workshop Hours
Sessions mornings (9 a.m.–noon) and evenings (7-8:30). Afternoons free. (Meals served 8 a.m., noon, and 5:30 p.m. The studio will be open all hours for those who want to work during free times.
Schedule Options
You can stay later on Friday, after you empty your room by 10 a.m. And you can also arrange to pay for lunch and dinner or even an additional day's stay.

Itinerary and Topics Covered (please note that this is subject to change)
Saturday, Sept. 12       Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. Dinner is 5:30-6:30. After dinner: welcome, orientation, introductions, and a course overview.
Sunday, Sept. 13         9 a.m.–noon in studio for slide presentation about O'Keeffe's life, art, and approach to her work, plus an introductory "O'Keeffe exercise"; optional afternoon O’Keeffe Landscape Tour by van (otherwise afternoon free); 7–8:30 p.m. studio session
Monday, Sept. 14        Get lunches at breakfast and go by van to the White Place in the morning and afternoon; free time after dinner
Tuesday, Sept. 15        9 a.m.–noon an “O’Keeffe exercise” experimenting with composition in studio followed by in-studio or outdoor work; afternoon free; evening (7-8:30) in studio complete composition exercises with color
Wedsday, Sept. 16     9 a.m.–noon in studio or outdoors; afternoon free; evening (7-8:30) in studio sharing completed work and work in progress, final Q&A about Anna's experience working for Georgia O'Keeffe
Thursday, Sept. 17      9 a.m.–noon completing paintings in studio or outdoors; afternoon free; evening celebration and display of art
Friday, Sept. 18           Checkout by 10 a.m.

Materials to Bring 
Participants bring their own supplies for painting in their favorite medium (oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, etc.). Easels are available in the studio, and iconic views are right there, outside the studio. Those who want to paint farther afield can bring their own portable easel. 
Also Bring comfortable walking shoes, a brimmed hat, sunscreen, clothes for changeable weather (hot/cool, rain/sun), a water bottle, and a camera (on a phone is fine). 
Materials Supplied
The instructor will bring materials for demonstrations and provide supplemental supplies for experimentation.
Skill Level 
This course is ideal for those who have experience painting and want time to dedicate to their work, a fresh start, inspiration, or a special "O'Keeffe experience." 
Enjoy a supportive atmosphere and learn about Georgia O'Keeffe and how she approached her own painting. 
About the Instructor, Anna Koster
I first taught at Ghost Ranch in the 1970s, then returned in 2015 to lead annual O’Keeffe-related courses. I have also taught at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (Santa Fe), Nevada Museum of Art (Reno), Palo Alto (CA) Art Center, and San Jose (CA) Museum of Art. I have two art degrees (BA and MFA) and worked at art museums for 35 years, including 15 years at Stanford University’s Cantor Arts Center. Learn about me at my website: www.annakoster.com. See my resume. Visit our Facebook group “Lessons from Georgia O'Keeffe's Art, Life, Landscape,” where you can view posts or join the group to share ideas and art. Anna's Facebook page is Facebook.com/AnnaKosterArt.
If you have questions, you can email me through the "Contact" page of this website.
Optional Reading
​There is no required reading. Past participants have said that they would have appreciated an advance reading list. If you are of like mind, here it is: 
• For its accuracy and detail, I like Roxana Robinson's biography Georgia O'Keeffe, first published by Harper & Row in 1989. Portrait of an Artist: A Biography of Georgia O'Keeffe by Laurie Lisle, from Washington Square Press, is also respected and is easier to read (fewer details).
• If you want to hear what others who worked for O'Keeffe have to say about their experience, you could read Weekends with O'Keeffe by C. S. Merrill, published by La Alameda Press, or Remembering Miss O'Keeffe by Margaret Wood, published by Museum of New Mexico Press. (Carol Merrill briefly mentions me twice in her book.)
• John Poling was my immediate next-door neighbor, he wrote Painting with O'Keeffe,  about his experience helping Georgia O'Keeffe, which  covers much of the time I worked for her.
No reading is required. This list is only for those who want to do something extra before or after their week at Ghost Ranch.