2016 Maine Workshop Exceptional

Tom's Maine workshop this year was so well described by artist/attendee Ed Van Dorn, that we thought we'd let it speak for itself:

"Imagine you love the work of the early 20th century Boston School painter Frank Benson, then imagine that you can visit his farm and studio on North Haven Island Maine. Further imagine that you get to spend the week, staying in the farm house and painting on the grounds and in the great barn studio.

Finally imagine that you study for that week with master painter Tom Dunlay, author of some of the most iconic Boston area paintings in the last half century, who himself was trained by Ives Gammell who was a student of the very same Frank Benson.

Well, that was my week.

North Haven Island, next to its more famous neighbor Vinalhaven Island, is quintessential Maine seacoast in every way - stunningly beautiful, rolling pastures and meadows, rocky spruce lined coasts, traditional New England houses and farms dotting the landscape.

The food was exceptional. Every meal but breakfast was prepared home-style, lovingly and deliciously by our very own cook, including a Wednesday night lobster feast.

The ambience of a group of painters ranging from very experienced professionals to novice was very special. We were comrades in arms, or maybe comrades in brushes, paints, easels and canvases and tremendously supportive of each other. Each of us was taught with care and attention by Tom. We ate, breathed and slept painting. It's in the DNA of the place. We couldn't help but improve no matter what our previous experience.

This is the second year I've been to the workshop, and I look forward to next year as well." If you would like more information about next year's workshop, see this link, or contact Tom at

trdunlay@gmail.com or phone 617-838-9181.

Maine Workshop 2016, Sept. 4-11th

I am very pleased to announce that I will be teaching a workshop in Maine this September 2016 at Wooster Farm, the summer home of legendary Boston painter, Frank Benson, located on North Haven Island in Penobscot Bay.  The farm sits on 18 magnificent ocean-front acres overlooking the bay where Benson painted many of his most famous pieces, including his “Eleanor” painted on the front porch.  The site is rich in landscape and water views and boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets on the east coast.

The class will focus on the approach to out-of-door painting practiced by the Boston Painters (1880 - 1930) All aspects of out of door painting will be covered in these intensive seven-day workshops

Recent Press on the Workshop
The Free Press, Following the Light by Christine Parrish

WORKSHOP DATES
September 4-11th, 2016
Because transportation to the island is dependent on the Maine State Ferry Service (3 per day), students should plan to arrive on Sunday, September 4th. The afternoon will be devoted to getting settled, exploring or painting - if you would like.

Teaching begins Monday, 8:00 a.m., September 5th, and concludes Sunday, September 11th at noon.
Please note transportation to and from the island is the responsibility of each student and is dependent on the ferry service to and from Rockland, Maine. Please see details below.

WORKSHOP PRICING
Price includes painting workshop, accommodations, meals for Monday evening - Sunday evening. Price does not include transportation or materials.
Workshop Pricing, $1950.00
Deposit of $450.00 due at time of registration.

To register, please fill out sign up form here.                       
                                          
ACCOMMODATIONS
Sleeping
On-site accommodations are shared with six bedrooms with two double beds and six baths.

Please let us know if you will be attending with a friend or partner so we can assign you your own room.

Food
All meals will be included starting with a wine and cheese gathering at 5:00 p.m. each Sunday, for everyone to get acquainted, followed by a light supper. Each day before class a light continental breakfast will be served. At noon a box lunch or light meal will be available followed by a family-style dinner where we will discuss the day's work and talk art history. Please let us know about any dietary restriction or food allergies you may have.


TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to and from the Island
Getting to and from the island will require very careful planning as the only way to get there is by one of the three daily ferries which leave from Rockland Maine.
Maine State Ferry Service times and schedule, Click Here for Details
Please plan your ferry travel times carefully. Ferries leave on time.

CONTACT
If you are interested in attending or have any questions,

trdunlay@gmail.com
617-838-9181

Wonderful Williamstown 2016!

Tom's workshop in Williamstown, Massachusetts, from July 10-17th, was terrific. The attendees stayed in a historic 1720's home surrounded by the beautiful, blue Berkshire mountains with painting opportunities around every corner.

1720's Farmhouse Residence

The locale was so inspiring that almost everyone was up and outdoors painting on their own well before the normal 8 a.m. breakfast time. Then it was out for the morning to watch Tom demo and instruct. Most afternoons were spent at the Galusha Farm, a place where vibrant green fields met the blue mountains on every side, and where Tom's instructor, R.H. Ives Gammell, had painted.

Tom demonstrated plein air painting every day

Painting at the Galusha Farm in Williamstown

Before supper everyone set their work out and received a critique from Tom. His insightful suggestions left each artist, from beginner to more advanced, feeling encouraged and hopeful with something specific to work on.

Then all gathered around long tables set with Katy Dunlay's fine silverware and enjoyed delicious food and good conversation. Tom had also brought books and publications from his own art library for reading anytime.

Suppers hosted by Tom and Katy Dunlay,
delicious food and good conversation

Additional events were a visit to the Clark Art Institute which houses an impressive collection of superb art; a visit to R.H. Ives Gammell's summer home and studios where he brought his Boston students annually to paint landscapes; a visit from master artist Frank Strazzulla, who discussed one of his in-process plein air pieces, then painted with the class on location.

Tom Instructing Through the Clark's Superb Collection

 

Tom will be hosting another workshop in Williamstown next year, so check back for info as it becomes available.

If you are interested in learning more about Tom's next workshop at Frank Benson's summer home on North Haven Island in Maine, Sept. 4-11, 2016, click here.

Nantucket Workshop, June 4-11, 2016

Nantucket Workshop 2016 Success!

 

Eleven students and special guests joined Tom for his workshop, June 4-11th, on Nantucket. They spent seven intensive days of painting on the beach, the dunes, in town - both plein air and with a model. Critiques were held every evening. Tom's next workshop this summer will be July 10-17th in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the very locale where R.H. Ives Gammell held summer classes. Tom will also take attendees on a tour of the Clark Museum's impressive collection. Sign up here!

---

Sconset Roses

I am very pleased to be teaching a plein air workshop on Nantucket Island this June 4-11, 2016. The island is rich in landscape and water views, and boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets on the East Coast. The week will be divided between landscape and painting the clothed figure on the beach in the tradition of Frank Benson, William Paxton and Edmund C. Tarbell.

I am a former pupil of R. H. Ives Gammell and a leading proponent of the Boston School approach to painting. Additionally as a summer resident of the island for the past 35 years, I will be able to offer a perspective on the island and take you places to paint that you would never have access to as a regular visitor.

Tuition includes room and board at a private residence overlooking Miacomet pond and the Atlantic Ocean in addition to private criticism and instruction.

Read about our recent Maine workshop at the home of Frank Benson here:
The Free Press, "Following the Light" by Christine Parrish

For more information and to contact me, click here.