The Ultimate Anatomy Workshop for Artists
November 11 - 20, 2023 - A 10-day in-person intensive workshop for artists of all levels.
Join New Masters Academy in Sante Fe, New Mexico for the Ultimate Anatomy Workshop for Artists, a transformative and immersive experience designed for artists of all levels. Learn from renowned instructors Joshua Jacobo, Johanna Schwaiger, Rey Bustos, and Glenn Vilppu as you work with exclusive anatomical resources to learn the anatomy of the entire figure and build your own 1/3 life size clay anatomy model. Held on a unique 160-acre ranch in the inspiring city of Santa Fe, this workshop offers comfortable accommodations, a focused learning environment, and opportunities to explore the local art scene. The workshop also includes a range of social events, such as an Art Walk in Santa Fe and morning meditation sessions, providing opportunities for forming lasting connections with fellow artists. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your artistic skills and connect with fellow artists from around the world.
Original, unique curriculum and learning format that combines 2D and 3D learning for deeper understanding and optimal retention
Access to exclusive anatomical specimens and resources like unique castings of human cadavers, skeletal specimens, original historical anatomical plates, and scans and prints of real human figure models
Personalized guidance from renowned instructors
Comfortable accommodations in a focused and inspiring learning environment
Opportunities to explore Santa Fe's vibrant art scene and network with fellow artists
IMPORTANT: Our last destination event sold out completely within three hours of the public announcement. Spaces are limited, so don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your artistic skills and connect with fellow artists from around the world.
Pricing and Pass Options
Full Two-Week Workshop with Accommodation (RECOMMENDED OPTION)
$5,400 Classic Adobe Bedroom (private) ONLY ONE LEFT
$4,700 Classic Adobe Bedroom (shared) SOLD OUT
Includes 10 days of instruction, shared or private accommodations, optional daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for daily fee, and access to all workshop materials and resources
Full Two-Week Workshop + Overflow Camping
$4,000 SOLD OUT
10 days of instruction and studio access, optional daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for daily fee, overflow camping on the ranch grounds, and access to all social events. Participant is responsible for tent and camping gear.
Full Two-Week Workshop (No Accommodation)
$3,580 SOLD OUT
Includes 10 days of instruction, optional daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for daily fee, and access to all workshop materials and resources
Week 1 Only Workshop (No Accommodation)
$1,940 SOLD OUT
Includes 5 days of instruction, optional daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner for daily fee, and access to all workshop materials and resources for the selected week
Please note that the accommodations are reserved for students attending the full two-week workshop. Students attending only the first week will have the "No Accommodation" option.
Leading Art Schools and Entertainment Studios Learn with New Masters Academy
Event Details
As an artist, it’s important to understand the subject matter you draw, paint, or sculpt to depict it with confidence and clarity. If you are interested in creating human or humanoid figures or heads, particularly those from imagination, you must learn anatomy. Anatomy is complex with many long Latin names and it is difficult for art students to find reliable sources which break down this complexity and teach it in an understandable, structured, and digestible way. Discover a new level of artistic growth and understanding with the New Masters Academy Anatomy Workshop for Artists. Designed for artists of all levels, this immersive workshop breaks down complex concepts in a supportive and engaging environment, ensuring you'll gain competence and comfort with the material.
Throughout the workshop, you will learn from the expertise of Joshua Jacobo and Johanna Schwaiger, with assistance from Rey Bustos, one of the world's most renowned art anatomy experts and world-famous figure drawing teacher Glenn Vilppu. Apply the knowledge you gain through lectures and demonstrations directly to your own clay models, guided by the individual support of the instructors every step of the way.
Held in the culturally rich and artistically vibrant city of Santa Fe, this workshop offers an immersive and focused experience that will remove distractions and enable you to connect with master artists and fellow art students from around the world. Gain insight into how master artists conceive of and approach the figure while enjoying the beautiful venue, comfortable accommodations, and the welcoming community atmosphere it fosters.
With access to one-of-a-kind anatomical resources prepared by famed art anatomist Eliot Goldfinger, you'll be able to explore the human form in ways you never thought possible. During the workshop, you'll not only grow artistically but also enjoy the opportunity to explore the galleries, cuisine, and other attractions that Santa Fe has to offer.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your artistic skills and understanding of anatomy, proportions, and the human figure. Secure your spot today and take the next step on your artistic journey with the New Masters Academy Ultimate Anatomy Workshop for Artists.
Attending this workshop not only provides invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience but also helps develop a strong foundation that greatly impacts your future artistic endeavors.
Experience Santa Fe:
Opportunities to explore the vibrant art scene, galleries, and local cuisine
Connect with fellow artists from around the world in a beautiful and inspiring setting
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from master artists, develop your skills in artistic anatomy, and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the stunning city of Santa Fe.
Meet Your Expert Instructors
Joshua Jacobo
NMA Founder and Sculptor
Johanna Schwaiger
Master Sculptor
Rey Bustos
Master Anatomy Instructor
Glenn Vilppu
World-Famous Figure Draftsman
Workshop Schedule (Week 1)
Each day will consist of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Joshua will lecture on the anatomical topics, while Johanna will demonstrate the clay modeling process. Students will then have the opportunity to apply what they've learned at their own workstations, with personalized guidance from Joshua, Johanna, Rey, Glenn and additional instructors and teacher’s assistants. The workshop is designed to be immersive and hands-on, ensuring that students can understand and internalize the knowledge and techniques being taught. Our carefully designed curriculum will take you on a journey through the intricacies of the human form, allowing you to develop your skills and understanding of artistic anatomy in an immersive and supportive environment.
