Plein Air Maine, September 8-12, 2024

Join me this Fall for plein air painting in Maine. We’ll be based in the small mid-coast town of Friendship, located on a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling waters of Muscongus Bay. Beaches, coves, harbors, working wharfs, and enchanting off shore islands offer us subjects that have engaged artists for more than two centuries. Some of my favorite painters have been inspired by this landscape: Fairfield Porter, Lois Dodd, Neil Welliver and three generations of the Wyeth family.

Our lodging will be at the historic Sea Meadow House, a renovated seven bedroom home belonging to Melanie and Matt Hickcox. The house is located on ten acres of wild gardens with an orchard, woods, and a sea meadow that overlooks Hatchet Cove. We will have three full days of painting on the peninsula. All of our meals will be provided by chefs Sara and Trey Bare, beginning with an afternoon welcoming reception on Sunday September 8 and ending with brunch on Thursday, September 12. They will even deliver lunch to our painting sites!

As with all of my plein air programs this will be an opportunity to experience the plein air painting process. Working outdoors on-site allows us to immerse ourselves into the land with all our senses - looking, listening, and smelling the unique character of the location. I will be working with soft pastel, a medium I prefer for its immediacy, brilliant color, and portability. I will give technical instruction in pastel for those who wish. For those opting to use other media (watercolor, gouache, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, mixed media), I will offer individual feedback on technique as well as the universal elements of picture making: compositional design, determining value and color, rendering space, and creating form. I will offer feedback and assistance in developing a personal style. My goal is to create an environment where we will share ideas, exchange information, and offer one another support, a place where we all will grow as artists. All levels are welcome.

Non-painting partners are also welcome. Some of the best hiking trails in the state are located in the area. Near to the Sea Meadow House are trails in the Martin Point Wildlife Preserve. The Mount Battie Trail is in nearby Camden State Park. Other recreational activities in the area include swimming, fishing, boating, biking, golf, whale watching and birding. Places of interest within a short drive of Friendship are the Pemaquid Lighthouse and Beach Park, Fort Pemaquid and The Farnsworth Art Museum, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Owl’s Head Transportation Museum.

Click on the link below for more information, costs and registration forms. You will complete two registration forms, one for the workshop and one for lodging and meals. Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited.

Photos below are of the Sea Meadow House, painting nearby, and lunch in the Barn Studio