These workshops will excite and meet the needs and experience of both individuals and the group. Approaches, concepts, and techniques of landscape painting are demonstrated and a series of projects suggested to participants.
Conversations, rather than formal critiques, will be conducted with groups and individuals. We appreciate Henry’s theory of teaching, encouraging participants to directly engage with nature, experiment, and above all enjoy the painting process.
Painting sessions emphasize loose and creative experimentation for the professional painter as well as the novice This approach to painting inspires fun for beginners, and a reenergizing experience for veteran painters.
Expect a lively workshop. All instruction will take place en plein air. We are fortunate in having a large well-lit room – with wonderful views - available for ‘retreat’, should the weather become inclement.
Gathering over delicious meals at the Islesford Dock is a morning boost and a relaxed setting for reviewing the day’s work with far-ranging discussions at sunset. Lunch may be served on site. Meals and island accommodations are further elements that makes these workshops special.
HENRY ISAACS, plein air painter extraordinaire, has traveled the world capturing its varied landscapes. He translates his love of nature onto his canvases with an inspiring energy and passion. It is Little Cranberry Island where Henry and Donna Isaacs now make their home and Maine’s shores, seas, harbors, mountains and skies that are often seen in Henry’s compositions.
Isaacs received degrees in painting and printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design and the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London. He has taught art in Britain, Italy, and the U.S. www.HenryIsaacs.com.
ASHLEY BRYAN, painter and illustrator, has been a neighbor on Islesford for many years. Recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King Awards for outstanding illustrations, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for substantial and lasting contributions to children’s literature, he was recently honored as a Literary Lion at the New York Public Library.
Emeritus Professor of Art from Dartmouth College and graduate of Cooper Union, Ashley’s newest book, "All Things Bright and Beautiful", appeared this month to a starred review in Publishers Weekly.
Ashley’s work continues to evolve. From intricate collages on the pages of his books to large oils of the gardens and landscapes of the island, one experiences color, emotion, and energy.
Session Format:
Our island becomes your art laboratory for three days. One mile x one and a half miles, Little Cranberry provides painting sites overlooking the mountains and harbors of Acadia National Park. On the 'back' side we look out to a few scattered islands and the wide expanse of the Gulf of Maine. Sailboats and fishing boats, an occasional four masted schooner, all puncture the horizon. 'Inland' are the island’s historic mid-nineteenth century homes and gardens, neat piles of traps, and, of course, the docks where the flow of lobsters being hauled and weighed continues into the evenings at this time of the year.
All levels of experience are very welcome. All painting media are acceptable. We have easels for your use during your stay - bring them back to your island quarters if you've started a picture that you can't quite put away at the end of the day. We will also have available a certain amount of oil based paint, medium, canvasses, palettes and brushes should you need something extra, or simply wish to try out some new idea suggested by one of our instructors.
A typical day allows at least two painting venues, demarcated by a wonderful lunch provided by the Islesford Dock Restaurant. We might start out at the north shore painting the Great Bay and Mt Desert Island, and then move to the wild marshland on the eastern side in the afternoon.
We take care to provide painting sites that are accessible and only a very short walk to indoor space and conveniences. We help you transport your materials and art works with our commandeered golf carts and island trucks. Our assistants will set up at each location with easels, chairs, water bottles, and extra supplies and help organize at the end of the day.
Henry and Ashley have varied interests in art making. Among the many principles they have in common is a passion to share their love of making pictures. Our faculty will push you to start projects, experiment, try something new. Will you go home with a stack of finished pictures? Maybe, but not likely. Their love of the island as a muse for art is infectious. With great doses of humor, encouragement, and hard work, you will find that your painting days go by very quickly.
Please complete the REGISTRATION FORM and mail or email it along with your deposit of $350 per person to:
The Islesford Dock Gallery
P.O. Box A
Islesford, ME 04646
Email: islesforddock@gmail.com
If you have any questions or if you would like to pay your credit card deposit by phone, call Dan or Cynthia Lief at (207) 244-7494.
A registration confirmation will be sent to you. The remaining balance will be due upon arrival at the workshop.
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