Color and Composition
with Jane Davies
October 14-19, 2026
2 spots left!
Color is a strong language, and the love of color is often the reason we begin an art practice in the first place. We choose colors for our homes, our clothes, our gardens, our food; it is a pervasive aspect of our visual experience, and we often have strong affinities with certain types of color.
This is an intermediate level workshop in which we will explore color as it contributes to abstract composition. You will discover new ways of using familiar colors and mix and modify new colors to expand your personal palette. We’ll begin with color mixing to create an array of collage papers, and then use those as the building blocks of color-forward mixed media paintings. Discover how much more expressive you can be using the language of color!
Meet Jane
Jane Davies is a full-time painter. Beginning as a potter in the early nineties, Davies transitioned into freelance art, using painting and collage as her medium. Since 2010 she has been teaching abstract painting workshops in North America and online, as well as making art full time. She has written five instructional books, produced one instructional DVD, and offers many demonstration videos on social media.
SUPPLY LIST
- Paper for substrate: hot press watercolor paper or smooth printmaking paper works best (I use Stonehenge printmaking paper or Blick Bristol) cut to or 10”x10”, 9”x12”,or similar, comfortable size. Bring enough for about 20 small compositions.
- Acrylic paints: bring artist grade acrylics, such as Golden, supplemented with student grade (Liquitex Basics, e.g.) BRING ALL YOUR COLORS, not just those you like or don’t like or want to use up. At least two of each primary and two of each secondary color. Heavy Body and Fluid Acrylics are both fine.
- 8 oz bottle of Blick Matte Acrylic White (Find HERE)
- Brushes – your choice, bring a variety
- Soft rubber brayer, 2” – 3”
- Acrylic matte medium (Utrecht brand) or soft gel (any other brand)
- Acrylic glazing medium (for diluting your paints and keeping them wet longer)
- Scissors
- Disposable palette (pad of paper style, or palette of your choice)
- Water soluble crayons,(Caran d’Aches NeoColor II are good
- Large roll of soft paper towels
- Container for water (think quart yogurt container)
The DETAILS
Location: Blue Mountain Retreat Center is located steps away from the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, at the junction of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. Walk along the river path and cross the bridge to historic Harpers Ferry. Enjoy the clean mountain air just an hour away from three major airports.
Dates: October 14-19, 2026
Arrive Wednesday October 14th after 3 PM and in time for 6 PM Meet & Greet, followed by dinner (BYOB).
Class Thursday-Sunday, October 15-18, from 9-4 with 1 hour lunch break.
Depart Monday morning, October 19.
All rooms are offered on a first come basis with a $300 deposit due at registration. The remaining balance will be due March 1, 2026 (with a 2-payment option), or within 30 days if registering after March 1, 2026.
As always, the retreat cost is all inclusive except for the $5 cash materials fee due to instructor at the beginning of class - includes:
Paper for painting collage papers
Pearls of wisdom and pearls of stupidity
Your Red Thread Retreat fee includes:
- 5 nights lodging
- Dinner Wednesday thru Sunday
- Lunch Thursday thru Sunday
- Self-serve breakfast each morning
- 4 days of class 9 AM - 4:30 PM (1 hr lunch break)
- 24 Hr art room access
3
Registration Fees
Includes Class, Lodging and Meals
Single Room - $1250 Sold Out
Double Room - $1200 Sold Out
Triple Room - $1150 - 3 spots available
$300 deposit due at registration.
Reserve your spot now with your $300 deposit by clicking on the Paypal link for the room choice below
Triple Room
Balance will be billed March 1, 2026 and payable in one or two payments.
Cancellation Policy - Please read!
Cancellation by or before March 1, 2026 - Full refund less a $150 cancellation and processing fee.
There will be no refunds after March 1, 2026. However, if you or I find someone to take your spot, you will receive a full refund, less the non-refundable $150 fee.
SEE YOU THERE IN
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING:
Apron or work clothes
Good walking/hiking shoes if you like to walk
Snacks
Beverages of your choice - coffee, tea and water are available 24/7
Packaging materials if shipping anything home
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare and travel expenses to and from the retreat
Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (always suggested).