Arrival Day (November 10)
Event check-in
Workshop Day 1 (November 11)
Introduction to Anatomy, Proportions, and the Simple Block-In
Lecture: The history and application of anatomy in art
Lecture: Understanding human proportions
Demo: Johanna Schwaiger demonstrates the first stage of clay modeling, including bending the armature into position and beginning the simple block-in
Hands-on: Students create their own simple clay block-in of the figure and develop the rough volumetric stage
Workshop Day 2 (November 12)
Simplified Upper and Lower Torso
Lecture: Simplified Anatomy of the upper and lower torso
Demo: Adding simplified muscle groups of the upper and lower torso onto the simplified ribcage structure
Hands-on: Students add the torso muscle groups to their clay models
Workshop Day 3 (November 13)
Simplified Anatomy of the Legs and Feet
Lecture: Simplified anatomy of the thighs, legs, and feet
Demo: Adding simplified muscle groups of the thighs, legs, and feet
Hands-on: Students add the leg and foot muscle groups to their clay models
Workshop Day 4 (November 14)
Simplified Anatomy of the Arms and Hands
Lecture: Simplified anatomy of the arms and hands
Demo: Adding simplified muscle groups of the arms and hands
Hands-on: Students add the arms and hand muscle groups to their clay models
Workshop Day 5 (November 15)
Simplfied anatomy of head and neck
Lecture: Simplified anatomy of the head and neck
Demo: Futher developing the ovoid head into a more planar structure and simplified muscle groups of the head and neck
Demo: Developing head structure and adding simplified muscle groups of head and neck.
Hands-on: Students add the head and neck muscle groups to their clay models
Workshop Schedule (Week 2)
Workshop Day 6 (November 16)
Detailed Anatomy of the Upper and Lower Torso
Lecture: Detailed anatomy of the upper and lower torso
Demo: Adding individual surface muscles, muscular parts, tendonds, and transitions to the clay model
Hands-on: Students refine the torso muscles with detailed anatomy
Evening: Group Art Walk through the Galleries of Beautiful Santa Fe
Workshop Day 7 (November 17)
Detailed Anatomy of the Legs and Feet
Lecture: Detailed anatomy of the thighs, legs, and feet
Demo: Adding intricate details and subdivisions of muscles to the clay model
Hands-on: Students refine the leg and foot muscles with detailed anatomy
Workshop Day 8 (November 18)
Detailed Anatomy of the Arms and Hands
Lecture: Detailed anatomy of the arms and hands
Demo: Adding intricate details and subdivisions of muscles to the clay model
Hands-on: Students refine the arm and hand muscles with detailed anatomy
Workshop Day 9 (November 19)
Detailed Anatomy of the Head and Neck
Lecture: Detailed anatomy of the head and neck
Demo: Adding intricate details and subdivisions of muscles to the clay model
Hands-on: Students refine the head and neck muscles with detailed anatomy
Workshop Day 10 (November 20)
Unifying the Figure and Finalizing the Clay Model
Lecture: Creating naturalistic gestures and integrating the parts of the figure into a whole
Demo: Unifying and finishing techniques in clay
Hands-on: Students finish their clay models or prepare them for continuation of work from home
Departure Day (November 21)
Farewell hugs and kisses
NMA Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
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This workshop is designed for artists of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Our instructors will provide personalized guidance and support, ensuring that each attendee gets the most out of the workshop experience.
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All necessary materials and tools for the clay portion workshop will be provided, including a professionally prepared 1/3 life-size figure armature, premium plastiline clay, and three modeling tools (two wood tools and one raking tool). Students are responsible for bringing their own sketchbooks and drawing utensils for notetaking during the lecture portions. Calipers for accurate measurements will also be provided. Modeling tools and calipers will be available for purchase.
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There will be on-site organic catering with daily, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request. Before the event participants will have the opportunity to reserve their meals in advance of the event at a rate of $75/day. There are also restaurant options within driving distance to the venue and participants will have access to kitchen space for cooking their own meals. Attendees are responsible for their dinners and any additional meals or snacks they may want during their stay.
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If you need to cancel your registration, you may do so until June 8th and receive a full refund. After this date the asses are non-refundable, though if an emergency arises we may be able to grant participants credit for future events.
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Yes, there is a Week 1 Only Workshop (No Accommodation) option, which includes 5 days of instruction, optional catered daily breakfast and lunch (for additional daily fee), and access to all workshop materials and resources for the selected week. Week 2 is not available as a stand-alone workshop as the workshop develops sequentially from Week 1 to Week 2.
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The workshop runs for two weeks (5 days per week for a total of 10 workshop days), from November 11th to November 20st, 2023. Guests will be arriving the evening of November 10th for check-in and dinner, and will be departing the morning of the 21st after an optional farewell breakfast. Classes take place from Saturday the 11th through Monday the 20th.
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The workshop is designed for adult participants, so we recommend that unattended guests be at least 18 years old. However, it’s never too early to learn the art fundamentals! If you are under 18 and wish to attend, please contact us to discuss your situation.
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Aside from the workshop fee, and optional catering fee, attendees are responsible for their transportation to and from Santa Fe, dinners, personal expenses, and any additional materials they may wish to purchase.
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Non-participating partners or family members are welcome to join you in Santa Fe, but they will need to find their own accommodations and activities during the workshop hours. They may also join group activities and social events. You can email in for any questions or concerns regarding guests.
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To secure your spot, please scroll to the top area of this page and complete the registration process, which includes selecting your desired pass option and submitting your payment.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at johanna@nma.art. We're happy to assist you!