3-Day Intensive Workshop with Ken Elliott / Seeing It Through: Painting with Intent

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Fri - Sun, August 7-9

Castle Rock, CO (Denver Metro)

Open to 5 artists

Open to artists at all skill levels and media

4 spots left

Friday - Sunday, 9-4pm

Sat. evening after break, 4:30 -7, Photoshop Tools and discussions

Info / sign up here   Workshop flyer

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View the workshop video

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These workshops are about making better paintings. Not better in a vague, feel-good way, but better in ways you can see and build on. Whether you're fairly new to all this or have been at it for years, there’s something here for you. Find your next artistic breakthrough.

 

Over three days, we dig into what actually makes a painting work: strong starts, color that does its job, composition that holds together, and the judgment to know when something is finished. We’ll cover strategies I’ve picked up over 40 years in the art world, some from books, a lot from artists I’ve been lucky enough to know and work alongside. You’ll also get a practical look at Photoshop as a tool for evaluating and developing your paintings, not the complicated version—the useful one.

 

Each day includes critique time, open discussion, and room to work on your own paintings with feedback. After the formal sessions, the conversation usually keeps going over and optional dinner together. Some interesting things continue to happen after hours.

 

I’ll do demonstrations in oil and talk about the business side, selling, promoting your work, and what separates artists who build a career from those who don’t.

 

You’ll leave with a simplified Photoshop reference guide and access to a curated library of over 2,000 reference works. Spots are limited to five artists, so there’s real individual attention throughout.

 

Interested? Join us for the next workshop or explore one-on-one mentoring sessions.

 

Find your next artistic breakthrough, consider joining us for the next workshop or mentoring sessions.

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In the Workshop:

 

•  What makes a strong start—and what to do when it isn’t

•  Color as a tool, not an accident

•  Composition and design that holds up

•  Going to new places in your work

•  Photoshop for painters (the practical version)

•  Daily critiques, live problem-solving, and open Q&A

•  The business of being an artist

•  Demonstrations in oil

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There will be serious discussions, laughs, and your questions with more continuing after class hours. We will all come away with new tools to take your art to the next level.

 

Ample time will be given to live problem solving, daily critiques and creative options.​

Please note that Ken is available for group Workshops in your area or individually or groups up to three for the remainder of the year.

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Info / sign up here   Workshop flyer

Article: Top 10 Creative Artists Making an Impact in 2026

msn.com  May 12, 2026 (excerpt)

Story by Melissa Vera

Creativity in 2026 is no longer confined to galleries, studios, or traditional artistic spaces. Today’s artists are shaping global culture through bold storytelling, innovative mediums, and emotionally driven work that resonates across industries and audiences. From contemporary painters and digital creators to mixed media visionaries and installation artists, creative professionals are redefining how art is experienced, shared, and valued in a rapidly evolving world.

As technology, culture, and personal identity continue to influence artistic expression, many creators are using their platforms to spark conversation, preserve heritage, challenge norms, and inspire new ways of thinking. Social media and digital exposure have also transformed the reach of modern artists, allowing their work to connect with audiences worldwide and make an impact far beyond local exhibitions.

The artists featured in this list are not only recognized for their talent, but also for their ability to influence trends, inspire communities, and push creative boundaries in meaningful ways. Each brings a distinct perspective and artistic voice that contributes to the future of contemporary art and culture.

In this feature, we spotlight ten creative artists making a significant impact in 2026, whose work continues to shape conversations and leave a lasting impression on the global creative landscape.

Bright Stand, oil on canvas, 36 x 36 inches Exhibited: Renjeau Gallery, Natick, MA Private collection, Hong Kong

Ken Elliott brings this idea to life through his distinct approach to painting. As an artist working in oils on canvas and pastels, he draws from the tradition of landscape painting while reshaping it through a modern lens. His work does not aim to replicate nature in a literal sense. Instead, it captures its essence and reinterprets it through bold color and simplified form.

His journey into art began in Houston, where he worked closely with paintings long before creating his own. He framed pieces and represented artists as a dealer. These early experiences built a strong foundation and deep respect for the craft. Over time, that foundation evolved into a personal practice grounded in both knowledge and exploration.

Elliott’s landscapes are marked by a balance between intensity and calm. His use of vivid color draws attention, yet the compositions invite stillness. This contrast creates a quiet tension that gives each piece its character. Influences from artists like Wolf Kahn and Forrest Moses helped shape his confidence with color and composition, leaving a lasting impression on his work.

His process is guided by experimentation. He welcomes unexpected moments and allows each painting to develop naturally. Forms are simplified, details are reduced, and the focus remains on feeling rather than accuracy. Nature serves as a starting point, but the final image moves beyond observation into interpretation.

Today, his work is part of many private and public collections. Even with this reach, his focus remains on growth and contribution. He sees himself as part of a long tradition of landscape painters and continues to build on that legacy with each new piece.

To explore more of Ken Elliott’s work and stay connected with his latest creations, visit his website and follow his instagram  facebook pages.    Complete article