Even advanced artists take classes

Advanced Painting Workshop Student Show

Friday, July 17
4:00–7:00 PM
Richards Hill Gallery
394 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME 04846

“…but I’m not a professional,” one of my students trailed off. I had to laugh—she shows in established venues, and I’ve watched her outsell me on more than one occasion. To paraphrase my friend Bobbi Heath, “A professional artist is one who sells paintings, collects sales tax and pays income tax on their earnings.”

One of the persistent myths about painting is that, once you’ve reached a certain level of competence, you don’t struggle anymore. In reality, every accomplished painter I know is still learning, still experimenting and still looking for ways to make the next painting stronger than the last.

That’s why I’m especially excited about our Advanced Painting Workshop Student Show, which will be open to the public for one evening only on Friday, July 17, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Richards Hill Gallery, 394 Commercial Street, Rockport, ME 04846.

None of these painters are beginners; they’re already highly skilled artists. They come to class not because they need to learn how to hold a brush, but because they understand something that every successful painter eventually discovers: there is no finish line.

This workshop will be their opportunity to step away from routine and examine higher-level issues: themes and narratives, edge control, drawing, composition, advanced color concepts, brushwork, broken color, dealing with difficult material and developing a consistent visual language.

I like teaching painters of all levels, but teaching really experienced painters is a joy. I get to facilitate a group of talented artists who are all pushing one another forward. The conversations are thoughtful, the critiques are honest and the willingness to take risks is inspiring.

The paintings you’ll see in this show will reflect that spirit. While the artists share a commitment to careful observation and strong design, no two paintings ever look alike. Each painter has already developed an individual voice before they even get to me. They’re already interpreting familiar subjects through personal choices of color, brushwork and composition. My job is to help them sharpen that while also introducing them to my favorite places to paint in midcoast Maine.

The most encouraging lesson this exhibition offers is that artistic growth never ends. Improvement isn’t reserved for beginners. In many ways, it becomes even more rewarding after you’ve mastered the basics, because every discovery builds on years of experience. That’s true whether you’ve painted for five years or fifty.

If you’re an artist yourself, I hope this show reminds you that lifelong learning isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s one of the hallmarks of serious professionals. The best painters never stop being students.

And if you simply enjoy fine art, I hope you’ll stop by. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see a remarkable collection of fresh work created by some fine painters, all gathered under one roof for a single evening.

Registration is now open for workshops in 2026! Reserve your spot:

• Sea & Sky | Acadia National Park, ME, August 2–7, 2026
• 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:

Seven Protocols for Successful Oil Painters