ABOUT THE ARTIST: Diane Sawyer, our workshop leader, has been working in pastel for over 10 years. She is an accomplished pastelist and has exhibited widely, winning numerous awards. Her work has been featured in Pastel Magazine, Art New England, The Boston Globe, and South Shore Magazine. She is a signature member of several pastel societies, including the prestigious Pastel Society of America. She enjoys working with pastel for its immediacy, and ability to quickly capture light and form. Diane holds a BFA from the Boston Museum School and Tufts.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Widely known for its narrow streets and beautiful architecture, San Miguel is a magnet for artists. Casa de la Noche, a lovely restored building in the center of San Miguel de Allende will be our home base. We will begin the workshop with a morning exploring El Centro, the oldest part of the city. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and walls covered with jasmine, the town is rich with character and history. As we explore we will stop to make quick sketches and color notes of what we see.
Back at our airy light-filled studio at Casa de la Noche we will use these references to capture the feel of this vibrant colonial town in pastel. We also have the opportunity to sketch and paint the many details in the rooms, corridors and courtyards, inside Casa de La Noche’s walls.
Mornings are often cool, and a good time to be outside. Afternoons can be hot, a perfect time to be in the shade, or in the studio. Paint what interests you. I will be available 9-5 to answer your questions. Demos will include:
• Working with color: using complementary colors to add depth and interest
• Light and shadow: courtyards, fountains, and passages in la Casa
• Nocturnes: the beauty of light and color in the evening
INCLUDED IN THIS PACKAGE:
Sunday night welcome with margaritas and a light dinner
Five day workshop with access to our Studio 24/7
Six nights accommodations in our historic hotel
Breakfast and lunch daily at la Casa
Exploring El Centro, Jardin, Artisan Shops, and La Fabrica
Farewell dinner
Basic materials (pastels, and paper)
SUPPLIES:
We recommend that you have some drawing experience and are familiar with pastels in order to get the most out of the workshop. If you have your own soft pastels and travel kit and would like to bring them, you are encouraged to do so. You can always use more pastels! NO oil pastels please, that is a very different medium!
We will provide Pastelmat and UArt paper, and Unison Handmade Pastels—
63 half stick colors, and NuPastels, 24 in the set
Please bring: A small notebook, pencils, eraser, and rubber gloves if you want to use them. Be prepared to take photos with your phone or small portable camera to use as references. If you have an ipad, bring that too.
This workshop is also an invitation to experience the magic of San Miguel de Allende, the most artistic city in Mexico, recently named by Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure as ”Best Small City in the World”. 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.
DAILY SCHEDULE:
Day 1: Sunday, September 18, 2022
Arrival, Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Monday, Sept 19
Exploring El Centro, gathering references
Afternoon in the Studio, demo, getting started
Day 3: Tuesday, Sept 20
Studio time, demo in courtyard or studio
Day 4: Wednesday, Sept 21
Option to explore in the am, Studio time in afternoon
Day 5: Thursday, Sept 22.
Visit La Fabrica, and/or Artisan Market
Day 6: Friday, Sept 23
Studio, Shared Critique, Clean up, Farewell Dinner
Day 7: Saturday, Sept 24
Breakfast, Check Out, Departure & Shuttle to the Airport
SAVE YOUR PLACE:
This workshop is limited to 14 participants, with a minimum of 7 participants. There will be a lot of time for individual coaching! To hold your place, please make a $300 deposit. You have one week to cancel your reservation if you change your mind.
Early-bird special: If you make your payment in full by July 1, 2022 we will add in a complimentary roundtrip shuttle from the Queretaro (QRO) or Leon (BJX) airports.
Final payment is due August 1, 2022 to secure your place in the workshop and your room. We will continue to accept registrations for the workshop as long as there is space and rooms available.
FEES: The cost for this workshop has three different tiers - based on your room of choice, first come first served. Pricing ranges from $2250 USD to $2700 USD. We suggest each artist have their own space for this retreat, although you may invite a non-painting spouse or friend to share your room for an additional $50 USD fee.
YOUR WORKSHOP is held in the famous old San Miguel bordello, CASA DE LA NOCHE. This boutique-style Bed and Breakfast has recently been named “Best of the Best” by TripAdvisor.
Our Casa has its own art studio, spacious gardens and grounds, guest kitchen, superb location, and original art throughout the property. To learn more about historic Casa de la Noche, please visit our website: www.casadelanoche.com
HOW TO GET HERE
San Miguel de Allende is in the heart of Mexico at 6200 ft elevation. The closest airports are Leon (BJX) or Queretaro (QRO) and shuttles or private transportation can be arranged to meet and drive you to Casa de la Noche, a 75-minute drive. You can also fly into Mexico City, a 3 1/2 or 4-hour bus or shuttle ride.
You will need a current passport and a tourist visa (available at the airport upon arrival). Consider travel insurance in case your plans change.
The ATMs in San Miguel accept VISA, MC and other bank debit and credit cards for access to Mexican pesos.
