Stephen Quiller is an internationally award -winning master watercolorist who joins the 4UR Ranch each spring and fall for a week-long painting workshop that brings together artists from around the world. Workshop focuses vary between subjects like, plein air, intensive color and water media, casein and gauche. Artists of all abilities come to learn from the guidance and instruction of Stephen Quiller, who calls the town of Creede home.

Stephen is renowned for his use of color, color theory and approach to outdoor painting; all skills that he is eager to share with workshop participants. Having painted all over the world, many of his favorite subjects are right here in the San Juan Mountains. Beaver ponds, aspen groves, snow shadows, and herds of sheep are often the vibrant subjects of his paintings. While exploring the town of Creede you’ll find murals completed by Stephen scattered throughout, along with The Quiller Gallery where many of his pieces are displayed.

During the painting workshop participants will spend most of their time painting and learning from Stephen, but we manage to sneak in a few opportunities for you to enjoy some of the other ranch activities. The afternoons often allow for a window of time where you can explore the ranch via horseback, take a hike through the mountains or catch a trout on the stream. And of course spouses or friends are welcome to join for the week, where they will have access to all of the ranch activities.

Each evening allows for artists to gather on the lodge deck, enjoy a cocktail and talk over the day. After dinner you’ll have many opportunities to learn more about Stephen, from visiting his gallery in town for a private talk to attending a casual presentation at the studio on his travels and works, not a minute is wasted. You can learn more about Stephen Quiller and his many accomplishments on his website.

2019 Stephen Quiller Painting Workshops at the Ranch

Experimental Water Media: Saturday, June 1st to Friday, June 7th
A Note from Stephen Quiller to interested participants: “This venue is simply the best I have ever experienced. The accommodations, food, and care that the staff gives are incredible! The ranch is located within a mountain valley along six miles of private trout stream, and is the ultimate mountain setting. Instruction during the week will emphasize experimental water media using water color, gouache, acrylic, and their combinations. The workshop will be taught in a beautiful and well-lit studio within walking distance to 4UR’s fine dining restaurant, natural hot springs, fitness center, and outdoor geothermal pool. Marta and I will host a closing night dinner at our home and a tour of my studio.”

Plein Air Water Media Workshop: Sunday, September 24th to Saturday, September 30th
Note from Stephen Quiller to interested participants: “This is the week that autumn aspen and cottonwoods are peaking and the color abounds in our region. The week will be devoted to painting outside at a variety of beautiful sites. On this ranch are lakes, river and streams, cliffs and mountains, meadows and a variety of tree forms. Each day we will go to a different location. I will demonstrate at the start of the day and work with students individually. We will do a group critique in the late afternoon. The excellent food, pool, and hot springs spa of the 4UR Ranch certainly add to the experience. Marta and I will host a Friday evening dinner at our home with a tour of my studio.”