Ogunquit Summer School of Art official first class

First class of the Ogunquit Summer School of Art.
 Plein air painting at the Ogunquit Museum of Art.

Plein air painting Tuesdays in Ogunquit has officially begun as 9 hearty souls braved the 50 degree wind-off-the-ocean chill for what turned out to be a fabulous day of painting and camaraderie.  We had a blast.  The whole crew was greeted by a warm reception at the museum, with all participants signing up for annual membership and a free group tour to boot.  What they didn't realize is that they were also the first participants of the inaugural launch of the Ogunquit Summer School of Art.  The title itself is so new that we don't even have a web site or a logo yet.  It is humble beginnings of a grass roots idea to revitalize the spirit of what was once a bustling art colony here in Ogunquit.  The presence of a summer art school was a big part of that experience.  It provided education, sharing of ideas, professional fellowship and camaraderie amongst peers.  I am not alone when I say that I love the company of other artist, particularly when I'm in a group painting.  Nothing better.   whether they are students or professionals, it doesn't matter to me, I love talking shop,  moving the brush around and trying to crack the codes to the secrets of good painting with ilike-minded characters.  ...and what a bunch of characters we assembled on the grounds of the museum on Tuesday!!  

Sea birds perched on the rocks behind the Ogunquit Museum of Art.

The Ogunquit Summer School of Art is a small group of like-minded artist who have gathered together in offering a series of outdoor painting classes and workshops throughout the summer in and around Ogunquit.  There are also destination workshops like Monhegan Island, Isle of Shoals and Port Clyde...Our twelve page catalog comes out this week and will be followed by our web site and marketing.  We are in no rush and frankly are enjoying the slow introduction of this very fun idea.  I will post more about it's development as the summer goes on so please feel free to check back.  If you are a painter or someone who wishes to paint, definitely check back or feel free to contact me...there are some amazing ideas soon to be launched that are exciting opportunities for our growing art community. I have met many individuals and groups who have shared their interest in maintaining the art spirit in Ogunquit, it's fun to be near it all.  These are exciting times to be sure.  

I demonstrated a quick, economic way to plein air paint and get your idea down rapidly.  

The Objectives of this six week session will be on seeing like an artist, understanding the tools and how to make them do what you want them to do and keeping it all simple.  We will focus our practice on the four most important essentials of picture making; 1) Composition and design, 2) Drawings, 3) Values and 4) Color.

This six week session is filled.  We are offering a total of (4) six week sessions throughout the summer. We meet every Tuesday at various locations in and around Ogunquit from 9am - 1pm..it's a full half day, perfect for a demo, lecture and three solid hours of painting.  I provide side-by-side assistance at the easel throughout the day.  We have a blast.  If you would like to sign up for a future six week session, please check out the remaining offerings at my web site.  Click Here....or wait, even better, click here to see a web site my good friend and fellow team teacher, Chris Volpe put together to showcase the Art of Seeing workshops, he's brilliant.  www.ogunquitworkshops.com