WORKSHOPS & ART COACHING

WORKSHOPS

For the past several years I have had the privilege of teaching Advanced Abstract Painting workshops at Santa Fe Artist Getaway. It is a magical place, steeped in creative history and energy. Large windows flood the studio with light and the open space allows each artist to have ample working room. Keeping the group size small allows me to connect with each artist, and for the artists to make lasting friendships with one another.

My approach to teaching workshops focuses more on the internal or emotional aspects of your work and your life as an artist, than it does on the formal principles or procedures of painting. While we touch on topics of composition, technical questions around materials, and approaches to color, they are more specific to your personal process than hard and fast rules.

The workshops can be game changing and affirming, and they allow us to look at things through a new lens, pointing us in new directions, and providing time to relax and re-center. For me, this is a rare moment to collaborate with each group and each artist.

I typically teach 1 to 2 workshops a year, and currently my workshops are full for 2026, but you can add your name to my Contact Forrm to be notified of upcoming opportunities, or email me at workshops@kristaharris.com

Workshop Highlights

  • Taking a workshop prioritizes your art practice and validates your commitment to your work

  • Sharpen critical reasoning through conversations and dialogues to discuss what concepts, challenges, opportunities, and outside influences are at play in the art world today.

  • Examine new ways of thinking, new ways of seeing and new ways of creating.

  • Instructor demos and one on one review on the final day

  • Discussions around writing your Artist Statement

  • Managing doubt, and the emotional, highs and lows of sustaining a creative life

  • Santa Fe Artist Getaway is conveniently located just outside of downtown Santa Fe, but still far enough away to feel like a private haven. Beverly Todd, the owner, provides beautiful and nourishing lunches, making the entire experience both a creative escape and nurturing retreat.

  • You can visit the website for Santa Fe Artist Getawayat www.santafeartistgetaway for more information.

TESTIMONIALS

“The workshop itself was rich with thought-provoking content, and there’s an energy that happens when you’re creating with a group of very dedicated artists—it’s hard to sleep at night! It was an invigorating, inspiring experience.”

~Jeanne S.

“Krista's advanced painting workshop was one of the best workshops I have ever attended. Krista is so knowledgeable about all the different aspects of the painting practice. She creates a beautiful flow to the workshop through discussion, exercises, painting, and mentoring. I had the space to explore, Bre's, and grow in my painting practice. I loved working with Krista. She is a talented painter and has a generous heart for Artists.”

~ Sheila A. 

“I became more alert to the relationship between the mind, heart, and the canvas.In reflection, the value in care of language, both internal and external has shifted within me.”

~Wendy F

ART COACHING

In addition to workshops, I offer one-on-one virtual Art Coaching services. It’s an opportunity to form a personal relationship and collaborate with artists to help motivate them, gain clarity around the direction of their work, focus on specific goals and instill confidence in their art practice.

Art coaching is a very personal collaboration, and for me, the reward is making a one on one connection and often a long-term friendship with an artist.

We can discuss topics or issues that come up in your practice in the short or long term. These may include technical questions, business related advice, techniques, materials and resources, emotional ups and downs, or just sharing experiences and advice that may help guide, reassure, encourage or challenge you.

I work with a small number of artists at a time, usually no more than 5, which means I may not always have an open spot in my schedule. So please reach out to me to see what is available. I can put your name on a waiting list and get back to you as soon as possible.

  • Art coaching is ideal for those who cannot attend in person workshops as well as for artists I have worked with in the past that want to keep going.    

  • Sessions can be for as few as one or two, to focus on a specific issue, or can be ongoing, depending on your needs.

  • Coaching is perfect for growing your art practice through motivation, guidance, and personal feedback.   

  • Sessions can focus on critiques that are in-depth and examine what's working, possible directions for strengthening and developing the work, helping you identify and stay on track with your goals, or building a cohesive body of work. 

Click here to fill out an Art Coaching application

If you would like to know more, or have any specific questions, please email me at workshops@kristaharris.com

TEStimonials

“Krista gently guided me, helping me to discover what matters, encouraging me to pay attention to my surroundings, to study great art and artists, and have an understanding of the materials I use. I always feel that she has my best interest at heart and generally cares about my journey as an artist.”

~Linnie H.

“Working with Krista as my art coach for the past few years has been transformative. Krista takes the time to look closely and think deeply about the work. She offers broadly inspiring insights and avoids instructions that close you in rather than open you up. I was struggling when I started with Krista and now my work is attracting the attention of reputable galleries. Working with an art coach like Krista is not a substitute for putting in the work. If you are willing to do that, then, like a brilliant sherpa, Krista will help you discover your individual path to becoming the artist you wish to be.”

~ Linda G

“All art coaches should give good directions, act as a reliable, sounding board, share valuable experiences, and provide actionable feedback. All of which Krista does in spades. What makes Krista an invaluable art coach for me is her extraordinary level of empathy, her seemingly effortless, focused, listening, and genuinely passionate enthusiasm for my growth and success.

In art mentorship, there is always the practical aspects of skill and process to be addressed. What is rare is to find a coach and mentor who is an ambassador to the realms of creativity where magical possibilities reside. Krista fulfills this role for me with impeccability, grace, and care. It is not enough to be advised, an artist must be seen, and then guided beyond their imagined limitations. Being a person of great humility, Krista will resist the credit for continuing to mentor me into being the artist I have become. But the truth is, my artistic growth and success is quite simply all her fault.Krista is an art coaches coach. A master teacher leading you from two steps behind, so that you find the treasure first.”

~ Corey C.