The Elemental Landscape: Plein-Air Painting with Philip Frey

With the beautiful landscapes of Acadia National Park and Schoodic Peninsula as inspiration, artist Philip Frey presents a workshop for dedicated painters with intermediate and advanced skills.  He will offer pivotal lessons designed to further develop your skill, clarify your artistic vision and enhance your creativity as a painter.  This ongoing process is deepened by breaking down what you see into abstract elements and stretching your visual repertoire through series work, advanced color theory and design.  Daily one-on-one instruction and group critique will help you open doors to authenticity and grow as an artist.  Be prepared to be challenged artistically, develop insights, and have fun while enjoying the exhilarating Maine coast.

Students should be able to participate in moderate walking on uneven ground while carrying painting gear (think rocks and roots on Acadia terrain) and be prepared for unpredictable Maine weather (wind, sun, bugs and rain).  In the case of rain, class will be held indoors or under cover outside.  Days will start early painting on-site, with a midday break and afternoon lessons and critiques. Philip will be painting in oil but has experience with acrylic, watercolor and dry media. Students may bring their medium of choice; a materials list will be sent upon registration.

Two packages are available: Commuter for $850 is the base package while Residential for $1250 provides an enhanced experience.
Commuter Package includes Instruction, Studio time, and the following meals: Dinner on August 31, Bag Lunch on September 1 – 3; Lobster Dinner on September 3; and Lunch on September 4.
Residential Package includes everything in the Commuter Package, plus: lodging the nights of August 31 – September 3; Dinner on August 31 – September 2; and Breakfast on September 1 – 4.  Lodging with the Residential Package is a PRIVATE bedroom within a SHARED apartment.  Living area, kitchen, and bathroom will be shared with another student.  A limited number of private apartments are available for an upcharge.  Contact Michelle Pinkham at 207-288-1356 for pricing and availability.

Experience in plein-air painting and good drawing skills at the intermediate or advanced level are required of students.  An application and image submissions will be required for admission to the workshop this year. We will email applicants within 5 days of submission.  If accepted, we will send a link for registration and further details.

COVID-19 Information: Individuals wishing to attend this workshop must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Also note, a National Park pass valid for Acadia National Park is required.

About the Instructor
Philip Frey is a celebrated career artist and instructor with a newly published book, Philip Frey: Here and Now, by Daniel Kany and Carl Little.  2021 exhibitions are scheduled at Courthouse Gallery Fine Art, Greenhut Galleries, and Edgewater Gallery.  Philip is known for his engaging, illuminating and positive teaching style. He is skilled at addressing his students’ abilities and helping them mature as an artist.

Queennette Santiago of Petaluma, CA writes:

Phil Frey is not only an inspiringly dynamic artist but a patient and insightful teacher. His workshop transformed the way I look at the world and how I now approach the ever daunting blank canvas… which is now with confident intention! Having access to and learning from an artist of his caliber is truly a gift.

See more testimonials on Phil Frey’s website: https://www.philipfrey.com/teaching

Event Schedule
Day 1 (Wednesday, Aug 31)
1:00-3:00 PM                        Check-in (Wright Hall, Rm 114)
3:30-5:00 PM                        Introductions & Demo (Wright Hall, Rm 114)
6:00-7:30 PM                        Dinner*

Day 2 (Thursday, Sep 1)
7:00-8:00 AM                        Breakfast**
8:00 AM-12:00 PM               Paint on Location † (Grindstone Neck) with Bag Lunch
1:30-3:30 PM                        Studio Time: Demo and/or Critique (Wright Hall, Rm 114)
3:30-6:00 PM                        Free Time to Paint or Relax
6:00-7:30 PM                        Dinner

Day 3 (Friday, Sep 2)
7:00-8:00 AM                        Breakfast
8:00 AM-12:00 PM               Paint on Location (Schoodic Point, ANP) with Bag Lunch
1:30-3:30 PM                        Studio Time: Demo and/or Critique (Wright Hall, Rm 114)
3:30-6:00 PM                        Free Time to Paint or Relax
6:00-7:30 PM                        Dinner

Day 4 (Saturday, Sep 3)
7:00-8:00 AM                        Breakfast
8:00 AM-12:00 PM               Paint on Location (Grindstone Neck) with Bag Lunch
1:30-3:30 PM                        Studio Time: Demo and/or Critique (Wright Hall, Rm 114)
3:30-6:00 PM                        Free Time to Paint or Relax
6:00-7:30 PM                        Dinner

Day 5 (Sunday, Sep 4)
7:00-8:00 AM                        Breakfast
8:00-10:00 AM                      Paint on Location (Schoodic Point, ANP)
10:00 AM-12:00 PM             Critique & Farewell (Wright Hall, Rm 114)
12:00 PM                               Lunch (Schooner Commons)

*  All meals are at Schooner Commons unless otherwise noted.
**  Pick up bag lunch at breakfast.
†  Locations are subject to change. You will be informed the day before if so.

Should You Need to Cancel Your Event Registration
There is a $35 processing fee for any cancellation made 15 days or more prior to the conference date. No refunds will be given for cancellations within 14 days of the conference date.