Mike Mahon is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America (PSA), the American Plains Artists (APA), and the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico (PAPNM).

His DiVine SETUP© systematic painting and critiquing process establishes an easy to remember step-by-step discipline for working out common problems, as well as assuring a successful end result regardless of whatever medium or technique is used. Mike considers that learning a consistent method for painting and for self-critique is THE most important skill for preventing burnout and achieving artistic mastery. Confidence is instilled at the beginning of every painting and control is maintained during the entire process.

Art workshops last either 3 or 5 days, offer at least 2 painting demonstrations using his proven process, and allow plenty of time for individual assistance. Mike teaches a “Painting Process” workshop and a “Portrait” workshop, primarily for pastel, oil, and acrylic painters. Both workshops are beginner & intermediate friendly, but because of his unique and thorough presentation of classic painting principles, they are challenging even for experienced painters. Mike utilizes painting demonstrations, lecture, PowerPoint presentations, paint-a-longs, class exercises, and one-on-one instruction to maximize the learning experience for each artist. Mike has recently updated much of his teaching material for his workshop including an illustration rich PowerPoint presentation.

Click on this image to get a movie sample of the new presentation. The presentation is presented live but this movie clip is narrated by Mike to give you an idea of the teaching material.

Click here to read workshop testimonials

2012 Workshop Schedule

For pricing and other workshop information,

please click on the workshop links below.

El Paso, Texas.........................Pastel Painting Process ...................April 24-26
Amarillo, Texas.........................Painting Process ...........................June 7-9
Santa Fe, New Mexico..............Process/Plein Air...........................July 18-20
Taos, New Mexico......................Plein Air.......................................Oct. 1-3-5

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the downloadable workshop brochures above, you may get it FREE by clicking on the following link:

Click here to see recent paintings by Mike Mahon

Mike’s style is Impressionistic Realism, with paintings varying from subtle landscapes to stately and detailed portraits. He was a graphic designer and illustrator for 27 years before establishing his full-time fine art career. He was one of the featured artists in the 2004 International Artists and North Light Books publication, 100 Ways to Paint Portraits and Figures, along with 99 other artists from around the world. Winner of many art awards and honors, he also teaches art workshops with skill and patience. Working mainly in oil and pastel, he teaches a ‘process’ rather than a ‘technique,’ and students consistently rave over their results. Mike teaches pastel workshops, oil workshops, drawing workshops, portrait workshops, and plein air workshops..Since moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, he is offering new plein air workshops conducted along Historic Canyon Road, the Santa Fe Plaza, and scenic location in the area. More art workshops will also be available in Taos, New Mexico and other scenic areas of the state.

Mike communicates with his students and patrons primarily via email. Please send him an email at art@mmahon.com if you would like to be on his art notification list regarding upcoming shows and art workshops..