click to see my solo show @ CAFE PASQUAL'S GALLERY, through Sept. 12, 2026
Artist painting outdoors — plein air watercolor session

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.

Wild Prickly Pear — watercolor by Sean Hudson
Lil Cutie — watercolor by Sean Hudson
Studio Bananas — watercolor by Sean Hudson
Fall Out — watercolor by Sean Hudson
Juan Tabo en plein air — watercolor by Sean Hudson
Le Chef — watercolor by Sean Hudson

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.

L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts

3-hour single day workshops — 667 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM // 505.780.8761

L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts
Sept 20thMagic Sky
Register
Nov 7thWild Prickly Pear
Register
Nov 28thMagic Sky
Register
Dec 12thSun & Shadow
Register
Jan 3rd, 2027At The Table
Register
Jan 30th, 2027Magic Sky
Register

always more to come..

Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center

Weekend & weeklong courses — Abiquiu, NM 87510 // 505.685.1000

Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center
Sept 25–27thColor & Composition
Sold out
Dec 4–6thHigh Desert Watercolor
Sold out

always more to come..

Sandia Prep: Prep Collective

3 Wednesday evenings — Albuquerque, NM

Sandia Prep: Prep Collective
Fall Dates TBDIntro to Landscape w/ Watercolor
Register

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...

5.0

Based on 66 Google reviews

A

Anne LeBaron

August 12, 2026

Great painting class. Shawn is a patient teacher. He makes learning easy and fun. Will def. be back!

Google Review
C

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!

Google Review
M

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.

Google Review
R

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.

Google Review
M

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.

Google Review
E

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.

Google Review
C

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!

Google Review
K

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.

Google Review

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
Sean Hudson's Sun & Shadow watercolor palette — 8 handmade paints in an Italian tin

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