Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Just Three Openings Left! Maine Painting Workshop September 3-10, 2017


18 magnificent ocean-front acres at Wooster Farm

If you love the work of Boston School painter Frank Benson, imagine that you could stay for a week at his home and studio on North Haven Island in Maine. Then picture yourself studying with artist Tom Dunlay, creator of some of the most iconic Boston area paintings in the last half century. Tom explains, “We will be focusing on how the Boston Painters approached their work out of doors, concentrating on figure and landscape. I want to share some of the insights that were passed down to me by Mr. R.H. Ives Gammell, who, in turn, was a student of Benson and William McGregor Paxton.”


You can make it happen – now! Tom has just announced three openings left in his September 3-10 workshop this year, and this opportunity should be snapped up quickly.

Tom's workshops are enthusiastically recommended by those who have attended them:
“I had a great week painting in the Berkshires last week with a great group of painters via Tom Dunlay's workshop. We learned so much from Tom and each other, and we all get totally consumed in painting, art talk and art history along with a LOL!!! It is pure art heaven for anyone who wants to really dig in for a week to help make themselves much more knowledgeable about painting.” D.D.  

“I can attest that this was one of the most valuable and instructive workshops I've attended. Under Tom's patient, kind, knowledgeable, and positive instruction, I was able to leave with a much better sense of who I was as an artist, what I needed to focus on in order to grow, and a much broader understanding of art history and its importance and relevance in the modern world.” L.H.

“I found the instruction I received during his Nantucket workshop to be incredibly helpful at many levels - from materials, to techniques, to how to see, think about and capture a scene. One of the fun aspects of the week was being together with a great group of other artists sharing stories and ideas over dinner after a long day painting.” J.R.

“Tom made it seem natural if not effortless to be out there, with easel and brush, attempting to capture the character of a place. His evidential love of teaching and passing along of his knowledge quickly became comforting and contagious and I was eager to learn and absorb its rich history. Tom's generous and gracious technical instruction was handed out in much the same manner as his painting style - with gentle yet decisive words and demonstrations that came at just the right time and place. Color, light, shape all appeared more evident to me under his tutelage and grew throughout the week.” C.S.

In addition to the instruction and historic residence, the island scenery, wonderful food and comraderie with fellow artists will make this a most enjoyable and memorable week.

To find out more or to sign up, visit Tom's blog at thomasrdunlayworkshops.blogspot.com and click on the “Maine Workshops” and the “Sign Up” tabs.



Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Wet and Wild in Williamstown

Tom Dunlay likes a challenge - and likes to challenge his students. What could be more inspiring to those who love the Boston approach than having a workshop and residency in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and staying in the summer home and studios of R.H. Ives Gammell?

Not only that, but Tom is taking them to paint where he and other students did under Mr. Gammell's tutelage - in the middle of a river! An elderly but determined Mr. Gammell would climb down the river bank and wade over to where they were painting to critique their work. That experience is what Tom is giving to his students in Williamstown.




Touring the Clark Museum of Art collection
"A fabulous workshop with the most amazing people!" Tom Dunlay

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Artist as Collector: Thomas Dunlay and Staying on Track

An April 2017 article in "Outdoor Painter" magazine by Bob Bahr
 
“In the Dell” by R.H. Ives Gammell

 “I’ve always collected, since the mid-’70s, having the good pleasure and fortune to own some really good pictures,” say Dunlay. “These three all relate to my training and my goals as a painter. “These three all relate to my training and my goals as a painter. I come completely out of the Boston school. I studied with R.H. Ives Gammell, and people out of that tradition … well, we tend to learn what we do, and we stick with it. Rather than a painting having a different meaning today than it did when I acquired it, the painting reemphasizes what we learned about value and color, putting it down and leaving it. These paintings are reminders about staying on track more than anything else.”

Read the complete article here.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Three-Day Workshop in New Hampshire

"Sailing the Sound" by Tom Dunlay
NEWS FLASH! Tom Dunlay is holding a 3-day workshop at Ceres Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 26-28th, 2017.

As the warmer days of spring melt the last patches of snow in the woods of New Hampshire, thoughts of summer come to mind. Ceres Gallery has the most sought after, internationally recognized, master painter coming to present a workshop with our local students in July!
 
We are beyond excited to have this artistic descendant of Tarbell and Benson share the knowledge that he gained from R.H. Ives Gammell, who was an actual student of Frank Benson. Tom continues to pass on the techniques that were handed down to him from the Impressionist masters of the last century, the founders of the Museum of Fine Art and the Boston School of Painters. 

Tom says, “This workshop will focus on the approach to out-of-door painting practiced by the Boston Painters from 1880 to 1930. Important aspects of outdoor painting will be covered in this intensive 3 day workshop.”

Tom Dunlay is an Impressionist, a member of the Guild of Boston Artists and a past president of the Guild. He approaches painting in a “workmanlike manner” with a goal of getting to the “truth of the scene,” which is not necessarily “accuracy.” He paints the “truth in all of its simplicity and humbleness.” Tom says that being exposed to the early Boston masters had a profound impact on his painting career. We are so fortunate that he is willing to spend three days with us, sharing his wealth of knowledge.

If you are interested in attending this workshop with Tom Dunlay in July, please email me, Elaine Miller, owner of the Ceres Gallery, at ekmiller70@gmail.com with "Tom Dunlay Workshop" in the subject line.

The cost for all three days is only $375.

This quote comes to mind whenever I hesitate….
“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity.
We have only this moment,  sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake.”
 
Francis Bacon, Sr.

Click here for directions to the Ceres Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Acclaimed Snowscape Painter Depicts Winchester’s Wright Locke Farm


Tom Dunlay is well known in art circles for his images of Nantucket streets and snow-covered cityscapes. He has had one-man shows at the Boston Atheneum, the Guild of Boston Artists and the St. Botolph Club, Boston, and has exhibited at Cocker Gallery and Hammer Galleries in New York City. His paintings are included in numerous public, corporate and private collections worldwide.
He turned his eye to Winchester at the invitation of his friend Tim Daley, a graphic designer and supporter of Wright Locke Farm.

Read the whole story from the "Winchester Star" by Melissa Russell here:   http://winchester.wickedlocal.com/news/20170323/acclaimed-snowscape-painter-depicts-winchesters-wright-locke-farm

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Announcing Three Great Workshops for 2017

There are three wonderful opportunities to study with Tom Dunlay in 2017.
If you would like more info or to register, click on the above workshop links. If you'd like more info or to sign-up, click here or contact Tom: trdunlay@gmail.com or phone 617-838-9181.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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.



Tuesday, July 26, 2016

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

Friday, April 1, 2016

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.