The Painting Experience

is an unprecedented journey into the wild territory of painting directly from intuition. It’s a leap beyond the predicted and expected - a venture into color, form and image where no rules apply..

In these workshops, everyone is a beginner; people from all levels of experience are welcome, including those who have never picked up a paintbrush. You will be given the environment, methods, facilitation, and overview with which to do in-depth self-exploration that can lead to pivotal insights for generating effective change. The goal is free - expression, with the emphasis on the creative process rather than on technique or expertise. The Painting Experience is an opportunity to embark on the greatest of all human journeys – embracing your own path and confidently following it.

The facilitators are people passionately committed to the imperative of self-knowledge in action. We are a group of professionals with extensive experience working on the front lines of human change and transformation, and we've had the privilege of making a real difference in the lives of countless people interested in exploring their full range of possibilities.

There is nothing to bring - complete materials are supplied.

See Video Clips for an inside glimpse into the painting process!
Read Process Art Basics
Download article: "Art and the Challenge of Change"

The Painting Experience
appeals to people who are interested in the dimensions of the artistic/creative, the healing/therapeutic and the meditative/spiritual.

Artistic / Creative
The essential artistic freedom is the right to create unburdened by pressures to perform, produce or succeed. Learn to trust your creative impulse in a safe atmosphere that genuinely honors and respects individual differences.

Healing / Therapeutic
It’s deeply healing to express blocks creatively and to use them as a catalyst for change. Not knowing allows innocence. Accepting imperfection yields compassion. Risking vulnerability connects us with others.

Meditative / Spiritual
Painting offers a exceptional opportunity to profoundly inhabit the present moment. It’s an engaged spirituality – a practice of equanimity, presence, and learning to stay in the face of whatever arises. It’s a unique journey into the Great Mystery.

The Studio
Since its founding in 1976, the Painting Experience has touched the lives of thousands of people by enabling them to explore their creative process in an atmosphere of respectful non-judgment. The Painting Studio is a sacred space encouraging a safe yet challenging journey to the boundary of your personal frontier. The studio atmosphere is friendly and non-threatening—it fosters a culture free of competition and comparison. Paintings are not critiqued or analyzed by the group. As a gesture of respect and completion, the facilitator acknowledges each painting with you before you take it down.
We supply all the materials and we maintain the studio completely—all you need do is dip your brush and paint. You’ll work on large white surfaces using a lush spectrum of color and fine quality brushes. No prior art experience or training is necessary—only your willingness to explore the exciting world of color, shape and form.

The Impact
Through working with this process many people have reported finding their way to a more courageous and meaningful participation in their lives. The effects of this work tend to last and expand over time. That’s because you tap into an extraordinary resource: the vibrant, driving force of your own creative spirit.

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After the Workshop

The Facilitators
Stewart Cubley’s method of working is through a respectful questioning process that invites you to extend yourself into new areas of thought and feeling. He has the ability to meet you where you are and to ask the right question at the right time. Stewart is a down-to-earth teacher whose personal interactions allow you to see yourself differently in ways that can be life-changing. He lives in Fairfax Ca and Denali Park, AK.

Annie Danberg, fine artist and graphic designer in San Rafael, CA, has many years experience facilitating The Painting Experience. Her expansive presence brings great insight and clarity to the rich boundary area between process and product.

Sarah Oblinger, a teacher for many years in her Paint or Die Studio near Kansas City, is a dedicated and inspired soul whose love of the painting process makes it natural for her to share it with others. She now lives in northern New Mexico.

Annie Rousseau, resident of Courtenay, British Columbia, is a seasoned member of The Painting Experience staff. Her compassionate understanding and genuine demeanor make her an excellent coach and painting facilitator.

Matt Belay
lives on a 45 acre rural property outside of Blacksburg, Virginia. His primary interest is in continuing to live in a community setting and supporting the personal growth of himself and others through facilitating The Painting Experience in a retreat center atmosphere.

Betsy Vingle
lives in North Carolina and Florida. She has been teaching with The Painting Experience for over 7 years, and brings her inspiration and fun-loving nature to all the workshops she facilitates.

Virginia Kosydar is our Office Manager. She has been painting with Stewart for over 10 years, and very familiar with the painting process. Virginia is your contact with The Painting Experience by phone and email.

Continuing Education Credits are available for RN, MFT & LCSW licenses