Read FAQ at the bottom before purchasing tickets.
Faculty
Suhita Shirodkar (@suhitasketch)
Visual Journalist
Urban Sketcher
Author
International Workshop Educator
Uma Kelkar (@umapaints)
Fine Art Painter
Urban Sketcher
Author
International Workshop Educator
Nina Khashchina (@ninaapplepine)
Nature and Food Illustrator
Sketchbook Artist
Urban Sketcher
Workshop Instructor
Session 1: Uma
In the first session led by Uma, you will feel the color palette and textures of large natural elements like facades, vegetation, beaches, cliffs ledges. Using sumi-e or colored ink and watercolors, we will use different tempos of putting down large shapes and of introducing secondary media at various drying times to build textures into it our works. Think of this session as though practicing staccato and legato of painting strokes.
Session 2: Suhita
In session 2, you will explore mark making in myriad media, experiment with mixing and layering media and with using found tools to create unusual marks. You will also build on experiments from Session 1 and start to combine and layer techniques into dynamic pieces.Â
Session 3: Nina
Nina will introduce quick and portable printing techniques and their phenomenal capacity to expand and simplify your creative practice. We will add whimsical and colorful printed lines and textures and play with adding interesting bold shapes and subtle patterns to existing line works.Â
Location
Take a deep breath and settle in for a time of serene relaxation, reflection and rejuvenation. Celebrated as Monterey Peninsula’s “Refuge by the Sea” – Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds is a breathtakingly gorgeous 107 acres of ecologically diverse beachfront land. Situated within the quaint and scenic town of Pacific Grove, Asilomar offers guests the simple comforts of cozy cottages and historic lodges – and an unforgettable escape from the demands of everyday life.Â
- Workshop attendance requires on-location accommodation. Free on-location parking.
- Choices of single/double occupancy. Wi-Fi in each room. Room refrigerators can be rented from hotel management.
- Asilomar State Park Video and Cottages
[Pick up from San Jose or San Francisco Airport is available and can be arranged. More details to come about this]
Food
Meals covered are 2 x breakfasts, 2 x dinners, 2 x lunches. Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options always available. We will have eating tables for our workshop set aside in the main mess hall, so we will not be dining with people outside our group. Staff will wear masks and adhere to state and county rules at all times. See sample menus in the gallery above. Chef’s decides menu daily.
Tentative Timetable

Supplies
Workshop cost includes the following supplies that will be available for group use – All watercolor pigments, crayons, water soluble and insoluble inks, and paper that instructors use for demonstrations will be available to you. If you must have special tools, archival papers, specific pigments then, please bring them along.Â
FAQ
Is there an age requirement?
This is an adults (18+) only workshop.
What is your cancellation policy?
No refunds at any time after enrollment. The event organizers will refund all monies in case event is cancelled by them.
Can locals pay just for workshop?
We wish, but out contract with Asilomar Conference grounds requires accommodation + meal charges bookings.
What if my non-participant guest and I don’t share the same dietary concerns?
Choose single occupancy + 1 non-participating partner ticket as per your dietary restrictions. Then send email(LINK)Â to Uma with partner’s name + dietary preference.
Do I know who I will be roomed with? Applies only to double occupancy tickets.
We expect flux here, therefore, we won’t divulge until you arrive on the premises. We are unable to offer lifestyle matchmaking with potential roommates.
Is there an airport pick up available?
No. However, here is one way to arrange for a ride (as suggested to us Asilomar Conference grounds). Monterey Airbus (LINK) picks up at San Francisco and San Jose Airports. These are their rates (LINK).
Refrigerator Rentals
Asilomar Conference Grounds lets people arrange for refrigerator rentals by calling front desk. Information about price coming soon. We do not have visibility on the # available.
Parking Fees
Parking is free.
WiFi
Free Wi-Fi in all guest rooms.
TV
No TV’s in rooms.
Other attractions
World famous Cannery Row is 3 miles away from conference grounds.
Short distance from tourist spots like Lover’s point. Driving distance to scenic 17 mile drive.
View Pebble Beach (golf course) during our inspiration foraging walks.
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