STARTS: Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 5 PM with orientation, setting up our studios, and dinner. Check-in to your room begins at 3:00 PM..

ENDS: Friday, August 1, 2025 with dinner.

CHECK-OUT: Saturday, August 2, 2025 by 10 AM. Breakfast is provided on this day.

PLACE:  Mabel Dodge Luhan House — a historic inn and conference center, renowned as a retreat for artists, actors, writers, and musicians for nearly a century.

ONLINE MINI-WORKSHOP: Receive access to an online mini-workshop starting Monday, June 2, 2025 to help you kickstart your creative process by dreaming into your body of work, selecting materials, initiating any necessary research or sketching, and valuable guidance on packing and preparing for your Intensive.

COST: $3750- $3950 USD depending on lodging

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 14 ARTISTS.

Registration for Paint Wisdom Taos is $3750 - $3950 USD depending on lodging.

A Deposit of $1750 / $1950 will save your spot.

The remaining balance of $2000 is due by or on Wednesday, April 30 2025.  We will reach out to you two weeks before April 30th with your final invoice.  If you are not paid in full by Thursday, May 1, 2025 we reserve the right to offer your space to my waiting list and/or the public, and to retain your deposit.

Because registration is highly limited to 14 painters and significant planning goes into this event all deposits and payments are non-refundable and non-transferable.

PLEASE READ BELOW FOR IMPORTANT DETAILS.

➡️ All cancellations must be done in writing by emailing Connie at Support@ConnieSolera.com. 

 If you need to cancel we will offer your space to our waitlist and the public.  If your space is purchased we will refund your registration payment(s) minus a $250 cancellation fee. We can NOT guarantee that your space will sell. You also have the option to sell your space at a discounted price. If you choose to do so, you will be responsible to organize payment with the buyer.

➡️ In the case of acts of God, pandemic, disaster, war, border closure or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to retain your fees and reschedule or make any necessary changes to the event.

➡️ If you need to cancel your trip or cannot attend due to Covid 19 or if you must leave the event due to contracting Covid 19 or developing symptoms, Connie Solera cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid. Travel insurance is strongly encouraged and we suggest that you purchase travel insurance with Covid 19 coverage to provide protection from this possible risk.

INCLUDED IN PAINT WISDOM TAOS

• Access to an online mini-workshop starting Monday, June 2, 2025 to help you kickstart your creative process by dreaming into your body of work, selecting materials, initiating any necessary research or sketching, and valuable guidance on packing and preparing for your Intensive.
• 6 nights single occupancy lodging at Mabel Dodge Luhan House with 24 hour studio access. (Sunday, July 27 - Saturday, August 2, 2025).
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners served at Mabel Dodge Luhan House.
• Workshop instruction, individualized one-on-one and group mentoring from Connie Solera.
• Trip to Harwood Museum on Wednesday afternoon. (Museum entrance fee included.)
• An intimate glimpse into Connie Solera's painting process as she builds a body of work.
• Pre-trip notes and guidelines.
• A collectible Paint Wisdom apron
• Advice on travel plans before or after the trip if desired.
• Loads of fun surprises and hand-picked goodies from Connie.
• Friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
• A body of work that will make your cells sizzle.

NOT INCLUDED IN PAINT WISDOM TAOS

• Airfare
• Ground travel
• Travel insurance
• Three dinners
• Tips
• Art materials — we will review what art materials to bring in the online mini-workshop, but basically you will want to bring materials and substrates that you are excited to work with and explore. The only requirement is to have a designated sketchbook for our morning painting practice.

SUPPLIES ARE NOT INCLUDED. YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN SUBSTRATES & ART SUPPLIES.

For Paint Wisdom Taos you will be deciding on the theme, concepts, and/or intentions behind the body of work you wish to work on — including the supplies you wish to use.

We will discuss supplies and your body of work more thoroughly in the online mini-workshop I have prepared for you.  You will receive access to this online mini-workshop on Monday, June 2nd.

Basically you will want to bring materials and substrates that you are excited to work with and explore.

The only requirement is to have a designated sketchbook for our morning painting practice.  I highly suggest one of the Canon Mixed Media hardcover sketchbooks (THIS ONE or THIS ONE).  But any mixed media sketchbook will do.

• Within 24 hours of making your deposit you will receive a welcome email.  This is your registration confirmation and contains helpful info to help you start planning your trip to Italy. Please keep this email in a safe place.  It is recommended that you print it out.
• IMPORTANT:  All retreat information will be emailed to the email address you used to register with.  If you require the materials to be sent to an alternate email address, please email Support@ConnieSolera.com and let us know right away.

• Travel insurance is strongly encouraged for attending Paint Wisdom Taos to cover any complications, illnesses, or injuries that may occur. This includes situations where you need to cancel because you contracted COVID or are showing symptoms. Do your research before purchasing; we recommend World Nomads or Trawick International. It's best to purchase travel insurance sooner rather than later to receive full coverage.
• You will be required to sign a release form before attending.

• At Paint Wisdom Taos you have a choice between premium or regular lodging based on availability. Each of the rooms at Mabel Dodge Luhan House are single occupancy with a rustic, Southwestern charm.
• In keeping with the feel of Mabel’s era, there are no telephones, televisions, internet or alarm clocks in the guest rooms. A telephone and internet access are available in the common area of the Big House.
• MDLH is not air-conditioned, but windows can be opened and fans are available.
• Taos is at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet above sea level. Please contact your doctor before your arrival if you have any chronic health issues.
• You also receive 24 hour access to the studio space which is a short walk from your room.
• Also included in the Paint Wisdom Taos registration is 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners, and refreshments including coffee, water, and tea.
• Three of the evenings are left open so you can enjoy exploring the amazing restaurants Taos has to offer.

TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE THE US

• In most circumstances, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States, either from Canada or from other countries. There are, however, some exceptions to this situation. CLICK HERE for more information.
• The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. CLICK HERE for more information.

NEAREST AIRPORTS

• Arriving at the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (ABQ) it is approximately a 3 hours drive to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.
• Arriving at the Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF) it is approximately a 1.25 hours drive to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.
• Arriving at the Denver International Airport (DEN) it is approximately 5-6 hours drive to Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos, New Mexico.

RENTAL CARS, SHUTTLES, & CAR POOLING

• Your welcome email will contain a list of shuttle services that travel from the ABQ airport to Taos, New Mexico.
• Prior to attending, many artists that attend Paint Wisdom Intensives coordinate car pooling before/after the intensive.  Please let us know if you are interested in doing so and we will help connect you.
• If you prefer to NOT rent a car, the Mabel Dodge Luhan House is approximately a ten to fifteen minute easy walk to the historic Town Plaza where restaurants and shops are located.
• Uber, Lyft, and Taxis are available in Taos, but are very sparse.

ARRIVE EARLY / STAY LATE

• The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a popular retreat and conference center with events booked back-to-back throughout the year. If you wish to arrive early or stay later before or after Paint Wisdom TAOS, rooms at the MDL House will not be available. Instead, Taos offers many beautiful Airbnbs and hotels for your stay.

• Taos has a long history of attracting artists. The Taos Society of Artists, founded in 1915, played a crucial role in establishing the town as a major art colony.
• The renowned painter Georgia O'Keeffe spent significant time in Taos and the surrounding area, drawing inspiration from the landscape for her iconic works.
• The ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the Native American community, inspiring many artists with its unique architecture and culture.
• This scenic route around Wheeler Peak, Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, the highest point in New Mexico, provides stunning landscapes that have been a source of inspiration for countless artists.
• Harwood Museum of Art, affiliated with the University of New Mexico, features a diverse collection of works by Taos artists, including those from the Taos Society of Artists, the Taos Moderns, and contemporary artists.
• Taos is known for its exceptional natural light and breathtaking landscapes, from the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the Rio Grande Gorge, providing endless inspiration for painters, photographers, and other visual artists.
• San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, an iconic adobe church, located in Ranchos de Taos, is famous for its stunning architecture and has been a subject of numerous paintings and photographs, including works by Georgia O'Keeffe and Ansel Adams.
• Taos is a popular destination for hot air ballooning, providing stunning aerial views of the desert landscape and mountains.
• Green and red chiles are a staple in Taos cuisine, reflecting New Mexico's rich culinary traditions. Dishes like green chile stew and enchiladas with red chile sauce are local favorites.
• Traditional New Mexican dishes are widely available, including tamales, posole, and carne adovada. Many restaurants in Taos offer these authentic flavors.
• The Taos area is home to several wineries and vineyards, such as Black Mesa Winery, offering tastings of locally produced wines, often featuring unique blends and regional varietals.
• Green Chile Cheeseburger is a must-try in Taos, the green chile cheeseburger is a local favorite, combining the spicy kick of green chiles with a classic cheeseburger.

At Paint Wisdom TAOS I, Connie, will be providing a daily guided painting practice, workshops, and mentoring.  Below is a brief description of what you can expect.

GUIDED PAINTING PRACTICE

My absolute favorite time of the day in the studio is early in the morning when the world is just waking up. I use this time to set intentions for my studio practice and to check-in with my Artist Soul.  At Paint Wisdom I will be sharing my very intimate morning practice with you from 7 AM to 7:45 AM.  Roll out of bed, grab your sketchbook, and our guided practice will consist of either prompts, guided meditations, breathing exercises and stretching, soft music, and/or writing.

WORKSHOPS

My workshops for Paint Wisdom will consist of juicy discussions, creative exercises, and small group projects intended to expand the way you view your creative practice, support your body of work, deepen your intuitive decision making, and simply have fun!

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING

At Paint Wisdom you can expect loads of daily one-on-one mentoring where I will meet with you individually and review your work by providing gentle constructive feedback, a different perspective, and inquiry to help you think deeper about the meaning, voice , and reception of your work.  I will support you and challenge you to take risks, be more bold in expressing yourself honestly in your work.

GROUP MENTORING

One of my favorite forms of mentoring is group mentoring where including various points-of-views and insights adds to the richness of our process as artists.  At Paint Wisdom we are guided by a set of communal guidelines that ensures each artist, no matter where they are in their development and journey, is held and met with kindness, curiosity, and an environment that respects diverse backgrounds, beliefs, political views, and faiths.

OPEN STUDIO

Open studio will be a designated time to work in the studio uninterrupted.  I, Connie, will be there to provide any support, feedback, or assistance you may need — but this is a time for you to really sink into your process wholeheartedly.

VISION

Our final Paint Wisdom Vision is held on Friday, August 1st where each artist will share their body of work and receive valuable insight and feedback on it from Connie and the artists in Paint Wisdom.

To learn more about my Paint Wisdom Intensives please CLICK HERE.