2025 & 2026
Workshops
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2025 & 2026 Workshops ~
Inspiration Starts Here!
Sept 7–12, 2025
Glastonbury, CT
All Inclusive Retreat Workshop
Medium: Oil or Acrylic ▪ Level: Intermediate
Do you struggle with finding subject matter or with staying inspired to paint? Have you thought about exploring different subject matter? Join Melinda in this fast paced workshop where we work with multiple subjects including landscape, still life, figure and abstract to re-ignite excitement in your own work. We will start each morning with “Spark it!” projects to get your creative juices flowing and continue with afternoon painting sessions where Melinda will focus on each individual student.
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Image to abstract - Using a photo to inspire loose abstracted paintings.
Flattening a Floral - Distorting perspective to create a unique still life.
Faces and Masks - Creating expressive and intuitive faces.
Abstract with Color - Focusing on color to create abstract compositions.
And more…
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Experience with landscape, still life and abstract painting
New ideas for creating a painting routine
Inspiration for new and different approaches to your own work
Renewed confidence
The fundamentals of composition and color
Exposure to contemporary and historic artists who will inspire your work
$1144–$3220 USD*
*Fee includes: Workshop Tuition, lodging, dinner 2 nights (welcome and farewell), breakfast and lunch each day, daily snack breaks, unlimited coffee, tea & seltzer.
PRESENTED BY:
The Figure & Cold Wax
Oct 24–26, 2025
Palm Desert, CA
Intermediate to Advanced Level Students
The beauty and rich quality of a cold wax painting is created with multiple layers that create a history of color, value and texture. In this three-day workshop, Melinda will demonstrate how to create those layers with multiple tools and techniques while focusing on figurative work. Many cold wax artists work with pure abstraction, however this medium can be used with realist images as well. Learn the various techniques that can apply to and enhance both approaches.
See why a cold wax painting is not the same as a “traditional” oil painting. Learn to embrace the surprises and unpredictable results that can happen with this medium while, additionally, learning methods to help you control it. Surprises with cold wax are what make this medium so exciting and fun!
For intermediate to advanced students. Medium: Oil and cold wax. Water-based oils may be used. Melinda does not teach cold wax with acrylic paint.
PRESENTED BY:
The Figure & Cold Wax
Nov 14–16, 2025
New Braunfels, TX
Intermediate to Advanced Level Students
The beauty and rich quality of a cold wax painting is created with multiple layers that create a history of color, value and texture. In this three-day workshop, Melinda will demonstrate how to create those layers with multiple tools and techniques while focusing on figurative work. Many cold wax artists work with pure abstraction, however this medium can be used with realist images as well. Learn the various techniques that can apply to and enhance both approaches.
See why a cold wax painting is not the same as a “traditional” oil painting. Learn to embrace the surprises and unpredictable results that can happen with this medium while, additionally, learning methods to help you control it. Surprises with cold wax are what make this medium so exciting and fun!
For intermediate to advanced students. Medium: Oil and cold wax. Water-based oils may be used. Melinda does not teach cold wax with acrylic paint.
PRESENTED BY:
Accidents & Intentions
Feb 27–Mar 1, 2026
Palm Desert, CA
Turn Chaos Into Creative Gold!
Have you ever hit a wall with your painting—feeling stuck, frustrated, or lost in the mess? You’re not alone.
Every artist faces those moments. In this transformative workshop, Melinda will guide you to lean into the chaos, using those challenging phases (what she calls “the uglies”) as powerful opportunities for growth and discovery.
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Learn how to work through discomfort, trusting the process as you create deeply layered, expressive pieces with history and lasting impact. We'll also explore the compelling tension between accident and intention—two forces that, when balanced, bring dynamic energy and depth to your work. By learning to recognize when a piece is truly complete (versus just unfinished), you'll sharpen your artistic eye and gain more confidence in your decision-making.
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How to abstract the figure using multiple techniques
Strategies for creating a complete abstract painting—including background and negative space
The role of color in both figurative and abstract work
The importance of edges and how they affect composition
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Oil or Acrylic (Some cold wax techniques may be touched on, but this is not a cold wax-specific course.)
PRESENTED BY:
Accidents & Intentions
Mar 26–29, 2026
Wilmington, NC
Turn Chaos Into Creative Gold!
Have you ever hit a wall with your painting—feeling stuck, frustrated, or lost in the mess? You’re not alone.
Every artist faces those moments. In this transformative workshop, Melinda will guide you to lean into the chaos, using those challenging phases (what she calls “the uglies”) as powerful opportunities for growth and discovery.
-
Learn how to work through discomfort, trusting the process as you create deeply layered, expressive pieces with history and lasting impact. We'll also explore the compelling tension between accident and intention—two forces that, when balanced, bring dynamic energy and depth to your work. By learning to recognize when a piece is truly complete (versus just unfinished), you'll sharpen your artistic eye and gain more confidence in your decision-making.
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How to abstract the figure using multiple techniques
Strategies for creating a complete abstract painting—including background and negative space
The role of color in both figurative and abstract work
The importance of edges and how they affect composition
-
Oil or Acrylic (Some cold wax techniques may be touched on, but this is not a cold wax-specific course.)
PRESENTED BY:
