Paint Your Vacation: An Illustrated Lifebook Workshop

Class PAINT YOUR VACATION Ring Thing copy
Class PAINT YOUR VACATION Ring Thing6 copy
IMG_4950 Paint copy 2
IMG_6728 Sketchbook FABRIQUE copy 2
IMG_6926 Sweden National Museum Sketchbook copy
Paint Vacation Cafe Kaffekoppen with writing copy 2
Paint Vacation Stenugnsbageri copy
Travel Formula IMG_6934 copy
Travel Formula IMG_6936 copy

Description

Paint Your Vacation: An Illustrated Lifebook Workshop
with Shannon Christensen

September 25-27, 2026 | Friday- Sunday | 9:00 am -4:00 pm

  • Medium: Watercolor
  • Experience Level: All Levels Welcome
  • Materials List: Please check the Materials List Tab.
  • Registration: Each student must enroll individually. Click the Cancellation Policy tab above for more info.
  • Location: Sedona Arts Center, Theatre Studio.

That vacation you loved? Don’t let it slip away. Memories fade fast—but with a few creative tools, you can capture them forever. In this playful, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your travel photos, stories, and small details into art-filled pages in an Illustrated Lifebook.

Using the Paint Your Vacation Formula, we’ll explore “Formula Views”—fun ways to focus on the experiences that made your trip unforgettable. You’ll practice sketching, adding watercolor, layering in words, and weaving it all together into pages that feel personal. You’ll leave with new creative skills, fresh inspiration, and the start of your own visual time capsule. Because your travels—and your life—deserve to be seen, remembered, and shared.

26 0925w SC

Shannon Christensen

Shannon Christensen

You’ve got to meet Shannon Christensen—an award-winning oil painter, licensed watercolorist, and author of Jumpstart Your Creative Engine. With a BFA in Illustration, her life story is as colorful as her palette. Married 43 years and mom of nine, she’s now on a journey of reinvention, leaning fully into a creative career. Her work has appeared in magazines, galleries, and textiles. Shannon calls it a “Creative Roadtrip,” inviting others to join the ride as she blends art and storytelling. What she loves most is seeing students light up when they discover their own creativity through her classes. Looking for inspiration, a hands-on class, an online course, or just a spark to light your own creative path? Shannon’s the kind of guide you’ll want to follow.

  • Bound watercolor book: for finished pages, preferably 140 lb paper https://amzn.to/3Ved4nx
  • Watercolor paper to practice on: 140 lb paper https://amzn.to/3VGQyUr
  • Watercolors: Something like these https://amzn.to/469thkl   https://amzn.to/47xePDI
  • Paint brushes: round, various sizes https://amzn.to/4pns0h6
  • Micron pens: Size 8 and/or 10  https://amzn.to/41NDJLL
  • Photos: vacation photos, printed out if you’d like, but not necessary if you can draw from your phoneTypes of photos:
  • See the Paint Your Vacation Formula PDF: As you go through your photos, collectibles, keepsakes, or souvenirs, write down your recollections, stories, and serendipity moments.  This will be provided after registration and before the workshop begins. With the Formula you can start picking which photos to use before class.

Cancellation Policy

Registration and Cancellation Policies

Registration

  • Each student must enroll individually.
  • Classes must be paid in full upon registration.
  • Students may register online or call Sedona Arts Center Office at 928-282-3809, Ext 1 or toll free at 866-282-3809 Ext 1.
  • Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express are accepted or student may pay with cash or check by registering in person during office hours Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.

In-Person and Online Classes Cancellation

  • Payment in full is due upon registration, or a payment plan can be put in place by the student upon check-out through Sezzle.
  • There is a $125 Cancellation Fee for any cancellations made before August 25, 2026. Remaining balance will be refunded.
  • There are no refunds after August 25, 2026.
  • If Sedona Arts Center cancels the workshop for any reason, all payments made will be refunded in full.

Note: If traveling to Sedona, we strongly urge students to purchase refundable airline tickets or travel insurance in case of workshop cancellation due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen changes. Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for non-refundable ticket purchases or lodging fees.

Important Message

Sedona Arts Center is not responsible for providing make-up sessions or issuing refunds, credits, or transfers for courses missed as a result of illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control. There are absolutely no refunds after the cut-off date for any reason, unless Sedona Arts Center has to cancel the workshop, then all fees paid will be refunded in full.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER