Oct 6–8, 2026Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort · Jiminy Peak, MA
Paradise Artist Retreat

David Cheifetz

# David Cheifetz David bridges intuition and intention—painting from pure abstraction into representational work, treating canvas (and skin) as a space to build composition without the safety net of reference. His approach prioritizes feel over formula, embracing the productive messiness that happens when an artist stops thinking and starts listening. Teaching at Paradise Artist Retreat this October, he's bringing this philosophy directly to tattoo artists ready to break free from reference dependency and trust their own vision.

David’s Sessions

Tuesday, October 6
Painting from Imagination - From Abstract to Representational Part 1
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM · Stage

Part 1 - Background and intro to my method, I’ll take you through the arc of my painting career that led me to this method. I’ll show you how it is implemented and discuss why it can make us more versatile as painters, how it can improve our compositions, and how it can improve the experience of painting.

Included with ticket →
Wednesday, October 7
Painting From Imagination: From Abstract to Representational Part 2
1 PM – 3 PM · 3+ Hours · Seminar Room
$250

Part 2 - Implementation In the beginning, observation is everything. Eventually, a reliance on observation can become a hindrance that holds us back as representational artists. During this seminar I will show you how to create a composition with a powerful sense of focus by only painting with pure abstraction. Then we will translate that abstract composition into a representational painting—from pure imagination.

What you’ll learn
Learn to trust yourself as an artist; start from nothing and build an effective composition; break out of reference jail; and play while you paint.
Reserve Your Spot→
David Cheifetz

Art & Paintings

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How it started vs how it’s going
Illustrative
I’m presenting and teaching at the upcoming Paradise Artist…
Illustrative
Hoarder of Dreams, oil on aluminum panel
Surreal dark skull and raven oil painting
Illustrative
Surreal skull and fire oil painting with color
Color