Fostering a vibrant and inclusive community celebrating visual arts and creative expression in San Marcos, CA!

An art studio with cubist paintings on easels, framed artwork on a dark gray wall, and art supplies on tables including paints, brushes, and papers.

PROFESSIONAL ARTIST VICKI WALSH opens her private San Marcos studio to students of all levels, to form a community interested in building knowledge and skill in the core fundamentals of painting, while engaging in meaningful conversation about the focus and purpose of art and artists and what drives us towards creativity and expression.

You will build a thorough understanding of color vs. value, and learn her systematic approach to palette creation, which is the key to any great painting. This process will allow you to use oil paint with certainty and conviction, every time, whether painting from life or from any reference material. With this new-found knowledge, you will be free to be creative in all aspects of your painting practice. Working together, we can take the mystery out of oil painting and help create consistency in your work.

“As a teacher, Vicki has an uncanny ability to adapt to each student’s individual needs. During workshops, I’ve watched her effortlessly move from person to person, offering exactly the right level of guidance—whether it’s a light touch or a more hands-on demonstration. She never demeans or discourages, but instead finds a way to instruct that also empowers and inspires, always with her trademark humor close at hand.”

— Dove C.

2026 Workshop Schedule

*All dates subject to change.

Workshop Enrollment Policy

Due to limited class size and an active waitlist, full enrollment is required for all workshop sessions. Partial enrollment and prorated tuition are no longer available. Registration reserves your place for the entire session.

If you are unable to attend a class, one make-up session may be arranged in another class, space permitting. Make-up sessions are subject to availability and must be scheduled in advance.

Thank you for your understanding and for your commitment to the studio.

Winter Session

  • Paint tubes and brushes on an artist's palette with a jar of brushes near a window

    Jan. 14 - March 5, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Wednesday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Wednesday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More
  • A painting or drawing kit with tubes of paint, paintbrushes in a glass jar, and painting tools on a windowsill.

    Jan. 15 - March 6, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Thursday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Thursday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More

Spring Session

  • Paint tubes and brushes on an artist's palette with a jar of brushes near a window

    March 25 -May 13, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Wednesday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Wednesday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More
  • A painting or drawing kit with tubes of paint, paintbrushes in a glass jar, and painting tools on a windowsill.

    March 26 - May 14, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Thursday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Thursday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More

Summer Sessions : On Location Intensives

On Location: Composition & Drawing — 3-Day Intensive

Join me for an immersive three-day drawing workshop set on my private 2.5-acre property featuring native landscaping, vineyard views, outbuildings, a footbridge, and layered natural spaces ideal for compositional exploration.

This workshop focuses on developing strong compositional structure using the theories of Edgar Payne. Through on-site drawing sessions, demonstrations, and guided critiques, we will explore dynamic arrangements of value, movement, rhythm, and design within the landscape.

Participants will:

  • Learn and apply Payne’s compositional principles in real time

  • Develop multiple compositional studies from direct observation

  • Strengthen editing skills — simplifying nature into clear design

  • Explore balance, repetition, dominance, and visual pathways

This workshop is ideal for artists who want to deepen their understanding of structure and create more intentional, compelling compositions in their work.

All levels welcome. Drawing materials required.

Inquire about this “On Location” intensive here

  • Paint tubes and brushes on an artist's palette with a jar of brushes near a window

    June 15 - 18, 2026

    4 Day Intensive

    10:00am – 3:00pm

    $300

    Learn More
  • A painting or drawing kit with tubes of paint, paintbrushes in a glass jar, and painting tools on a windowsill.

    July 6 - 9, 2026

    4 Day Intensive

    10:00am – 3:00pm

    $300

    Learn More

Fall Session I

  • Paint tubes and brushes on an artist's palette with a jar of brushes near a window

    Aug. 5 - Sept. 23, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Wednesday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Wednesday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More
  • A painting or drawing kit with tubes of paint, paintbrushes in a glass jar, and painting tools on a windowsill.

    Aug. 6 - Sept. 24, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Thursday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Thursday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More

Fall Session II

  • Art supplies including paint tubes, brushes, and a palette on a table near a window, for drawing or painting.

    Oct. 21 - Dec. 16, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Wednesday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Wednesday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More
  • Art supplies including paint tubes, brushes, and a palette on a wooden surface near a window.

    Oct. 22 - Dec. 17, 2026

    8 Week Course

    Thursday Mornings
    10:00am – 1:00pm

    OR

    Thursday Afternoons
    1:30pm – 4:30pm

    $300

    Learn More

Prior to being invited to join a workshop…

You will be required to have a $50 private consultation with Vicki Walsh for a portfolio and materials review.

Please contact Vicki here to schedule your consultation.

If you are new to painting, wait for the first class before buying any supplies. If you already own paints, etc. we will go over what you have, what is good and what additional or different supplies would be useful.