Color is not the finishing touch. It is the moment your work either convinces people… or doesn't. In our industry, the difference between a rock formation that looks like painted concrete and one that stops visitors in their tracks comes down entirely to how it is colored. The right wash, the right gradation, the right understanding of how nature actually behaves with mineral deposits, erosion along with the effects of Ultraviolet rays of the Sun, all have an impact on the coloring of rock.  Understanding this will give you the skills that separate good work from work people photograph and talk about for years.

I have spent more than 30 years coloring naturalistic environments for zoos, theme parks, resorts, and scenic installations around the world. This three-day workshop is my opportunity to put everything I know directly into your hands.

A Special Thank You to Our Workshop Sponsors

This workshop is made possible in part by the generous support of our sponsors, who share a passion for this craft and a commitment to putting professional-grade tools and resources in the hands of working artists.

Roseburrough Tool Company : Tools and equipment provider

Quikspray Inc. : Tools and equipment provider

What You Will Learn

This is a hands-on, immersive workshop covering the full spectrum of coloring techniques used in professional scenic and decorative concrete environments. Over three full days, we will work through:

Color Gradation : How to use shifting color to tell a story. A single gradation can communicate age, geological history, and drama. We will explore how to design and execute gradations that feel completely natural.

Washes : Subtlety is one of the most powerful tools in your kit. A well-applied wash can unify a surface, knock back overly bright areas, and add the kind of quiet depth that makes a piece feel real. We will practice wash techniques across a variety of surfaces.

Rustication : How to convince the eye that concrete is metal, that new is old, that man-made is weathered. Rust effects are among the most requested finishes in themed environments and one of the most satisfying to master.

Naturalistic Differences : Nature is never uniform. Every rock in a rubble pile has its own story. We will explore how to give individual elements their own identity while keeping the overall composition cohesive and believable.

Color Palettes and Mixing : How to build a palette from natural references, how to mix consistently, and how to adjust on the fly when conditions change.

Paint Viscosities and Application : Brush, roller, spray, and everything in between. Different viscosities produce dramatically different results. We will work through each approach and discuss when to use what.

Masking and Displacement : Techniques for creating clean edges, protecting finished areas, and using displacement methods to achieve texture effects through color alone.

Integral vs. Topical Color : The industry offers more options than ever for how color is introduced into a project. We will look at both integral and topical approaches, discuss when each makes sense, and explore how to combine them for maximum effect.

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is designed to welcome artists and professionals at every level. Whether you are just beginning to explore scenic and decorative work, or you have been in the field for years and want to sharpen your coloring skills, you will leave with techniques and confidence you can apply immediately on your next project.

Past students have included decorative concrete contractors, scenic artists, theme park fabricators, landscape designers, and passionate hobbyists. If you care about making your work look genuinely real, this class is for you.

Workshop Details

Dates: April 23, 24, and 25, 2026

Daily Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day

Location: South River Mill · 200 West 12th Street - Waynesboro, VA

About the Venue: South River Mill is a beautifully converted historic mill, now home to a thriving community of creatives, craftspeople, and professionals. The wide-open warehouse space gives us plenty of room to work big, and the on-site spray booth means we can demonstrate and practice full spray application techniques in a proper environment. It is a wonderful place to spend three days getting your hands dirty.

Class Size: Space is intentionally limited to six students. This is not a lecture… it is a working session, and that means every participant gets direct, personal attention throughout all three days.

Tuition: $1,500 per person

(Group discounts are available for two or more participants… contact me directly to discuss.)

What's Included:

• Full instruction across all three days

• All materials, paints, and supplies are provided. Tools and equipment for the workshop are generously provided by our sponsors Roseburrough Tool Company & Quikspray Inc. Bring nothing but yourself and your enthusiasm. If you have your own favorite tools, feel free to bring them along.

• A hot BBQ lunch every day, featuring chicken, burgers, and hotdogs, cooked fresh on site

Reserve Your Spot

A 50% deposit of $750 is required to secure your place. With only six spots available and the workshop date approaching quickly, early registration is strongly encouraged.

Please note: Deposits are non-refundable due to the proximity of the event date and the costs associated with preparation and materials.

Once your deposit is received, I will follow up personally with any additional details and to answer any questions you may have before the workshop.

Nearby accommodations:

• Wingate by Wyndham - 20 Windigrove Drive Waynesboro, VA - Ph. 540.932.7170

• Residence Inn by Marriott - 44 Windigrove Drive Waynesboro, VA - Ph. 540.943.7426        

• Comfort Inn by Choice - 15 Windigrove Drive Waynesboro, VA - Ph. 540.447.5065

• Holiday Inn express - 108 Chicurel Ln Waynesboro, VA - Ph 540.221.4258 ext 5003

• Super 8 by Worldwide - 1102 Red top Orchard rd Waynesboro, VA - Ph. 540.943.3888

Questions?

I'm happy to talk through any questions you have about the workshop, the techniques covered, or whether this class is the right fit for where you are in your work.

Email: rlw@carve-right.com

Phone: +1 (714) 318-3994

"I look forward to meeting each of you and sharing what I love about this craft. See you in Waynesboro."

Richard