TO JOIN US
Select the room of your choice and click on the ‘Reserve Now’ button. Complete the requested information and click on ‘Submit’ button. Diane will receive your information and will be in touch with you for your $300 USD deposit. Unless you have a room with a queen bed, you have a choice of king or 2 twin beds.
Casa de la Noche will contact you to assist with shuttle service. If you make your payment in full by July 1, 2022 we will add in a free round-trip airport shuttle from the Queretaro (QRO) or Leon (BJX) airports. Otherwise, your final payment will be due August 1, 2022.
QUESTIONS? If you have any workshop questions, please contact Diane Reed Sawyer (Diane@dianesawyerfineart.com). If you have any lodging questions please contact us at Casa de la Noche (info@casadelanoche.com; 831-373-8888). If you have concerns about your ability to negotiate steps, please let us know so we can help you choose your accommodation. Our hotel does not have an elevator.
Our Cancellation Policy:
Your deposit is fully refundable for up to one week after reservation. After that week, deposits and further payments are no longer refundable unless your space is not filled by another student. Should you cancel and we are able to fill your room with another student, we will refund your deposit less a $100 administrative fee, or a full value gift certificate for your next stay within the year. If the workshop is cancelled due to low registration, we will attempt to reschedule for a later date and you will receive priority opportunity to participate at this year’s rates. In the event you can not attend, you will receive a full refund.
In these uncertain times we highly recommend trip insurance.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR ROOM SELECTIONS
All eighteen rooms are individually decorated and all have private baths. Some have kitchenettes, separate sitting areas, TVs, fireplaces, gardens, patios or terraces, and all have access to light cooking facilities and common living areas. Our main common rooms have in-floor heating and all accommodations have electric or gas heaters, fans or air conditioning. All water is purified and WiFi is located throughout the property. Healthy start, home-cooked Mexican breakfasts are included with your lodging.
Workshop pricing is 3 tiered, based on your room selection. Make your choice from Suites, Luxury or Working Girl options. We suggest each artist have their own space for this retreat, although you may invite a non-painting spouse or friend to share your room for an additional $50 USD fee.
Select from 4 SUITES $2700 USD
room rateS includes a welcome MARGARITA WITH APPETIZERS ON YOUR FIRST EVENING, daily HEALTHY-START breakfastS, lunches on class days, A POZOLE DINNER ON OUR FINAL EVENING, workshop fees and MOST painting materials, aND all taxes.
All suites have kitchenettes, cable television, air conditioning and private en-suite baths.
LA TERRAZA Available now!
This one-bedroom air-conditioned suite has its own plant-filled terrace along with outdoor seating for two. The hand-painted tile kitchenette has many windows with a pretty view, counter seating, and a sitting area with a couch, and coffee table. Cable TV is in the living area. There is a private bath with shower. Two twin beds can be made into a king, if preferred.
LA VISTA SUITE Available now!
This third story studio air-conditioned apartment has an open floor plan which includes a kitchenette, table and two chairs, an Equipali couch and chair, and cable TV. A closet separates the king bed (may also be 2 twins) from the main space. There is a private bath with shower. At the rear there are French doors to a second flower-filled terrace with a table and seating for two. For the view-lovers, there is a steep stair to the top-level terrace with 360 degree views.
MADAM’S SUITE Already Reserved!
This one-bedroom air-conditioned apartment has the largest living space with a couch and 2 comfortable chairs facing a large fireplace. The living space also has dining table and seating for 4 as well as a writing desk and cable TV. A talavera-tiled kitchenette has all the basics. The bedroom has a walk-in closet and private tub with overhead shower. Twin beds easily convert to a king-size bed.
PALOMA LOFT Available now!
The air-conditioned Paloma Loft is on the second floor of the Besitos Garden complex and has a balcony overlooking the garden courtyard. In addition to a small bath with shower, it also has a mini-kitchen and access to an open terrace and enclosed atelier. The Paloma can be rented with two twin beds or one king-size bed. This room connects to the open-air meeting space which can be used for art, yoga, dance or other workshops.
Select from 10 LUXURY ROOMS $2550 USD
room rateS includes a welcome MARGARITA WITH APPETIZERS ON YOUR FIRST EVENING, daily HEALTHY-START breakfastS, lunches on class days, A POZOLE DINNER ON OUR FINAL EVENING, workshop fees and MOST painting materials, aND all taxes.
All luxury rooms are distinguished by their size or special amenities. Each is unique and special! There are 2 large shared salas and kitchens for group use..
BESOS GRANDE ROOMS
Besos Grande is an area of the house with 2 independent bedrooms with private baths, sharing a common living room and kitchen. When both bedrooms are rented together the common space is now private for the enjoyment of those rooms only.
When rooms are rented independently, the common areas are open for use by all guests of the house. There is a TV, air conditioning, and a fireplace in the living area.
FIRST KISS ROOM Available now!
The First Kiss room has a queen-size bed, with antique armoire and original art and has an en-suite bathroom with a tub and shower. It has a view of the distant hills and a glorious jacaranda tree from the bath and bedroom windows.
KISS ME AGAIN ROOM Available now!
