© Ravens Nest Afternoon Light by 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 Apply Please 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. Particip...
