UNVEILING COMPOSITION with Gordon Studer
Mallorca, Spain
October 19-26, 2024

Whether you're a novice or an experienced artist, this 8 day (7 night) retreat is designed to refine your artistic vision, elevate your work to new heights, and unlock the creative possibilities that arise from creating compositions through multiples.

Gordon will help you cultivate a discerning eye and discover the hidden gems in your own artwork, including the art of creating dynamic compositions through multiples.

Gordon Studer’s earthy, confident abstracts are rooted in his discipline as an award-winning commercial illustrator, lending his work a strong, graphic cadence. The result speaks to liminal experience, interstitial time, and dreamscapes in deliberate forms in black atop a palette of ochre, sky blue, and crushed clays.

Having studied fine art at Penn State, he went on to teach at the California College of the Arts, and enjoyed a 25 year career telling visual stories for Fortune 500 corporate clients and major media outlets. His background is evident as he applies an intentionality to his paintings, delivering on a specific narrative, inviting the viewer to a purposeful encounter.

Based in Sausalito, California, he once experienced a bout of complete amnesia, allowing him to refresh his perception of the natural world and question concepts such as imagination, dream, and recollection.  Gordon is represented by Julie Nester Gallery in Park City, Utah.

Gordon’s retreat will focus on:

Creating dynamic compositions through multiples: Explore the techniques of arranging, juxtaposing, and harmonizing different elements to create visually captivating and powerful compositions using multiple pieces.

Building a strong foundation: Dive into techniques for creating a solid artistic base and experimenting with mixed media.

Understanding value and color: Unleash the power of colors and shades to bring your art to life and create visually engaging compositions.

Embracing creative flow: Break free from limitations and allow your art to flow effortlessly, setting the stage for compositions with multiple pieces.

Making your mark: Master the art of expressive brushstrokes and unique mark-making techniques to add depth and character to your artwork.

Developing an editor's eye: Train yourself to recognize the strengths and highlights of your art, honing your ability to identify what works best.

Achieving artistic satisfaction: Learn strategies for finishing your pieces and feeling a sense of fulfillment and confidence.

What others have to say about Gordon’s teachings:

“Gordon’s workshops provided an incredible learning experience in how to expand one’s creativity, develop an intuitive sense of where to take an art piece &  go beyond your comfort zone. The combination of teaching powerful techniques, insightful feedback & being prepared to challenge you makes for a truly fulfilling class. A big thank you!” 

- Michael D.

“Gordon’s workshop was fun, generous and inspiring. He created a warm, supportive environment for the group to play with new ideas and processes, while offering open ended, but individualized, directions to consider. It was great to meet other artists from around the country

- Lynn A.

“I loved Gordon's workshop. I learned more techniques in his workshop than some year long art classes. I signed up for Gordons class because he is an incredible artist, but it turns out, he is also a wonderful teacher. He shares the way to approach the blank panel and build on it using all sorts of new tools. He has a way of instructing that is informative and constructive yet still very free and loose. He made me feel like there were no mistakes. I highly recommend his workshop.”

- Jayne B.

Gordon Studer’s painting workshop kicked off my newfound passion for painting.  He took us through a process that successfully works for beginners to accomplished painters.  Getting started, experimenting with styles, techniques, color and finishing were all addressed and made simple.  I am in gratitude for Gordon’s encouragement and direction in getting started, and now I can’t stop!

- Jill N.

The goal of our ARTfuel retreats is to partner with experienced and passionate instructors who are dedicated to helping others with their art practice in locations that inspire, offer comfortable accommodations and fresh, farm to table meals that are equal to fine art!  

Our venue for this retreat is located in northern Mallorca in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains. Built on limestone and surrounded by oak trees and olive groves, the venue’s serene and minimalist architecture blends into the Mediterranean setting creating a sense of harmony and wholeness.

Daily deliveries of fresh produce are complemented by organically grown vegetables and herbs harvested on-site to create a culinary experience with a Mediterranean focus, infused with influences from the Middle East and Asia.

We hope to nourish your mind, soul and body!

