“The exercises we did were transformative. One key takeaway for me was the concept of narrowing the parameters in order to create more cohesive paintings. This approach challenged me to focus on making more intentional choices with colour and composition which will lead to stronger work. I got the opportunity to try new things I wouldn’t normally do. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to push their artistic boundaries!” 

~  Andrea Piccinin

“A highly recommended course!!  I  was fortunate to be able to attend “The Filter and Focus” workshop with Susan Melrath and Terry Froelich.  As many of us voiced, we had never been taught the Principles and Elements of Design that was so thoroughly provided in this course.  We were given a tool kit that is an endless exploration for both beginner and professional artist.  Lectures, illustrated examples, exercises and instruction were generously given for us to apply to our own work.” 

~ Dianne Cacchioni

"This retreat was hands down the most inspiring class I've ever taken. I suspect my next ArtFuel retreat will once again surpass expectations. Terri and Susan are generous, committed and caring coaches, two of the most highly qualified out there. The knowledge they shared was innovative and has changed my approach to art making. I soaked up the challenging exercises which helped me digest the concepts. I'm eager to continue learning from these two very gifted artists and teachers."

~ Suzanne Lewis

"As a fairly experienced artist, I found the quality of the teaching & learning to be first-class. The lessons were very consolidated and content-rich, with challenging exercises. I learned more in one week than I did in a year of art school...and I might not be exaggerating too much!"

~ Susan Walker

"I left the "Filter and Focus" retreat in Santa Fe filled with gratitude for what I learned and the people I learned it with. I'm grateful for having the opportunity to immerse myself in my art practice and learn how to push my art forward. The daily exercises were thoughtful and well explained. They illustrated art principles and elements and how to optimize their use in our own style of work. They were generous with their time and knowledge. They encouraged all of us to paint the things we love, and to use the tools to make that art better. This retreat was a game changer!"

~ Pat Goeke

What was the most important thing you took away from Filter & Focus? "Art wise-- a ton! My thought… ‘Color became a friend that I want to get to know more.’. Before I have been a grab a color when I need a pop or something in the design - but not taking into account the specific shade/tint, saturation or harmony that color addition would do for the painting. New mindset for me with this methodical way of teaching you gave step by step - day by day. The exercises helped me to put into action the learnings of color/ saturation/ temperature etc. AND huge for me, is the teaching of dialing up and down what works and flows for you. The way Susan drilled into it- it was a bingo for me. I couldn't have answered that until this course/teachings/philosophy was shared with me. Now I confidently can answer that question- ‘Lorie = color and shapes’. The result is now in my head I know better how to start a painting, how to move through and what sings to me to make a Lorie painting that I like. I finally have a very simple road map---color and shape is my base. As you say.. stay focused and use my own filter ( color/shape). Love this so much!"

~ Lorie Sadler