Rick Shiers: "Break Out Brushwork" 2027
Sun, Aug 29
|The Landgrove Studio
Workshop: $700 · All-inclusive starting at $2,260 per person · Oil painting workshop · 4 full days
Time & Location
Aug 29, 2027, 5:00 PM – Sep 03, 2027, 9:00 AM
The Landgrove Studio, 132 Landgrove Rd, Landgrove, VT 05148, USA
About the event
This fun, energetic and motivating workshop is designed to help participants make their paintings more dynamic and brushstokes more confident. We’ll explore the art of creating Landscape and Still Life with an emphasis on painting vibrant and aesthetically interesting pieces.We’ll take a deep dive on subjects such as visual theory, composition, value, drawing and color…all discussed in an easy to understand conversational way. Quick, instructional demonstrations investigating materials, techniques and process kick off lots of student painting time. Plenty of individual instruction is augmented by comfortable end of day class critiques and is communicated in a light hearted, direct and approachable way. Each student will advance on their personal artistic journey, no matter where they’re starting. Use of either Oils or Acrylics is welcomed and can be based on experience, comfort level or the desire to try a new medium.
About the Artist
Rick Shiers has a BFA at Rhode Island School of Design in 1988. Since then he’s been a full time freelance illustrator and has taught almost a hundred painting and illustration classes in RISD’s CE department to all ages from youth to adult. And oh yeah, he’s also painted a whole bunch.
He strives to share his in-depth experience, helping students of all ages - from those just beginning their journeys as painters to experienced artists advancing up to their next level. His teaching philosophy: present dense subject matter in a lighthearted, supportive and understandable way, bridging the gap between artistic frustration and success.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a combination of intense learning, motivation and artistic support to become a better painter (all while having a lot of fun and enjoying good food and camaraderie at the inn!), consider Rick’s “Breakout Brushwork” workshop at The Landgrove August 30-September 3rd or 4th. Check the website for more course details and to pick your room.
Starting Price — All-Inclusive
Workshop Tuition: $700
All Inclusive with Tuition, Room, Meals: From $2,260 per person
Single occupancy · all-inclusive · 5 nights · best prepaid rate
• Includes workshop instruction, lodging at The Landgrove Inn, three meals daily, the welcome reception, and gratuity (taxes additional)
• 5 nights lodging + full board at $312/night (single, prepaid) = $1,560
• Workshop fee = $700
• Bringing a companion? Add just $114/night for their lodging, meals and gratuity — see the FAQ. Also taking the workshop? Just add another workshop fee.
Prefer to spend a little less time away? You can check out on the final workshop day for 3 nights instead of 4 — subtract $312/night (single occupancy). See the FAQ.
Materials List
TBD
What’s Included
A simple “show up and paint” package — full room and board, with everything handled:
• Four days of instruction and programming
• Lodging at The Landgrove
• Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners
• Welcome reception on the first night
• Gratuity included (taxes additional)
All meals are shared together as a group — a big part of the Landgrove experience and what makes these retreats feel like a true creative community.
A Day at Landgrove
Arrival day
• Check-in from 3 PM
• Welcome reception (wine/beer + hors d’oeuvres) 5–6 PM
• Introductory 3-course dinner 6–8 PM
Workshop days
• Breakfast (communal) 8–9 AM
• Morning drawing session
• Lunch (communal) 12:30 PM
• Afternoon drawing session
• 3-course dinner (communal) 6–8 PM
Departure day
• Breakfast 8–9 AM
• Check-out by 11 AM
The Landgrove Setting
You’ll stay in a peaceful historic inn surrounded by the Green Mountain National Forest — an inspiring setting that helps you slow down and settle into deep creative work. When you want to explore beyond the studio, you’re close to classic Vermont: Manchester (Southern Vermont Arts Center, Northshire Bookstore), Weston (Weston Theater Company, the Vermont Country Store), plus scenic drives and mountain towns nearby.
Mini-FAQ
Can I check out earlier?
Yes. The package runs through the morning after the final workshop day, but you’re welcome to check out one day earlier—on the final workshop day, and thereby subtract $312 for the last night. Check-out of your room is by 9 AM if doing so, before the morning workshop session. When inputting your dates to book, just change your check-out date to one day earlier.
Can my partner or a friend come along?
Absolutely — companions are welcome and very much part of the experience. The second guest in your room is booked as a companion, with lodging, all meals and gratuity included, for $114/night more than going solo. Many spouses and friends join just for the stay — exploring the forest, nearby towns, the pool, or a book by the tavern fire — while still sharing every meal.
Can my partner or friend also take the workshop?
If your companion also wants to paint, add “Additional Workshop Registration” at checkout, or contact us.
What about dietary needs?
Add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field at checkout and we’ll prepare accordingly. All meals are shared together as a group.
How do I get there?
The nearest airports are Albany, Hartford, Boston, and Rutland VT. Train stations are in Albany NY and Brattleboro VT (recommend Albany if travelling from NYC). For transit from an airport or train station we recommend Mountain Drivers (802.772.5223, mtndrivers.com).
What should I bring?
The supply list is included will be provided ahead of the workshop and covers everything you’ll need to bring. Tables and studio space are provided.
How many students?
Workshops are intentionally small — this one is capped at 15 — for real personal attention and a close-knit group.
Can Vermont locals attend without staying at the inn?
If you're a local and would want to commute to the workshop daily, we will take bookings for up to two workshop participants until 60 days before the workshop (within 60 days we open all available workshop spots for locals). The cost for local attendees is the workshop fee, plus one of the following meal plan options (including gratuity):
Workshop Lunches ($27.50/day)
Workshop Lunches & 3-Course Dinners ($81.00/day)
Ready to Book?
Book This Workshop, use the booking widget on this page, or give us a ring at 802.824.6674.