Years ago, I took a master class from a Very Famous Artist who was, unfortunately, a jerk. In the middle of day two, he loudly asked his monitor, “how did some of these people get in here, anyway?” It was a question I’d asked myself, but would never have voiced out loud. The problem wasn’t with the people in the class; it was with the organization that had done improper vetting. The advanced painters were held back, and the beginners got nothing out of the class.
I like teaching beginner painters. I especially like them in my workshops, where they have all the time they need. There’s one exception, though, and that’s Advanced Plein Air Painting in July.
If you haven’t studied with me before, you’ll need to submit a portfolio to get in. I hate hurting people’s feelings, but everyone gets more out of a workshop that’s properly tuned to their current experience level.
July in Maine is a painter’s gift
In July, I remember why I live in New England. Long, luminous days. High, clean light bouncing off the Atlantic Ocean. Warm, salty ocean breezes. Evenings that stretch on forever, with color hanging in the sky long after you think it should be gone. Fresh lettuce at the farm stand.
July is so generous that you can almost make a good painting on enthusiasm alone. That’s why I’m so particular about who takes this workshop. We’re not there to paint by good luck; we’re selecting, organizing, and pushing the motif into something intentional.
What do I mean by portfolio review?
Do you understand the process of watercolors, gouache, pastel, oils or acrylic so well that it is automatic? Can you simplify a complex scene into strong shapes? Do your values hold together from across the room? Are you controlling edges, or are they controlling you?
A portfolio review isn’t about judging whether your work is good. It’s about seeing how you think. Of course, technical proficiency is very important, but I’m hoping to help students get past that.
Put ten plein air paintings from Rockport Harbor side by side and certain tendencies emerge. There are painters who chase every sparkle on the water, and that works. Others lock into strong composition. Some edit ruthlessly. Some are brilliant draftsmen. Very few can do all these things simultaneously, but I’m hoping to push all the participants in this workshop up to that professional level.
If you’re considering taking that next step, you can learn more about what we will work on in my course description, here. Or, if you have questions, just ask me.
What am I looking for?
Your portfolio should show range, not just success. Include studies that push value. Paintings where you took risks with composition. Work that didn’t entirely succeed but clearly aimed at something specific. I’d rather see a strong idea imperfectly executed than a safe painting that coasts on habit.
What I’m really reviewing isn’t just your past work. It’s your preparedness and readiness to move beyond it.
If you want to apply
First, read more here and decide if you’re interested. If so, send 3-5 images to my email here. Resist the urge to polish everything into sameness. Let the work show your thinking. Let it show your reach.
If you’ve taken a Zoom class or workshop with me during the past two years, you can bypass the portfolio review because I’m already familiar with your work; just send me an email. Or show me what you’ve been up to recently; I’m always game for that!
There is, by the way, a 15-person cap on all my workshops and classes. When they’re full, they’re full.
Registration is now open for workshops in 2026! Reserve your spot:
- Advanced Plein Air Painting | Rockport, ME, July 13-17, 2026
- 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: