A Look At 2026
One of the most exciting parts of behind the scenes at Willow Pond SLO is planning the year ahead. Getting to “fan girl” over artists and invite them as potential instructors, discovering new artists who apply and deciding how to put the entire line up together. And what an array it is, after much deliberation we now have our entire year of workshop offerings in 2026 available for booking. And since they have been posted on the website we already some reservations. So if you are thinking of attending one of these fabulous retreats, please dive in and seriously consider these special opportunities.
In 2025 we explored a multi disciplinary collection of workshops that offered fiber arts, mixed media, paper making and more. In 2026 expect an emphasis on painting workshops, we are thrilled to offer MORE opportunities to explore painting on canvas. We begin the year with plein-air painter, Geoffrey Allen where you can learn the joys of capturing the moment, color and mood in watercolor. Then we will explore the creative process behind atmospheric figurative oil painting with Colombian artist, Johan Barrios.
In May, we welcome Jason Hackenwerth for a 5-day painting workshop titled, Fearless Markmaking that explores pushing past thought to enhance the work with bold expression. Followed by a return visit from Gordon Studer, another seasoned and bold artist, with an emphasis on abstract painting and a background in design. Later in June award-winning artist and instructor Daniel Bilmes joins us for a transformative four-day portrait painting workshop designed for artists of all levels who are passionate about capturing the beauty, complexity, and spirit of the human face. Abstract artist Julie Schumer offers an immersive workshop is for artists ready to deepen their abstract painting practice—whether you're just beginning or have been at it for years. Chrissy Huhn brings us the process of Cyanotype printing and toning with botanicals, through hands-on experimentation with teas, herbs, and other plants. Local artist, David Limrite is returning for expressive figure drawing. And in the fall, oil painter, Derek Harrison will explore painting the art of the west which include painting horses on location from life as well as photographing reference material of horse and rider wearing authentic ranch attire and within the beautiful dynamic ranch landscapes we all enjoy on the Central Coast. We hope you like the line up!
