2026 Painting Retreat in Acadia with Philip Frey
This 5-day plein air painting retreat—set in the heart of Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula—is designed specifically for dedicated landscape painters. Working on location along the rugged coast of Acadia, you’ll learn how to simplify complex natural forms, organize composition and color, and build paintings with clarity and intention. This plein air retreat is a structured, small-group immersion focused on helping you make real, visible progress in your work. We will be staying on the beautiful coastal campus of Schoodic Institute, who will house and feed us for the retreat.
Two packages are available: Commuter for $1,195 is the base package while Residential for $1,795 provides an enhanced experience. Commuter Package includes instruction, studio time, and the following meals: A social prior to dinner on September 2, bag lunch on September 3 and 5; A social hour and lobster dinner on September 5. Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of September 2-5; a social followed by Dinner on September 3-5; and Breakfast September 3-6. **PLEASE NOTE that lodging is a private bedroom in a SHARED apartment. You will share the living area, kitchen and bathroom with another student.** Limited number of private apartments available for an upcharge. Contact Michelle Pinkham at (207) 288-1356 to check availability.
Click Here to ApplyPlease note, a National Park pass valid for Acadia National Park is required.
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the retreat, we’ll focus on the core problems that hold painters back in landscape painting:
- Simplifying complex scenes into clear, paintable structures
- Choosing effective color palettes through an understanding of color harmony
- Seeing and organizing value and color relationships in changing coastal light
- Building strong compositions from observation using dynamic symmetry
- Developing a repeatable painting process you can carry forward after the retreat
Each concept is taught through demonstration, guided practice, and direct feedback.
A Location That Inspires and Teaches
Acadia National Park in the Schoodic Peninsula offers a uniquely beautiful and powerful setting for painters:
- The bold coast and working waterfront are ideal for studying nature and structures
- Dramatic light and weather shifts that reveal value relationships
- A quieter, more focused environment than busier areas of Acadia
This environment isn’t just beautiful—it’s an active part of the learning process.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Each day is designed to balance instruction, practice, reflection, and connection with fellow artists. The mornings will start early with an on-site painting session, with individual feedback while you work. The afternoons will include an instructor demonstration or lecture to break down key concepts (drawing, value, color, composition) and a critique to help refine and problem-solve your work. Participants will have ample time to engage in painting, explore the surrounding area, or relax at their leisure. Meals and a daily cocktail hour will be provided in a communal setting.
To Register
Applicants must possess experience in plein-air painting and demonstrate proficiency in drawing at an intermediate level. So, a brief application and image submission are required for admission. Applicants will receive a response within ten days of submission. The registration deadline is August 1, 2026.
Instructor Statement
My primary objective is to enhance the artistic development of my students, fostering their unique approach to painting while emphasizing the fundamental principles of drawing and color theory. My classes emphasize composition and the historical context of art, rather than adhering to a specific artistic style. The ultimate goal is to inspire participants with a renewed enthusiasm for painting and their own artistic endeavors.
About the Instructor
In the past twenty years, Philip Frey has developed into one of Maine’s finest landscape painters. Known as a brilliant colorist, Frey paints Maine’s harbors and islands with a bold and sensitive palette that captures the light and moods of his home state, from the streets of Ellsworth and Portland to Monhegan and Acadia National Park.
Student Testimonials
“I have taken many YouTube workshops, two workshops abroad, and several online, and Frey is my favorite teacher—so clear, so many helpful techniques to apply, and so kind and insightful in his critique. This sets the stage always for a wonderful experience for everyone.” – Patricia R., NH
“Everyone has a different approach to a painting project—its composition, shapes and forms, the colors, and, of course, the process of applying paint. I think of it as a puzzle to solve, and Frey taught me how to break down the process into solvable pieces. The discussion after painting was invaluable. I’ve been in reviews where an instructor would say, ‘Did you think about this…,’ or ‘Perhaps a little more color here…’ However, Frey’s approach using Procreate to ‘adjust’ the composition, color, or depth of the image is amazing and powerful. Great tool, and a great way to learn more about the process of thinking about painting composition and technique.” – Bruce H., Melrose, MA
