Larger, Wilder, Bolder Abstracts in Florida April 21-25, 2026

Join Julie and Cat at Cat's Florida Art Studio [LIMITED TO 6 ARTISTS]
Cool, clean, with loads of space [Each artist will have an 80”hx90"w wall to paint on]

Join Julie Schumer & Cat Tesla for a wild in-person workshop experience! Larger, Wilder, Bolder Abstracts combines concepts and (new) exercises from both of their online courses, Boldly Abstract and Larger, Wilder, Looser. Learn what makes a bold painting, how to stay loose, how to master color in a large format, how to develop a strong composition, and keep fresh mark making to the end. By the time we're done, your abstract art is gonna be Larger, Wilder, and Bolder than you ever imagined!


We'll be getting loose with bold new exercises in the morning to amp up your creative energy. Then in the afternoon, we'll sling some paint on giant canvases. You'll learn killer tricks for wielding color, developing kick-butt compositions, and keeping your mark-making fresh from start to finish. With over 40 years of experience between us, Julie and Cat have got your back when it comes to creating next-level abstract art. We wanna see you make paintings that don't just hang on the wall--they demand attention.


2026 Dates:

  • North Port, FL -- April 21-25, 2026
  • Santa Fe, NM -- dates TBD


    Each workshop is limited to 6 participants and you’ll have adequate space to paint larger than you might ordinarily. Each artist will have their own painting wall with ample room to paint as large as 60”x72”.


    Each day we will meet from 9am to 5pm. Water, coffee, treats and lunch will be provided each day.


    The cost of the workshop is $2150 [plus FL sales tax if you live in Florida]. A materials list will be provided upon payment of the workshop fee. You will also be sent a waiver form to sign.


    We will work with acrylic paint and mark making tools. Expect to complete at least 6 paintings. If you paint quickly, you may end up with 8-12 at the finish line.


    A waiting list will be created for each workshop as needed. We look forward to working with you!

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  • $2,150.00

    Includes coffee/tea, water/sparkling water, fruit/protein bars + delicious healthy lunches

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What People Are Saying

Paint, Paint, Paint!

Lisa Hollenbeck

’The way to improve as an artist is to paint, paint, paint & keep going till something pleases you. After 5 FULL days of painting in this workshop, Cat and Julie will show you there are no rules but if you are your authentic self, big changes will come! Bring lots of paint and canvas, don’t forget your energy as Cat and Julie will give you many ideas to get motivated!’

Larger & Wilder

Patricia Baumann

What an incredible time spent at Larger, Wilder, Bolder led by the fabulous Cat Tesla and Julie Schumer. I learned so much about myself as an artist and was pushed beyond my comfort zone to tackle my largest canvases yet (60 X 72”)! I enjoyed every minute.

Setting the Bar High

Shelley Cooper

The Abstract Workshop with Julie and Cat this past September was truly a week to remember. Not only was it professionally orchestrated with top notch information and guidelines to take home in the form of hard copy reference to reread in times of need and stalling.. the practical hours of painting everyday was priceless. I have never painted so much in 5 consecutive days, heaven, and came home with 10 paintings in various forms of completion which I’m loving revisiting and reworking with all my new found knowledge. Cat and Julie thank you. I hope we can continue our path of art discourse and friendship. I chose the best workshop for my first go.. you two have set the bar high.

Payment & Refund Policy

[PLEASE READ]

  • Your enrollment in any workshop is only guaranteed by registration and payment in full
  • We accept credit cards for your online payment and refunds.
  • A minimum of 6 students is required per workshop. If the minimum is not met 60 days before the start date, the workshop may be cancelled. Students will be notified via email. A full refund will be issued. Therefore, it is recommended that artists not make non-refundable travel or lodging arrangement prior to 60 days.
  • If there is a weather event in Florida that prohibits travel to Florida, the workshop will be cancelled and students will receive a full refund.
  • Student cancellations must be submitted in writing and sent to: [email protected]
  • Note: A full refund less an administrative fee of $100 is provided if cancellation occurs 61 days or more before the workshop. If cancellation is 60 days or less before the workshop, there will be no refund unless your space can be filled.
  • There are no refunds/credits after the workshop starts.
  • There is no refund, credit or make-up offered for missed days of any workshop.

Covid Policy

We require all artists to be vaccinated for Covid-19 OR to have a negative test result 1-2 days before the workshop begins. DO NOT ATTEND A WORKSHOP IF YOU ARE SICK. If you are sick and cannot attend the workshop, you will receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. Please contact Cat for more information at [email protected]

Location & Travel

Traveling by Car
  • Put this address into your GPS: 1891 Tropicaire Blvd, North Port, FL 34286
    Traveling by Air
  • There is no major airport in North Port. However, there are multiple airports nearby to choose from:
  • Punta Gorda (PGD) [20 minutes away]– is the closest airport to North Port, being located 19 miles away. While it has limited service, there are a number of low-cost carriers.
  • Sarasota International Airport (SRQ) [45 minutes away] – this is about 43 miles away. This has carriers such as Delta, Air Canada, American Airlines, United, Jet Blue.
  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) [45-50 minutes away] – the largest airport near North Port is located 62 miles south in Fort Myers. This airport offers a selection of domestic & international flights.
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA) [1.5 hours away] – 88 miles north of North Port and has even more airlines, both domestic & international.

    • Where to Stay/Lodging

    There are numerous housing options ranging from high end beach-front resorts and Air-Bnbs, to more modestly priced hotels, motels, and vacation rentals.
    • A fairly new (built in 2020) Hampton Inn & Suites is just 15 minutes from Cat’s studio: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34488-d21355560-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Suites_North_Port-North_Port_Florida.html
    • Airbnb: numerous options including Venice beach, which is 30 minutes away from Cat’s studio. https://www.airbnb.com
    • VRBO: https://www.vrbo.com/
    • Priceline: https://www.priceline.com/ [for deals on nearby hotels]

    Shipping Supplies

    For those traveling by air

    Plan for arrival 5 - 7 days prior to workshop (no sooner please).
    • Use Fed Ex or UPS ONLY. DO NOT require a signature for delivery.

    • You are responsible for repacking and shipping your supplies and canvas back to your home. This means you will need to print a return ship label for every box/roll that you ship AND BRING IT WITH YOU.

    • You will also need to bring packing tape and any other supplies to repack and prepare your items for return shipping.

    • Set up your Fed Ex or UPS account & shipping prior to the workshop. Use this shipping address:
    • Put YOUR NAME on the first line of the label
    • Cat Tesla Workshops (second line)
    • 1891 Tropicaire Blvd (third line)
    • North Port, FL 34286 (fourth line)

    • Once the workshop is over, you will need to deliver your boxes/rolls for shipment to the FedEx or UPS location below (each is 15 minutes from Cat Tesla's studio):

    • FedEx: 1121 W Price Blvd, North Port, FL 34288
    • UPS: 1181 S Sumter Blvd, North Port, FL 34287