Sean Hudson
Lessons + Workshops
Painting is a practice, not a talent
I've been teaching for more than a decade — to beginners who've never held a brush, to college students, and to experienced painters looking to loosen up and trust their instincts. My approach is relaxed and process-focused. We work from observation and imagination, embrace mistakes, pay attention to curiosity, and cultivate creativity.
Sessions are held in my Albuquerque studio, outdoors in the bosque or foothills, or at a location of your choosing. I work with adults of all skill levels.
What I offer
Private Lessons
$70 / hr
Whether you're picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refine your practice, private lessons are tailored to your goals and pace.
- —Studio, home, or en plein air
- —One-on-one or small group instruction
- —Personalized guidance and demonstrations
- —Emphasis on fundamental techniques
- —All skill levels welcome
- —All materials provided — just show up!
Parties & Corporate Events
Contact for pricing
Looking for a creative experience that brings people together? Watercolor workshops are a memorable way to celebrate, connect, and slow down.
- —Birthday parties & family celebrations
- —Team-building & client appreciation
- —Retreats and conferences
- —Community groups
- —Professional instruction and a friendly atmosphere
- —All materials provided
Book a Lesson / Plan Your Event
Ready to pick up a brush or plan something special? Send a message and I'll be in touch soon.
Workshop Schedule
Upcoming classes at partner venues — register directly through each link.
always more to come..
Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center
Weekend & weeklong courses — Abiquiu, NM 87510 // 505.685.1000
always more to come..
always more to come..
Be the first to know
New workshops sell out fast. Join the Cloud Club and I'll let you know as soon as new dates are added — plus updates on new work and exhibitions. Your info is safe with me.
What Students Are Saying...
Based on 66 Google reviews
Anne LeBaron
August 12, 2026
Great painting class. Shawn is a patient teacher. He makes learning easy and fun. Will def. be back!
Christina Donley
July 28, 2026
Sean is a great teacher. He communicates well, is patient, and can adapt to different levels of skill and personalities. He taught us color theory, important techniques, and even history and geology of Abiquiu. Watercolor was a challenge for me in the beginning because it takes a patient hand and heart. I recommend taking a lesson from Sean if you seek some peace or need to slow down. Also, making art is cool!
Mara Loeb
July 27, 2026
An unforgettable experience! The Ghost Ranch room was spacious, comfortable, and included healthy food! The class challenged and expanded my abilities. Sean Hudson was attentive, and provided a series of experiences that explored the beautiful landscape of the area. The plein air experiences considered the temperature and took us out in the coolest parts of the day. In the Art Show at the end of the class our progress was clearly visible.
Rebecca Gregory
July 22, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the class instructed by Sean at Ghost Ranch. The most meaningful thing I took away is: Be fearless with color.
Michiel Bourdrez
July 22, 2026
Sean Hudson's five-day watercolor workshop at Ghost Ranch met all my expectations. I learned a lot and had a great time. I look forward to learning more from Sean.
Ernest Parker
July 2, 2026
I had a great time refreshing my watercolor skills with Sean. His setup allowed everyone to clearly observe while he demonstrated the different lessons. Critiques were helpful and positive. It was an all-around positive experience with a very congenial group. I hope to attend another class with Sean in the Spring or Fall some day. It was amazing to be painting in such a beautiful setting.
Cory Jackson
April 28, 2026
Best subject (watercolors), best place (Ghost Ranch), and above all the best teacher - Sean Hudson. Can't wait to do it again soon!
Kate Sutherland
April 27, 2026
Sean is a fantastic artist but also a fantastic teacher, which is a rare combination. I signed up for a weekend watercolor class with him, which felt daunting because I haven't drawn or painted in decades and had zero experience with watercolor. Now I'm so glad to have had his instruction as a springboard from which to develop my skills! I'm so excited to have found such a talented teacher and plan on taking more classes from him. He is a gem.
My Signature LDBA Watercolor Palette
Sun & Shadow Palette
Inspired by the vibrant rock formations and vivid skies that surround Ghost Ranch in Northern New Mexico, this palette holds the potential of expressing the rugged beauty that Georgia O'Keeffe found endlessly inspiring.
8 paints nestled in a black, simple Italian watercolor box — curated for the Southwest landscape painter.
- Lacca Francese
- Venetian Pink
- Cornflower Blue
- Fluorescent Blue
- Sunflower Yellow
- Terra Ercolano
- Verde Oliva
- Blue Ridge Violet
Questions
Ready to paint?
Send me a note and we'll set something up. I'm happy to answer questions about what to expect, what to bring, or whether lessons are right for you.
Email Sean