New Mexico Field Arts Bootcamp

October 20-23, 2024

Your guides, Jonathan & Roseann Hanson

We are so excited you will be joining us in the glory of fall in New Mexico’s fable canyon country for four days of pure immersion in field arts: nature journaling, field sketching and watercolor, animal tracking, birdwatching, reading the weather, using field optics, found pigments, and much more!

No excuses. Just pure nature journaling growth and mindset.

Below is information for planning and preparation for your bootcamp. In the next few weeks I’ll add loads more resources for you, including a suggested packing list, species lists, suggested reading, and more. 

A Reminder of What’s included:

  • One-on-one attention in areas in which you would like to improve;

  • Skills-specific mini-tutorials in field arts such as sketching, watercolor, nature writing, animal tracking, reading the weather, and using optics;

  • Accommodations (ranch house bedrooms, or DIY camping) at a private hacienda within Ghost Ranch;

  • Optional van from Albuquerque to the ranch and back;

  • Wine and beer happy hour each evening;

  • All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on last day;

  • Use of Swarovski Optics binoculars throughout the Bootcamp and attendance by Ben Lizdas of Swarovski;

  • Use of art supplies and field arts tools, including mini paint kits and plaster track kits;

  • Field kits with fun tools to enhance your discoveries.

Everyone should be paid up, except for a few who will be taking the van from the airport hotel

  • One person, van from the airport hotel to the ranch and back – $140 (currently sold out)

    I support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in my life and through all my work. I have completed Bias 101 and Safe Zone training through the University of Arizona. I welcome everyone and look forward to meeting you in a supportive, fun and inclusive environment!

 
 
 

IMPORTANT RESOURCES:

 
 

^^^ACCESS ALL THE DOWNLOADS with the link above, a folder on Dropbox.

 

MAPS ( for driving, or IF YOU WANT TO PREPARE YOUR JOURNAL

OR PRINT TO BRING— it’s located in the Dropbox folder linked just above)

Ghost Ranch is located 65 miles northwest of Santa Fe (forty miles beyond Española) on U.S. 84 between mile markers 224 and 225. The road from U.S. 84 is graded gravel. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe to drive to Ghost Ranch.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the arrival / departure days?

    • Arrival day for getting to the ranch is Sunday, October 20. Lunch is included; the Bootcamp begins after lunch.

    • Departures are Wednesday, October 23 after lunch.

    • See below for flights information.

  • Is there an emergency number I can give to my family / house sitters?

    • Yes. Ghost Ranch number is 505-685-1000. While there is no phone / service at our private hacienda, we will have a satellite phone to call out and it is about 15 minutes to drive back to the main ranch buildings.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    • You may cancel the New Mexico Field Arts Bootcamp up until midnight August 15, 2024 for a refund of your payment less a $75 fee (because of the Ghost Ranch’s very strict cancellation policy). You may also roll over your payment to another Bootcamp.

  • Why do you require trip insurance for each participant?

    • This is to ensure you have medical evacuation coverage (nearly all the Bootcamps will be in remote locations) and that your costs are covered if we have to cancel the Bootcamp due to local emergencies or global health crises. We recommend TravelGuard for good pricing and coverage; prices vary depending on level chosen and your travel costs.

  • Can I bring a partner who does not nature journal?

    • Yes, but only in the camping area. We have one room for couples, and would like this to be for people who are both taking the Field Arts programming.

  • Can I camp?

    • Yes! We have space for 5 camping vehicles, and access to a full bathroom.

  • Do you offer special dietary options?

    • Please contact us after registration with your dietary needs. We will work with you and the venue if at all possible.

  • Do you allow pets?

    • Sorry, we cannot accommodate pets.

  • Where do I fly in?

    • Yes, there are regular flights to Albuquerque, NM. Plan to arrive the day before, to be ready for an early morning departure. Likewise, plan to fly out the day after the final day.

  • How do we get from the airport to the venue?

    • We will have a limited number of seats available in a van, departing from the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport hotel at 8:30 am on Sunday, October 20 and return by late afternoon Wednesday, October 23. The Sheraton has a free airport shuttle and restaurants onsite. Roseann and Jonathan will be staying there on Saturday night.

      • Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel

        2910 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

        (505) 843-7000

    • You can rent a car or drive yourself; the road from Albuquerque is an easy state highway; to access the private lodge on the Ghost Ranch is an easy dirt road of about three miles. Because of limited parking, we may ask that you leave your vehicle in the main parking area and ride on the shuttle into the remote Lodge.

    • If you are meeting us at Ghost Ranch please plan on being there at about 11 am. The shuttle departs Albuquerque Sheraton at the Airport at 8:30 and we plan on a 2 to 2 1/2 hour drive. We will meet at the main parking area in front of the welcome office.

    • Meet and Greet

      •  Password: newmexico24