Locations

At the ranches everything is included.  These truly unique settings enable the instructor and students to connect on a more intimate level.  The atmosphere is warm and casual and everything is provided to make your stay special.  We paint together, eat meals together and really get to know each other. This inspiring atmosphere makes it easy to hone your painting skills and meet new artist friends.

Red Rock Ranch

This privately owned ranch sits above the Westcliffe valley surrounded by the majestic Sangre de Cristo and the Wet Mountain ranges.  Panoramic views, clean crisp air, perennial flower gardens, and red rock out-croppings provide an incredible setting.  You have to stay here to believe how wonderful it truly is.  There are many intimate spots throughout the ranch to sit and enjoy different views, comfy furnishings inside to relax after class and great group gathering spaces to converse comfortably privately or in a group setting.  The sunrises and sunsets are awe-inspiring at this location.

Accomodations: Private rooms, most with their own baths.  Casual informal rustic elegance.  Meals catered by Rustingram Caterers, after class appetizers, wine with dinner provided.

Denver

Michelle Torrez’s workshop will be held in her beautiful, spacious new studio in Denver. The studio is centrally located with easy access to neighborhood cafes and restaurants. Students flying in may choose from two different lodging options. The lodging is not included in the tuition price.

LaQuinta Cherry Creek Standard lodging, clean nice rooms with continental breakfast included. Approximately a 4 mile drive to the studio. LaQuinta will transport students and pick them up at the studio if you wish. You can leave your vehicle parked at the motel. Art in the Aspens has arranged a corporate discount for participating students. Be sure to mention our name for your discount of $71.79 per night, without the discount the rate is 89.00 per night.
Call 303 758-8886

The Burnsley Boutique Hotel One of the finest premier all-suite Denver hotels! Gracious and inviting, the Burnsley offers the charming intimacy of a European- style inn, uniquely set in the heart of downtown Denver. Affordable elegance and distinctive amenities.

• 700 square foot suites • Private balconies • Covered parking • Complimentary guest shuttle service • Lounge with live jazz • Restaurant with contemporary cuisine • Kitchens in every unit • Shuttle service available

Carbondale, Colorado

The Roaring Fork Valley is known all over the world as one of the most beautiful areas in Colorado. Tucked away in Colorado’s Elk Mountain Range, Aspen and the small towns up and down the valley are defined by the majestic mountains, robust history and artistic culture. All instruction will be Plein Air on location. Our home base for the workshop will be the small town of Carbondale between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. The picturesque town of Carbondale is located 170 miles west of Denver, 12 miles from Glenwood Springs, and 30 miles from Aspen. Carbondale is nestled in the magnificent shadow of Mount Sopris, a painter’s delight, with its majesty and ever changing light. An unpretentious town with galleries, a variety of comfortable lodging, casual exquisite dining and local pubs. There is plenty to do in the valley, biking, and hiking, golfing, kayaking and world class fly fishing on the roaring Fork River or the Frying Pan River just up the road in the small town of Basalt. It is an angler’s paradise.

Accomodations: Art in the Aspens has made arrangements with the Days Inn in Carbondale for a student lodging discount of 69.00 per night + lodging tax. Days Inn: 1 970 963-9111 ask for Debbie and mention Art in the Aspens to receive your discount. The Days Inn is great .It has spacious, clean rooms with microwave, cable TV, and refrigerators. A very friendly and accommodating staff, the Inn is family owned. After class we usually hang out on the patio in the back that overlooks the Roaring Fork River and commiserate about the painting day with some cocktails! Lovely!

Travel Options: Drive from Denver airport 31/2 hours. Fly into Vail 1 hour drive to Carbondale or Aspen Airport 30 minute drive to Carbondale.

Colorado Mountain Express; Shuttle service from Denver International Airport $206 round trip to Aspen. 1 800 525-6363 www.coloradomountainexpress.com

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Guests will be staying at a large garden Hacienda with a swimming pool, surrounded by lush gardens full of Palm, Mango, Guayaba, and Banana trees.  To enhance your senses, you will also take in the scents and beauty of flowering Ginger, Hibiscus, Jasmine, Bird of Paradise, and the ever present Bougainvillea.  The art filled Hacienda is located in Colonia Versalles, a traditional upscale Mexican neighborhood that affords painters the charm of daily life in old Mexico.  You will find cobbled streets, where tortilliarias and markets cater mostly to the locals.  The beach is only blocks away, and the Hacienda is conveniently centrally located.

I personally went to Puerto Vallarta in October and made all the arrangements and visited the places we will be staying and painting. It is sure to be a wonderful week full of excitement and fun, not to mention the great light that looms over this coastal city.

March is a great month with less humidity and temps in the low 80’s.