Rick Shiers: "Painting Foundations - A Deep Dive Into Learning to Paint" 2027

A class for the fundamentals -- beginners and entry level welcome - all materials included!

Whether you're picking up a brush for the very first time or have been painting for years (but felt like a lesson or two slipped past), this workshop is for you. This isn't the usual "sip and dip" experience or paint-by-formula workshop. It's a patient, genuinely instructive experience…the kind of class adult learners often wish they'd had the first time around, when foundational lessons got missed, rushed, or just never quite explained in a way that stuck. Here, understanding comes first, and the good-looking final piece follows naturally.

We begin where good painting actually starts, with a foundation laid in drawing, and build up from there. From there learning about painting materials and their usage opens the door to both representational and expressive creations. Exercises introduce concepts of light and shadow, composition, color mixing and theory and (the always dreaded) perspective, so you're not just making pretty marks, you're understanding why they work. More finished painting follows using direct observation or photo reference - touching on landscape, portraiture, and still life. 

Come solo, bring a partner for a couples' winter escape, make it a mother-daughter outing, or gather the girls for an artistic getaway. However you land you'll leave with real skills, a deeper understanding of painting and have a genuinely fun, easy-paced time doing it.

Acrylic paint and all supplies will be provided and are included in the cost - just show up and paint! Students are also free to bring their own materials and work in oil paint as well.

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.

Starting Price — All-Inclusive

Workshop Tuition: $650

All Inclusive with Tuition, Room, and meals: From $2,210 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)

•      Workshop fee = $650

•      5 nights lodging + full board at $312/night (single, prepaid) = $1,560

•      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 4 nights instead of 5 — subtract $312/night (single occupancy). See the FAQ.

What’s Included

A simple “show up and paint” package — full room and board, with everything handled:

•      Four days of instruction and programming

•      All supplies and paint included

•      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.