Welcome to your picturesque painting studio for the week, where serene rolling hills outside create a tranquil atmosphere. The studio doors gracefully pocket open, inviting in natural light and the gentle breeze, enhancing the creative space.

This exclusive retreat accommodates up to 16 artists, offering both morning and afternoon painting sessions amidst the inspiring scenery. You'll be working on wood panels using acrylic paint and various other materials, fostering your artistic expression.

Prior to the retreat, a detailed list of required supplies will be provided, ensuring you're fully prepared for the creative journey ahead.

Accomodation & Costs

Double Occupancy / Single Bed / Private Ensuite Bath
US$ 4,250

Single Occupancy / Double Bed / Private Ensuite Bath
US$ 4,850

What’s included

  • 7 nights accommodation

  • Morning and afternoon teaching sessions delivered by Gordon

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine)

  • Full use of retreat facilities including swimming pool

  • Massages are available for an extra charge at the retreat center

  • Note that images shown of rooms are for reference only and may not be the exact room you reserve

How it works

  • At the time of booking you pay a US$500 non-refundable deposit

  • The remaining balance is split into half

  • The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking

  • The remaining balance is due 30 days after that (60 days from the date of booking)

FAQ

  • This retreat will be taught by artist Gordon Studer.

  • The retreat is located on the island of Mallorca approximately 1 hour from the Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI). Once you have registered, we will send you options for transportation services from the airport to the retreat center. Each attendee will be responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the retreat center but we will assist with the shuttle service arrangements.

  • This retreat can accommodate 16 artists (2 single occupancy / 14 double occupancy)

  • Accommodations for 7 nights, painting instruction with Gordon (morning and afternoon sessions each day), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, wine).

  • Airfare, travel insurance (required), transportation to and from the venue, supplies, tips for staff, art supplies, travel before or after the workshop and/or any personal purchases made.

  • This retreat offers single and double rooms - all on a first come, first basis.  All reservations must be completed through this website.

  • Yes, to reserve your spot for the retreat, we require a US$ 500 non-refundable deposit.  After the deposit, the remaining balance will be split in half and billed as follows: 

    The first half is due 30 days from the date of booking

    The remaining balance is due 30 days after that (60 days from the date of booking)

    (note: if you book 45 days prior to the retreat, the entire amount will be due in full after you pay your deposit)

  • We accept all major credit cards. If you prefer an alternative payment method, please reach out to us at info@artfuelstudio.com. All payments are billed in US Dollars.

  • Your US$ 500 deposit is non-refundable. If you need to cancel after additional payments have been made, we are happy to refund the amount paid (less your deposit), if a replacement person takes your spot and has paid in full - (we’ll be keeping a waitlist and will do all we can to find a replacement for you).

  •  For this retreat, we can only accommodate vegetarian, gluten free and minor food sensitivities. This venue is not equipped to accommodate severe food allergies or special / limited diets. They work with local producers and seasonal, fresh products. If you have any special dietary need(s), and would like confirmation that the request can be accommodated prior to booking the retreat, please reach out to us so we can confirm that your request is possible.

  • Yes, travel insurance and proof of purchase is required for all workshops.  Please do your research to determine if you should purchase standard travel insurance or if CFAR travel insurance (cancel for any reason) is better for you.  

  • The most important thing to pack is your painting clothes!  Comfortable walking or hiking shoes would be helpful as you will be surrounded by nature. The temperatures are mild but the evenings can be cool so we recommend a light jacket or sweater (make sure it’s one you can paint in)! The average high/low temperature in October is between 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-26 Celsius). Most of the time will be spent painting, connecting , eating, and relaxing at the venue with a possible optional excursion nearby.  You might want to bring a change of clothes for dinner but it's completely optional - and casual.  Some will return after dinner to continue painting! Don’t forget your swimming suit if you want to take a dip in the swimming pool!

  • We will send a complete list of supplies and links you will need to bring 60 days prior to the retreat start date.  Here are the basics…

    Acrylic Paint 

    Wood panels (10”x10”)

    Mixed Media Pad

    Brushes (assorted sizes)

    Oil Pastels

    Palette Paper 

    Mark Making Tools

  • To view the ARTfuel Studio Retreats Terms & Conditions, please click HERE.