We measure the success of our workshops by the letters and feedback we receive afterwards. The excitement and enthusiasm we try to impart around artmaking is often wonderfully reciprocated by hearing of students who have re-
turned home renewed and awakened to new possibilities of their own artistic paths. What can’t be described ,however
is the abundant energy resulting from working together as a group. Everyone benefits from the prior experiences, common goals, laughter and friendships that occur at the workshops.
• "For beginners and accomplished artists – Nick and his wife Jenny were generous, attentive and enthusiastic. It was a real quality experience." –anonymous

• "Very educational. I can now say I have the tools and understanding to continue painting. –anonymous

• "Excellent! Nick and Jenny are the best art workshop leaders I have experienced at Esalen in twenty years. Constant attention, great demos and high quality artists, Nick and Jenny made art accessible to anyone – artist or new explorers wanting to create. Please have them back often. –anonymous

• "The workshop was everything I expected. It freed me to try new things. I felt like a kid in second grade, playing creatively with my young classmates. –Bob

• "This was one of the best workshops I have ever taken. Nick is a teacher who guides each participant with kindness and respect to realize the artist within. Highly recommended for both theory and experience. –Tina

• "The workshop was exactly what I needed. Personal space and learning for me in a very comfortable community atmosphere. Very supportive. –Susan

• “This workshop exceeded my expectations in that we were pushed to expand our thinking and to see things differently. We were challenged to take risks in a thoughtful and dynamic environment from the novice experimentation in art perspective. I appreciated the TIPS such as keeping paint moist in the trays - the miracle drug - Quinacridone Gold! All the great tools - but then learning the simple composition, value, shapes that create the piece - the simplest things are often the hardest to achieve.

These workshops are so great in grounding the art process, as well as meeting people that have an innate understanding of what it is to need to create, express, and enjoy making ART. You guys were great. Thank you for bringing light to this little valley - and thank you for bringing it to me.” Stephanie

• “Nick Wilton is an extremely gifted teacher, and creates a wonderful safe environment for exploring painting. His teaching style is open, positive and respectful of the individual. Anyone at any level of experience can benefit from this workshop, because Nick grasps the essence of universal principals of design and can articulate them so well. He can teach anyone to understand them. I can't think of a way to improve it … everything seemed just right! Actually, natural light would be great. Having lots of space to spread out was perfect!” –Anonymous

• “ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Ideas/Principles presented are going to REVOLUTIONIZE my approach to art. I actually learned how to be creative verses a mimicker or photocopier. My pieces now create themselves! Thank you, Thank you…I am excited for what's to come in relation to art.” – Meghan

• “This workshop is amazing! This is my first painting class ever! I've never made images out of my head and was so scared. But now I feel like I have the ability to do that.” –anonymous

• “This class was the best. A slippery thing to deal with but it really brings you to the paint and the board. Exploration and directions in designs - very helpful and fun!” –anonymous

• “Very thorough instructing, Nick and Jen are great, as well as their girls! Great support of students, especially on individual needs. Not crazy about class ending at one (o'clock) last day. Great theory teachings. Wonderful environment, best instructor I've ever had!” –Ande

• “It was fantastic to have such a block of time set aside to explore my creativity. I really forced myself to take this class at a busy work time, because I knew I needed the inspiration, encouragement and engagement to move forth. It is so interesting to parallel the metaphors of painting to our own in life. I am naturally NOT a risk taker and I believe this is what holds be back from 'thinking' I can't be a creative painter! Aha - after all it's taking me 5 years plus and I work at the art association.” –Elisa

• “This workshop was tremendous! Nick and Jennie were so kind to share their creative teachings - and secrets - with us. The class was intense, risky and struggle at times - exactly what a workshop should be. Everyone broke through, and it was deeply satisfying to both participate in this process as an artist and an observer. I fell very lucky to work with such talented artists, Nick and Jennie, who did not teach another typical class on realism. I hope that they will offer this inspiring workshop again. Also, the Teton Fairground Building was a good size for the number of participants, and well ventilated! Thank you all!” –anonymous

• “I needed to get recharged with my work and this class did just that. I relearned stuff I forgot and was able to see things through others eyes.” –anonymous

• “This was an overwhelmingly wonderful workshop. It blew open new doors of creativity that I didn't know existed. Nick and Jennie made this possible by balancing a very organized format with creativity and fun. They make the process accessible to everyone by this balance. If they teach an advanced workshop in Egypt, I'm taking a second mortgage out and going. Please encourage them to come back. –September

Note: I could see this workshop working as in a 10-day format - everyone here wants to keep going. Nick and Jennie's generosity and enthusiasm is contagious which adds to peoples' ability to create.”

