Palette Project with renowned painter Daniel J. Keys

Each year, Scottsdale Artists’ School hosts a FREE two-day mentorship program with renowned painter Daniel J. Keys. This unique weekend workshop is designed for those young adults who aspire to cultivate their talent and skills into a future art career. 

A handful of promising students will be selected based on their skills, passion and experience as reflected in an original one-page essay submitted to the school for review along with the application form and three examples of your artwork. 

TO APPLY:

• Complete the fillable application below and write a short essay on how art has affected your life, or what being accepted to Palette Project would mean to you, etc. Save these as PDFs, and email them along with two images of your work to Danielle Spahle, Program Director, Scottsdale Artists’ School, at dspahle@scottsdaleartschool.org
• All pieces (app, essay, and two images) are required to be considered for Palette Project 2027
• Label each PDF and image like this: PP2027_LAST NAME, FIRST INITIAL_(APP) or (ESSAY) or (IMAGE 1) or (IMAGE 2).
• Please note, students under 18 who are traveling to Arizona must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Questions? Call 480.990.1422 to speak with Danielle Spahle

APPLICATION FORM

APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 3, 2027

Students will be notified of their acceptance via email be January 11, 2027.

Palette Project Activities:

An orientation will take place Friday evening to kick off the weekend. The workshop will run from 9am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST...
Daniel J. Keys was born in 1985, in Fresno, CA. Upon noticing a glimpse of artistic talent in him at an early age, Daniel was encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion, namely painting; and being entirely home educated, time was very permitting for him to develop his skills as a self-taught artist. He started painting at the age of 11 using a paint set purchased with birthday money. It was during these formative years that Daniel discovered the work of master artist Richard Schmid, and began emulating Schmid’s style in his own paintings. Since that time, Daniel had the opportunity to paint with his mentor, and Mr. Schmid became an art adviser to him. Daniel’s work is now praised and collected by many prominent art enthusiasts from around the country. He is represented by several major art galleries and continues to teach workshops around the country, including Scottsdale Artists’ School. 

To see more of Daniel’s work, www.danieljkeys.com

APPLICATION FORM