Watch Me Paint: World-Class Art, World-Class Instruction
You might be an excellent painter, but make sure you understand your own process thoroughly. Me,teaching at Acadia National Park I started writing Monday Morning Art School back in October. This was in response to my students’ need for continuing education while I was elsewhere. It was also a way to put my scattershot “how …
“Women working in wheat field, Auvers-sur-oise,” 1890, Vincent van Gogh. I often say I’m not a big believer in an art genius, any more than I’m a believer in a math genius or a language genius. Almost everyone can learn to draw, just as almost everyone can learn to do sums, write or sing. To …
Cece (who’s really being a good sport about these photos) starts by measuring her features and their positions. Almost every high school student who expresses an interest in going to art school is proficient at one thing: drawing from photographs. When I introduce them to the idea that they have to learn to draw from …
Amy drew her cat. It’s a lovely likeness of a cat in motion. Last week I challenged Amy Vail to let me teach her to draw, after she told me she “lacked the gene” to do it. Amy has never had a drawing lesson before. I want to show you her progress, because it’s amazing …
This gift guide is for more serious artists who’ve already bought their way into a primary medium, but are still interested in experimenting.
There are certain questions for artists that are asked at every event. Artists should know how to answer them; they’re the equivalent of our elevator pitch.
“You only wanted to teach four workshops in 2025,” my marketing guru, Laura, told me in exasperation. True, but last month’s plein air festival reminded me how much I love painting in Sedona.
Setting up a still life is good training. There was a period in my life where I painted one every morning. It’s how I learned to paint with assurance.
OCTOBER 6-10, 2025
$780
Immersive IN-PERSON Workshop
Spend a week of deep art engagement in Rockport, Maine, with fellow artists–some of whom you will certainly know. We will challenge ourselves–hard–to push our art further while deepening interpersonal bonds. Expect to be exposed to new aspects of painting, works of masters and warm encouragement. This five-day session is designed to open a new chapter in your journey as an artist.
You can plan on:
My workshops help painters refine their personal technique in oil, watercolor, acrylics, pastels and gouache. Class size is kept small to allow for personal interaction and individual guidance. You will be coached and challenged to find your own voice and style without becoming anyone’s clone. These are intensive sessions, with morning and afternoon on-site painting and lunch-time discussions and demos.
We stress strategies, protocols, and best practices in painting to get you good results with the least amount of wasted time. That means more attention on drawing, brushwork and observation. You will learn to paint boldly, using fresh, clean color. You’ll learn to build commanding compositions, and to use hue, value and line to draw the eye through your paintings.
We will be painting in a number of locations so transportation (perhaps car pooling with other participants) will be required.
Basic painting experience required. Students will need to bring a portable easel as well as the other art supplies necessary for painting. A list will be sent to registrants.
Cost: $780. This covers all painting instruction, room and board are the responsibility of the student.
Skill level: Early-intermediate to Advanced.
Requirements: Portable plein air easel, paints, brushes, etc., rain jackets, plein air umbrella, sunscreen, insect repellent, stool suggested. Maximum: 14 participants/workshop.
Mediums: All mediums are welcome: oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor.
Time: 9 – 4 pm each day.
Location: Centered in Rockport, ME.
Refunds available up to 60 days prior to start, less a $50 administration fee.
What painters have influenced you? Who did I miss on my list? Who would you have never included? And why?