Painting & Drawing
“And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and direct the works of our hands over us; yea, the work of our hands do thou direct.” Psalm 90
Our Oil Painting courses offer students a variety of options from reproducing and studying historic works of the masters to creating masterpieces of their own from still lifes. Be sure to check out all of these offerings as these courses are taught by some of the most talented teachers from around the country including professional artists, college professors, and religious sisters.
Eucharistic Altar Niche Painting Workshop
With Ann Schmalstieg- Barrett
This oil painting workshop will explore devotion to the Eucharist as expressed through the 17th century Altar Niche paintings. Through the course of the week, artists will be guided in creating a master copy of one of these works (ex. “Altar Niche with Symbols of the Eucharist with Flowers and Fruit” by Kessel), learning concepts […]
Draped in Majesty: Rendering Satin, Velvet, and Brocade in Oils
With Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs
Saint Francis in the Desert: A Sacred Art Workshop
With James Patrick Reid
How does a painting manifest divine beauty? In this workshop, we will draw and paint a series of studies from Giovanni Bellini's masterpiece "Saint Francis in the Desert," guided by lectures and demonstrations investigating the qualities of line, shape, color, light, form, and composition, the theological dimension of these qualities, and their role in the […]
Anatomy of the Crucifixion
With Robert Armetta
For centuries artists have studied and marveled at the anatomy of Christ crucified for its ability to show the body and the muscles employed as a way to reveal the passion and sacrifice. This 10 session course, Anatomy of the Crucifixion, focuses on the anatomy of the Corpus of Christ crucified is presented exclusively at […]
Relief of The Holy Family
With Amber Knorr
Students will be painting a relief of The Holy Family. This course will teach students the techniques of 17th-century Spanish polychrome sculpture. This technique can achieve remarkable realism. Students will learn how to gild and paint provided sculptures using egg tempera painted on top of a previously gilded surface. Students will learn how to gild […]
Fauna and Flora: Signs and Symbols of Plants and Animals in Christian Art
With Richard Berger
The role of animals and flowers found in sacred scripture, especially in Catholic art, is prevalent, from their creation in Genesis to the donkey who bore the unborn Christ Child to Bethlehem to the rooster on Good Friday. Join us at the Sacred Art Institute of Saint Edmund’s Retreat for this 10-session course of animal […]
Writing Life’s Spiritual Lessons
With Sarah Cortez
Each person of Faith encounters many steps along the pilgrim road toward God. We often wish to share these stories with others. How do we find the right words? How do we put our hard-earned wisdom on the page so that it resonates with others? Our time together will teach you how to craft stories […]
Dynamic Multi-Figural Composition
With George and Polly Capps
In this course, we will explore the principles necessary to create visually compelling original artwork involving multiple figures in motion. Taking inspiration from the breathtaking drama and monumental scope of the Counter-Reformation masters, the curriculum will break down the steps involved in producing these time-tested masterpieces of Western Christian culture and equip students to tackle […]
Memento Mori
With Ann Schmalstieg- Barrett
This week-long workshop's studio time lasts five consecutive days. Check in begins Sunday night at 4:30. Dinner is served at 5:30 pm for students and instructors. Dinner is followed by a workshop introduction and conference, which ends at 9:00 pm. Hands-on instruction begins early Monday morning. The entire workshop ends Friday at 1 PM. Workshop […]
The Painted Altarpiece
With James Langley
Weeklong Sacred Art
This week-long workshop's studio time lasts five consecutive days and begins Sunday night at 5:30 pm with a dinner for students and instructors. Dinner is followed by a workshop introduction and conference which ends at 9:00 pm. Hands-on instruction begins early Monday morning. The entire workshop ends Friday at 1 PM. Commuter: Workshop + […]