This is an opportunity to join Kim Hoerster and other adventurous artists in San Miguel de Allende, the most famous art center in Latin America. In our Sketch Journey we will spend our days with concentrated lessons and free time to capture the sensuous visual offerings of this celebrated world heritage site, and at night we can explore the fine arts of dining, theater, music, or dance, so much a part of the local fiesta spirit.

About Artist: Kim's interest in art comes from a family lineage of artists.  She took weekly art lessons as a child and as an adult she has studied Drawing, Life Drawing, Painting, Design, and Watercolor. She took Art History at Florence University of the Arts, Florence Italy and has returned to Italy many times to paint and attend workshops.

Kim's favorite medium is watercolor and she loves teaching beginners with simplified techniques. Plein Air (painting outdoors) in watercolor has become a passion for the adventure, travel, and social aspect.  Kim considers herself a landscape watercolorist.  She is now diving into the advanced techniques of classical figure and portrait work painted in watercolor.

Kim’s first art show 'Awakening' in July 2008 was hosted by the Healing Arts Gallery. Her second show was in August 2008 at Framers Gallery. In 2012 Kim opened her own studio ArtSea Lessons & Studio in Georgetown Texas.

Check Kim’s art life adventures on facebook: ARTSEA LESSONS & STUDIO

Art affiliations: WoW (Watercolorists of WilCo),WAS-H (Watercolor Art Society Houston), WWG (Waterloo Watercolor Group Austin), CTWS (Central Tx Watercolor Society Waco), PAA (Plein Air Austin), NWS (National Watercolor Society), OPS (Outdoor Painters Society) & TWS (Texas Watercolor Society). 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Day 1: Travel arrival, check-in, and margarita orientation party.

Day 2: Morning workshop 9:30-12:30 (in studio or out - focused lesson); lunch in town, then outdoor afternoon sketching 4:00-5:30 (optional for students). Visit El Pato Art Supply store, and enjoy the Guadalupe Mural Art district. Practice composition organization with lights and darks.

Day 3: Morning workshop 9:30-12:30 (in studio or out - focused lesson), lunch in town, then outdoor afternoon sketching 4:00-5:30 (optional for students). San Juan de Dios area -practice archetectural shapes.

Day 4: Morning workshop 9:30-12:30 (in studio or out - focused lesson), lunch in town, then outdoor afternoon sketching 4:00-5:30 (optional for students). Perspective through line and color choice. Visit Fabrica Aurora, identify elements of lessons to date, meet artists in action.

Day 5: Morning workshop 9:30-12:30 (in studio or out - focused lesson), lunch in town, then outdoor afternoon sketching 4:00-5:30 (optional for students). Consider a lunch at the main plaza and integrate people action into your quick sketches.

Day 6: Site seeing or Botanical Gardens or free day for students. We may be flexible with this day depending on local activities. In the evening, enjoy the art walk at Fabrica Aurora, a local first Saturday tradition..

Day 7: Explore one or more of the 26 churches, or chapels in San Miguel Or take a quiet walk in the and experience the spiritual foundation of this world heritage site. Sunday mornings are special and the “Jardin” is family focused with great people watching. In the evening we’ll gather at Casa Contenta and celebrate our week and art with each other.

Day 8: Depart after breakfast or extend your stay!

There will be plenty of free time for a city tour, a walking historical tour, an art mural tour, or to just wander the romantic and colorful cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende. Our schedule is flexible depending on the level and needs of the group. 

All our breakfasts are included, and are full American style meals with a focus on healthy local cuisine. Lunch and dinners are on your own and there are many choices for fine dining and local Mexican cuisine. A local art supply store will give a discount for supplies we may need, and our hotel has a dedicated art studio for our use.

We have planned ample “free time” so you can enjoy San Miguel. The staff at Casa Contenta will help arrange opportunities to explore this town and its famous surroundings. While we are close to so many of the local sites, and walking is the usual means of getting around, taxis are plentiful and affordable if you prefer them.

Our last evening will feature a group exhibit in the art studio, to share the accomplishments of our Sketch Journey together.

TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

This is also an invitation to experience the magic of San Miguel de Allende, the most artistic city in Mexico, recently named by Conde Nast “2018 Best City in the World” for the second year running. It is a beautiful place to enjoy collections of paintings and all varieties of art, to walk romantic stone walkways and cobblestoned streets, to explore the history and culture of old Mexico, and to savor fine international dining and local Mexican favorites.

Be sure to visit the unique Fabrica Aurora complex of art galleries, see other galleries, visit a nearby archeological site, or explore more of the many possibilities in the area, either before or after the workshop. Check with Casa Contenta for availability.

OUR WOrKSHOP IS HELD IN CASA contenta

Participants choose their own room, first come, first served. To see more about Casa Contenta and to view and select your room, click here: PICK YOUR ROOM AT CASA CONTENTA

Treat yourself to a private room or share your room with another artist. Our Casa has its own art studio, intimate gardens and seating areas, guest kitchen, superb location, and original art throughout the property. This comfortable rambling home has state of the art water purification, wi-fi, US telephone and TV and private baths in every room. We have our own kitchen use for light meals or snacks if we wish. To learn more about Casa Contenta, check this website link.