A week of painting, a night of celebration

My intrepid class at Colin Page’s gallery.

After a week painting outdoors in this limpid October light, my workshop students are showing their work! Join us tonight, Friday, October 10, 5–7 PM at the Carol L. Douglas Gallery, 394 Commercial Street, Rockport for my final gallery opening of the season — with new student pieces and some of mine on the walls too.

Their work is still wet and oh, so fresh. These students range from absolute beginners to experienced painters, and their progress this week has been wonderful to watch.

Cheryl Ryan painting at Beauchamp Point.

This is the last event of the year before I close for the season, as I’ll be heading for Arizona next week for the 21st Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival. It’s a wonderful chance to see both my students’ work and mine.

I’d like to regale you with stories about their courage in the face of rain, fog, sleet, wind and snow, but the weather this week has been absolutely wonderful. (I keep telling you that autumn is the best season in coastal Maine.) Other than a rogue wave nearly washing Dave and his easel off the rocks, it’s been a blessedly drama-free week. I’ve driven them hard, however. I know they’re tired, and ready to join you for a glass of wine and conversation.

Plein air painting is never boring. First, there were skinny-dippers, then these four scuba divers…

We’ve painted at Beech Hill, Camden harbor, Beauchamp Point and Owls Head, giving us granite rockscapes, the long view of Penobscot Bay, lobster boats and fall color. Come meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and take home a piece of Maine, painted with heart and immediacy.

Somehow my workshops always seem to involve dogs. That’s Ellie curling up with Mike and Sharron.

My 2026 workshop and Zoom class schedule will be published soon. Watch this space for more information.

4 Replies to “A week of painting, a night of celebration”

  1. Thank you Carol. It was a wonderful week. The weather was better than one could hope for – who knew I’d need shorts?
    I am grateful for your thoughtful and encouraging words.
    It was great to meet all the other students – Mike (and Sharon & Ellie 🐕), Dave, Cheryl, and Sylvia and watch their growth and successes!
    Safe travels to you this week!
    Hope to see you next year!

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