• “This was a great class! Both Nick and Jennie were great and their family dynamics added to the open atmosphere. I loved the mix of artistic ability and focus. The flow was great and dynamic. When I was struggling with the concepts, it was comforting in a way to know that those with 1000 times more experience than I have were struggling too. If I had know in advance that the skill level of participants was so high I would have been intimidated! Nick balanced group presentations with individual attention and work time. This was by far the best thing I've done for my progress as an artist!” –Carin

• "Fantastic. Having had little previous painting experience, this workshop provided a space to explore my own style of expression and the tools to push boundaries. Nick's fearless approach to art in inspiring." —SV

• "Awesome! Nick has a way of leading the group that makes art so accessible and exciting- an inspiration. To anyone interested in art: Take the Artplane workshop. Don't think about it, just take it."

• "The Artplane Workshop was Everything I hoped for- and more! I had no art training and had never painted before this workshop. Nick Wilton's teaching style is incredible! The class was fun, challenging, and best of all, I painted images that satisfied me at a soul-level. Nick is supportive, gives freely of his time and knowledge, and draws out the latent artist in each student. In the beginning, I wasn't sure if I could paint; by the end of the week, I knew I could. " —CH

• "Tremendous! This was worth it in every way. It was a great experience- great teachings. Very supportive environment. Lots of expertise and a good balance between technique and pure creative expression. Very nice people! (the teachers!) It was wonderful to spend time with them." -PV

• "Fun! It was everything I wanted and more- I am no longer afraid of 'not doing it right', and have the knowledge and confidence to take with me and keep my creative energy flowing."

• "Excellent, fabulous, wonderful! Nick and Jennie have a wonderful sense of what's important in Art. He has a fun, giving way of teaching. I would love a Part 2!" -HS

• "Fantastic! Nicholas is a great teacher and encourager. I had never painted in my 50 years and within hours he had me making pieces. By my 9th painting I was feeling it was showing my style. Wow! I would do this again!"

• “Thank you for your open-hearted encouragement. There were moments when I felt like I was riding on the Artplane!"

• "Jennie and Nick, Well, I don't think I'll be the same after Saturday! That was so great!!! I learned so much. You have gotten to the essence of painting. It was my idea of heaven: wonderful people, painting, great food and music, beautiful place, what more could you ask? Thank you, Thank you." —K

• “Excellent in every way. Well organized. Great intro to basics of form, composition and color—relevent to all levels and styles of students.”—CS

• “This class was/is a lifesaver. It has revitalized my creative juices and given me new direction and inspiration for creating art. Not only did we cover the most important fundamentals in art (regardless of style), but we also covered new ways of seeing. Any person will benefit from this workshop—young or old, artist or non-artist. The theories and applications discussed were concise and easily adopted. Above all it was Great Fun.”

• “The most important things to bring to the workshop are life experience and a willingness to explore and learn. Everyone will benefit. The students individuality begins to emerge in the work as the class progresses. Personality and life experiences are evident in every piece created. It is difficult to describe how much this workshop has meant to me—fear, comfort, confusion and excitement—all positive. I look forward to more personal search and growth. Everybody should take this workshop,
regardless of their chosen career path.”

• “So enjoyable! Kind, patient and knowledgeable teachers. This class was so different from other classes and that was refreshing.” —PP

• “This class met the needs of professional and beginner. I found it extremely well planned and thought out. The instruction was suited to the needs of each individual. Excellent. I would do it again.”

• “Nicholas and Jennie are filled with a continuous enthusiasm to speak through the medium of paint/mixed media. Having never painted anything other than a wall in my house, I now have the confidence to paint and the basic skills to continue to improve. They combine basic principles with a sense of fun and freedom to follow your own impulses. One student called it the equivalent of four years of art school in five days. I find their basic concepts translate to writing and other creative endeavors. Nicholas and Jennie have given me a map to explore my own inner landscape. And it was fun!” —HH

• "Nick is a great instructor and his printed materials are well done and informative." —SH

• "Extremely enthusiastic teachers. Great organization skills for class layout. Very interesting technique with basic essentials for anyone’s style. and appreciation. I would recommend this to all artists at any level."