Stay tuned for future workshops at Rush Hollow!
For a preview of what to expect, check out our first two workshops below. We had a great time getting to know the students, in and out of the studio.
- $1,750
Alla Prima Landscape Painting at Rush Hollow Studio
September 8-12, 2025
Get inspired and expand your creative practice this fall at Rush Hollow Studio in pastoral southwestern Vermont.
Working from direct observation, we will focus on capturing the interplay of light, color, form, and space as they appear to the eye.
Open to artists with some experience. Class size capped at 10 students.
Alla Prima Landscape Painting at Rush Hollow
September 8-12, 2025
During this five-day immersive workshop, we'll explore the concept of "premier coup," the quick and intuitive response to moments of light and geometry in the landscape. This approach bridges realism and abstraction, inviting an immediate, poetic expression of what we see.
The techniques presented will include:
Wet-in-wet paint application
Thick-on-thin layering methods
Quick composition decisions
Direct application of color notes
Understanding how abstraction and representation work together is one of the key benefits of the workshop. You'll also have the opportunity to work within a small, supportive community of other serious painters. Immersing yourself in this five-day workshop can unlock new directions and lead to breakthroughs in your creative practice.
Rush Hollow Art Studio
The newly renovated 1850’s barn and studio are tucked into the rolling countryside of southwestern Vermont near the New York State border. This whole area provides rich inspiration for painting, drawing, and other creative pursuits. A creek with several small waterfalls, farm fields, woods, gardens, and wildlife habitat are all within walking distance of the barn.
Meet Guest Artist, Roy Shapira
For this workshop, Kathy will be joined by Roy Shapira, a figurative and perceptual painter based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Working directly from the motif, Roy will explain and demonstrate the techniques used by pioneering American artists such as Charles Hawthorne and Edwin Dickinson.
Back in the studio, the group will further develop the ideas, including "What makes a painting work?" and "How does a painter's eye shape perception?"
With more than two decades of experience, Shapira has dedicated his career to the practice and teaching of painting. His work is process-oriented, focusing on perceptual representation and the exploration of figure and form.
He has exhibited internationally in both solo and group shows, including in Germany, Israel, Italy, and the Netherlands.
All Supplies Provided
We'll provide the class supplies to minimize the hassle and expense of bringing your own. The materials list includes the following:
Indoor easels, tables, lights, vases, flowers, oil paints, mediums, solvents, palettes, and painting surfaces.
We'll also provide a selection of brushes and palette knives, but you may want to bring your own. You may also choose to bring your own outdoor easel and any other favorite materials as well.
We'll serve lunch each day and a celebratory dinner on the final evening. Weather permitting, we may gather by the fire pit for a farewell dinner prepared by Chef Parker, aka the "Guy Behind the Camera."
All students will be invited to join the dedicated online community just for workshop participants. The community forum will make it easy for you to share your work, ask questions, and stay in touch with your fellow students after the class.
Intimate, Welcoming Community
To ensure everyone gets personal attention, we are capping the class enrollment at ten students. Register as soon as possible to save your spot.
We invite all students to join the dedicated online community for workshop participants. The community forum will make it easy for you to share your work, ask questions, and stay in touch with your fellow students after the class.
We understand that life can get in the way of even the best-laid plans. If your life circumstances change, you may request a full refund for up to three weeks before the start of the workshop.
Getting to Rush Hollow
The studio is within driving distance of both Boston and New York (but a world away!). Click on this link for information about traveling by car, rail, or air: Traveling to Rush Hollow
There are many wonderful places to stay in the towns of Dorset (just 15 minutes away) and Manchester (a scenic 30-minute drive). Below are links to nearby accommodations as well as a sampling of restaurants and cafes:
Enroll soon to take advantage of the early-bird discount (expires July 16, 2025). We look forward to welcoming you to Rush Hollow!
Cheers,
Kathy and Parker