This course is designed for the complete novice. If you have always wanted to try your hand at painting, if you have been drawn to art for years but weren’t sure if you could do it, if you feel there are things you want to express about what you see and feel - then this workshop is for you. We have set up a very supportive environment under the gentle, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guidance of Bill Arms, that will bring out the artist in you. This introduction to oil painting will cover the nitty-gritty, basic facts of painting, while addressing the emotional blocks that keep us from creating and accomplishing the self-expression that is truly our birthright. We will be working in the studio part of the time, with a couple of afternoons out in the ‘big-sky-country’of the awesome Taos landscape.

CLASS LOCATION - This workshop is held in the Teacher's very own Art Studio. Bill Arms is a professional, full-time Artist, who is opening his working studio to our students for a week. This is an extraordinary privilege as well as a great learning opportunity. In a 'real' working art studio, there is, of course, - great light; lots of space; ample walls for display; counter space, storage space, sinks, good ventilation, etc. But even more important, are the things the artist relies on for inspiration - mementos on the wall, favorite objects, a few books, sketches in progress and more. Thus, the Space itself nourishes your experience as well as the Lessons.

"In every human being there is the artist, and whatever the activity, he has an equal chance with any to express the results of his contact with life"              ~ ROBERT HENRI

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Bill Arms is an artist who's work is exhibited in many collections, including: Pasadena Art Museum; The National Gallery of Fine Arts, Washington D.C.; Drain Gallery & Dembeck Gallery, England; & Ventadour Gallery, Paris; His most recent commission was for the University of Arizona Fine Arts Department, where he has just completed the installation of a 20' bronze sculpture depicting the dynamics of Hamiet's dilemma. He was raised on a ranch near Santa Fe and now resides in Taos. Bill Arms loves to teach and especially enjoys what he calls "the privilege of helping to start beginners off on the right foot."

The University of Arizona honored Arms with the Distinguished Professional Achievement award in 2007