I’ve made a Buzzfeed-style quiz, below, to help you figure out what kind of painting student you are. (I’m not a programmer, but I made up the questions. When Laura started telling me about “raw HTML/CSS/JS” I just closed my ears until she finished. That’s the kind of quality control I’m proud of.)
There are no wrong answers.
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Every one of these student types eventually ends up in the same place. An apprentice becomes a builder becomes a problem solver becomes an independent. That’s the natural progression of learning to paint.
My own workshops are designed around that journey. I demonstrate, but only enough to illustrate a principle. Real learning happens when you’re standing at your easel wrestling with changing light, shifting weather, and your own decisions. That’s when I can help you understand not just what to do, but why.
Your goal is never to leave with one successful painting. It’s to leave with the confidence to make your next hundred paintings better than your last hundred.
“The Berkshires workshop was a delightful experience — it’s a part of the world that I wasn’t very familiar with, and it was lovely to spend time there, with an interesting variety of settings. Carol always focuses on providing value and helping students move their painting to the next level. Her workshops are a good balance of honing specific techniques with plenty of time to paint.” (Julie Dirksen)
Registration is now open for workshops in 2026! Reserve your spot:
- Find your Authentic Voice in Plein Air | Berkshires, MA, August 10-14, 2026
- New! Color Clinic 2026 | Rockport, ME, October 3-4, 2026
- New! Composition Week 2026 | Rockport, ME, October 5-9, 2026
Can’t commit to a full workshop? Work online at your own pace:
Hi Carol,
I really enjoyed this quiz. It helped me to understand myself, because I really don’t know enough to know!
I am eager for your classes.
Thanks very much,
Jo
Thank you, Jo! It was an experiment for me, and I think I’ll do it again on a different subject.
Hi Carol, Are these in person classes? Painting Nocturnes (Tuesday evenings) or Painting Water (Monday evenings). Both are 6–9 PM, starting the week of August 17, 2026. Thanks!
These are live, on Zoom. If you’ve never tried a Zoom class, they’re fun! I find the learning is actually better than in-studio classes, because everyone hears every suggestion, and the group camaraderie develops faster.
I absolutely love the Zoom classes, the camaraderie, the lesson and and the sharing. I always walk away with direction and inspiration.
I cannot wait to get to the Berkshires!!!