Art Retreat, Acrylic Painting, Boulder Colorado

Painting the Flatirons: An Abstract Adventure in Boulder

I recently had a wonderful opportunity to be an artist guide at a painting retreat with Abstract Adventures in Boulder, Colorado. The setting felt like stepping into a living postcard. The Flatirons rose in soft, sculptural layers behind us and a gentle breeze moved through the grasses as our group settled in with canvases and palettes.

Alongside two fellow artists, I helped guide about twenty business women through a step‑by‑step exploration of the Flatirons in acrylic. Most were not painters, but their nerves quickly shifted to excitement as they mixed color, tested brushes, and saw shapes begin to emerge on their canvases.

Learning to See in Layers

We broke the painting process into clear, approachable stages. First came a loose, transparent wash to block in sky and rock formations. Next, we added mid‑tone shapes with broader brushes, encouraging everyone to simplify the Flatirons into bold, graphic planes using a palette knife. Finally, we introduced smaller tools, layering highlights, shadows, and texture.

With every new layer, the group’s confidence grew and by the end of the afternoon, the Flatirons were reimagined twenty different ways, each canvas a testament to a gorgeous day and the power of learning something completely new together.

Check out Abstract Adventures if you're looking to book a unique outdoor adventure in Colorado!