Thomas Schaller: "The Architecture of Light" 2027

Workshop Description from a prior workshop from Thomas Schaller (subject to change, pending updated description).

Each day will begin with my introducing a topic and then producing a painted demonstration based upon that topic.  Participants may certainly paint what it is I paint, but I encourage everyone to bring their own photo reference – something that resonated with them more personally.

Daily, I will introduce a topic and complete a demonstration painting to open each day of the class. And we will build on what we have learned each day 

Day One - Fundamentals:

We will be focusing on Intention, Composition, Value Design, and Color Theory. I’ll be covering format, balance, harmony, value design, perspective construction, and color mixing and theory. In addition, I’ll be going over different types of papers, brushworks, and pencil sketching technique.

Day Two - The Built Environment vs. The Natural World:

The focus will the built environment in the context of the natural world. So we will emphasize design, composition, values, color theory the use of perspective, and the editing of unnecessary detail. The built environment will be front and center - with the natural world playing a supporting role.

Day Three: The Natural World vs. The Built Environment

The emphasis this day will be elements of landscape, and atmosphere. We’ll build on the lessons of Day One and introduce ways to paint trees, skies, water, reflections, and pure atmosphere. The natural world will be front and center - with the built environment playing a supporting role.

Day Four: Looking vs Seeing

Building on the practical lessons of Days One and Two, we will move into the areas, of interpretation and observation. We’ll look at ways of channeling our unique perceptions of the world into a clear and personal artistic point of view.  By incorporating elements of dreams, memories, and pure invention into the act of strict real-world observation, we can watch as our artistic voices make themselves known.

Among the topics to be introduced:

• Intent / Inspiration

• Composition / Design

• Value Design – Establishing Depth by using Three Basic Values

• Painting with Light – Negative Shape Painting 

• Perspective Construction

• Color Theory – Working with Complements

• The Man-Made Environment / The Natural Environment

• Architecture – How to Simplify the Paintings of the Built Environment

• Atmospheres – Skies / Water / Reflections / Landscape Elements

• The Human Figure 

• How to Know when You are Finished 

Workshop Fee: $950

Room & Board: Starting at $312/night single occupancy, $426/night double occupancy.

Student Capacity: 18 (We have 15 single rooms available at The Landgrove Inn. 18 occupancy allows for a few rooms to have double occupancy or to have local folks attend)

All Levels Welcome with some experience

Material List

Workshop material list on Thomas' website: https://www.thomasschaller.com/collections/170636

Meet the Artist

Thomas W. Schaller is an award-winning watercolor artist, architect, and author based in New York City. Known for his luminous architectural paintings and expressive approach to watercolor, Tom brings his background in architecture into every aspect of his work. His many honors include the 2024 Arthur Ross Award in Fine Arts from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, two Raphael Awards, a Graham Foundation Grant, and the Hugh Ferriss Memorial Prize. He is also a Master Signature member of the National Watercolor Society and a Signature member of the American Watercolor Society.

Tom is the author of several books on art and architecture, including the award-winning Architecture in Watercolor and The Art of Architectural Drawing. His latest book, The Creative Eye, is forthcoming in 2027.

His paintings are held in collections around the world, and his work has been exhibited internationally in more than twenty countries. He is a sought-after instructor, speaker, and juror, and has taught and presented his approach to watercolor and architectural drawing to artists around the globe.

Tom’s work celebrates the beauty of light, architecture, atmosphere, and imagination—and his workshops offer artists an opportunity to explore that distinctive vision firsthand.

Visit Thomas' Website Here

Starting Price — All-Inclusive

Workshop Tuition: $950

All Inclusive with Tuition, Room, Meals: From $2,510 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 = $950

•      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

•      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 painting session

•      Lunch (communal) 12:30 PM

•      Afternoon painting 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.

Our Cancellation Policy

This policy applies to both the Flexible and Prepaid rates.

If you cancel more than 60 days before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $75 cancellation fee.

• Transfer: Transfer your deposit to another workshop at no additional charge.

If you cancel 31–60 days before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $250 cancellation fee.

• Credit: Receive a credit toward a future stay, with no change or cancellation fee.

If you cancel 30 DAYS OR LESS before your arrival:

• Refund: Receive a refund, less a $500 cancellation fee.

• Credit: Receive a credit toward a future stay, with a $250 change fee.

Because our workshops require us to make commitments to our artists well in advance, our cancellation policy helps ensure that we can fairly compensate our artists. We appreciate your understanding and support of the artists who make these workshops possible.

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 18 — 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.