The Kiss Me Again air-conditioned room overlooks the bordello’s original dancing pavilion and may be made up as twin beds or one king bed. It has a working gas fireplace and hand-painted tiles in the en-suite bath with shower. Original art, high beamed ceilings, and a delightful view contribute to a charming experience.
PRIVATE ELEGANCE
The La Turca location is secluded from other rooms, yet central to the hotel on the ground floor. It offers extra privacy and a view of the fountain patio.
LA TURCA’S Already reserved!
The owner’s former quarters, La Turca’s Suite has a queen-size bed, with antique armoire and original art from well-known Mexican and American painters adorning the walls. It also features an en-suite bathroom with a tub, double sinks and separate shower. It has a beautiful stained-glass window in the bathroom that affords light and privacy. The bedroom has an ornamental fireplace, seating for two, and a small table. Wi-Fi, cable TV, purified water, small fridge, microwave, and in-floor heating keep this room always comfortable.
Besitos Garden Rooms
These charming Mexican style accommodations all have access to a common kitchen and sala area with fireplace, cable TV, and wireless internet making a perfect accommodation for friendly guest gatherings. All are situated around a secluded, pretty garden.
HUMMINGBIRD ROOM Available now!
The Hummingbird (Colibri) air-conditioned room is a king or twin-bedded room that faces out into the garden. It has a private bath with tiled shower. Santa Fe styling and original art give this ground floor room a nice flair.
MARIPOSA ROOM Available now!
The Mariposa room, with its large arched windows facing the Garden, is perfect for an artist or nature lover. It may be made up as a king or two twin beds and a private bath with shower. It is located on the ground floor across from the Besitos Garden Kitchen and Sala.
DRAGON FLY ROOM Available now!
The Dragonfly (Libelula) air-conditioned room faces out into the courtyard and has 2 twin beds or one king and private en-suite bathroom with Mexican-tiled bathtub and overhead shower. It is adjacent to the Besitos Garden Kitchen and Sala.
CIELO SUITE ROOMS
These four new rooms are located above the White Lantern Salon. These upscale, contemporary rooms are adult-only and offer private and independent digital-lock entrance for those preferring self check-in.
Each room is decorated with unique local art, king-size or 2 twin bed option, smart TV, sumptuous linens, ample closet space, glass enclosed rainfall shower and a small seating area.
LA ESTRELLA ROOM Available now!
A beautiful, elegant room with antique furnishings, air conditioning, original art, La Estrella is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The king-size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request.
LUZ DE LUNA ROOM Available now!
A beautiful, elegant room with rich color, air conditioning, original art, Luz de Luna (moon beam) is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The king-size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request.
LAS NUBES ROOM Available now!
A beautiful, elegant room with patio view, air conditioning, original art, Las Nubes ( the clouds) is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The king-size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request.
LAS BRISAS ROOM Available now!
A beautiful, elegant room with patio view, air conditioning, original art, Las Brisas (the breeze) is on the second level located over the White Lantern Salon. The king-size bed may be made as 2 twins at your request.
Select from 4 WORKING GIRL ROOMS $2250 USD
room rateS includes a welcome MARGARITA WITH APPETIZERS ON YOUR FIRST EVENING, daily HEALTHY-START breakfastS, lunches on class days, A POZOLE DINNER ON OUR FINAL EVENING, workshop fees and MOST painting materials, aND all taxes.
There are four cozy rooms in the main guest house, each with its own personality, that were once actually used by the working girls of the Bordello. There is a small efficiency kitchen area nearby as well as a common patio area and living areas. These rooms are recommended for single occupancy.
JOVITA ROOM Available now!
The Jovita air-conditioned room is cozy with lots of light and a pleasing view. It has a queen bed with carved headboard, extra shelving and a small chair. It has a private bath with shower, and an electric fireplace for cozy nights. A nearby covered outside sitting area has a wicker couch and chairs and unusual ceremonial masks on the wall. This room has easy access to the Project Room and terrace.
CHIQUITA ROOM Available now!
Chiquita room is the first of four “working girl” rooms, each with its own personality. This is a cozy room near the main dining room. It has very high ceilings and a queen-size bed. There is a small gas fireplace, and chair and small table, as well as en-suite bath with shower. Nearby, there is a garden sitting area and fountain.
PEPITA ROOM Available now!
The Pepita room is a cozy space with a queen-size bed, ½ stone wall, ½ antique tiled wall, and a hand painted desk and dresser combination and chair. It has a private bath with shower. Original Rubin Morales paintings are on the wall above an electric fireplace. Outside there is sitting alcove, also a nearby fountain.
ROSITA ROOM Available now!
The Rosita Room features a queen size bed with carved headboard, dresser and a side chair. There is an outside patio area with seating for two. Access to the Group Project Room is up the nearby stairs. This little room was original to the house but is now updated with bath, shower and sitting alcove.
Scroll down to enjoy a few photos of San Miguel de Allende
Join us for a great pastel workshop with Diane Reed Sawyer and discover a new way to see San Miguel de Allende!