Your instructor, Mary Laury, is an accomplished watercolorist and highly esteemed teacher. She encourages all her students to believe they can be successful. Painting is an exciting medium; it flows, moves, and does beautiful things. We will start at the beginning if you have never painted in watercolors. If you have painted before, you will also learn new tips and tricks. We all learn together! $595 includes the workshop fee, all meals, and special activities to extend your learning from the day's workshops. 

Recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants commented: "Great instructor! Mary acts as a guide to develop our own style. "Easy, no-stress instruction."

Escape to a Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artists, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day's workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy balloted singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordan Ward. For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com

Feedback from recent Acadian Arts Retreats participants: 

“Mary is a wonderful guide and a gifted teacher.”  “Very helpful watercolor instruction."

Painting Flower Portraits in Watercolor

Paint flower portraits realistically. You will paint pictures of flowers in detail, but more painterly than a scientific illustration. We won’t count veins, but we will count petals! Painting flowers is a wonderful exercise in observation.

Learn brush stroke and value

White on white flowers

Leaves, long and short

Iris, narcissus, orchids, tulips, and other spring flowers.

 Materials list;

We will paint on smooth paper; Strathmore Series 500, one hundred percent cotton paper, either plate or vellum. This paper can be bought at Artist and Craftsman in Portland in large sheets, which we will cut up.

Bring a #2 round brush and a #6 round brush, pencil, palette, tube watercolors in the 3 primary colors and perhaps a green. Paper towels and water container. And bring a plant or flower specimen with no more than 9 petals. This is a slow and careful process and 9 petals and some leaves is enough happiness for us all.

Escape to a Grand Victorian Inn, the Harbor View House in Prospect Harbor on the coast of Maine, with an intimate group of artist, cooks and creatives! All meals are included in the workshop fee plus special activities to extend your learning from the day’s workshops, including a private house concert by Grammy balloted singer-songwriter, storyteller, and author Gordon Ward. Day students are welcome.

For more information about the workshop, call Mary at 207-632-2251. To book your stay at the inn call 207-963-9122 or visit https://harborviewhousellc.com/.  

All levels of ability are welcome!

Ideal for beginning or rusty crocheters. 

Bring a ball of yarn and a crochet hook and I'll show you how!  You'll also learn about the tools of the trade, a bit of crochet history, and how to start reading patterns.  When you're done, you'll know the five stitches most commonly used.

We also offer one-night classes as well if you need just to brush up.

Come and join and have some fun! 

This is held on ZOOM.

Are you still getting to know your digital camera and its features?  Here's an opportunity to learn from an expert in this seminar for beginners!  Have your camera ready and learn when and how to use its special features - such as program mode, manual mode, aperture priority and shutter priority.  Also covered will be basic composition and best use of light for different situations, such as plant, people, macro, and landscape photography.

Steve McGrath

Join us for an exciting and engaging Beginners Photography Class at SAD 1, held every Tuesday night from 6 PM to 8 PM! This class is designed for those who want to explore the art of photography, whether you're a complete novice or looking to sharpen your skills.

Throughout the course, we will delve into various photography styles, focusing on landscapes and macro/close-up photography. You'll learn how to look at the world through a photographer's eye, discovering the beauty in everyday scenes and intricate details.

Our sessions will cover essential topics, including:

- *Composition:* Understand the fundamental principles of framing your shots to create visually appealing images.

- *Lighting:* Learn how to harness natural and artificial light to enhance your photographs and set the mood.

- *Camera Operation:* Gain hands-on experience with your camera, mastering its settings and features for optimal results.

Each week, we'll combine discussions, demonstrations, and practical exercises to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes or the delicate beauty of a flower petal, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to express your artistic vision through your lens.

Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of photography, and start capturing the moments that matter! All skill levels are welcome, and participants are required to bring their own cameras. We look forward to seeing you there!

***DO NOT PAY UNTIL AUGUST 2025***

About our teacher:

Jason Grass is a talented and accomplished photographer known for his artistic vision and dedication to the craft. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Maine, Jason has cultivated a strong foundation in the principles of design and visual storytelling. His academic background has provided him with the tools necessary to explore and express his creativity through photography.

Throughout his career, Jason has had the privilege of training under master photographers from around the world. These experiences have not only refined his technical skills but also broadened his artistic perspective, allowing him to develop a unique style that resonates with audiences. His commitment to continuous learning and growth in the field has positioned him as a respected figure among peers and within the photography community.

As a former member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Jason has been actively involved in promoting excellence in the photography profession. His participation in this esteemed organization reflects his dedication to maintaining high standards in his work and contributing to the overall advancement of the industry.

Jason's portfolio showcases a diverse range of subjects and styles, from stunning landscapes to portraits. His ability to capture the essence of moments and emotions has earned him recognition and appreciation from clients and fellow photographers alike. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Jason continues to push the boundaries of his craft, creating compelling images that leave a lasting impression. In addition to his photography, Jason is an advocate for the arts, often engaging in community projects and workshops aimed at inspiring the next generation of creatives. Through his work and mentorship, he aspires to share his knowledge and passion for photography, fostering a love for the art form in others. As he looks to the future, Jason Grass remains committed to his journey as a photographer, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow. With an impressive background and a passion for the craft, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of photography.

This is held by ZOOM.

Learn to play the ukulele!  It has never been more popular, and you don't even have to know how to read music!  On the uke you can knock out folk, rock, blues, jazz, pop, country music, old and new tunes, and even classical music.  It's a wonderfully versatile, go anywhere instrument.  Duncan Perry, who has taught more than 1,000 students of all ages, will introduce you to essential chords and playing skills using familiar songs.  Oh, and there are lots of laughs along the way.  And did you know that playing the uke is not only fun but it's also good for our brain!  You will need a playable ukulele and electronic tuner or a tuner app.  If you don't own a ukulele, please contact us for helpful information about buying one.  When folks hear you play this happy instrument, they just have to smile!  What are you waiting for? 

Grad a uke, sign up, tune up and show up.  Let your musical journey begin!

BIO

Duncan is an experienced multi-instrumentalist who has been performing and teaching folks how to play the ukulele for the last 14 years.  Having served as a volunteer music therapist in medical and hospice settings, he quickly came to understand that music is medicine and that learning to play an instrument not only sharpens the brain it helps reduce stress.  His mission is to spread the joy of ukulele to learners and audiences alike and he has taught over 1,000 people to play the mighty uke.

All levels of ability are welcome!

Ideal for beginning or rusty crocheters. 

If you have a project that's stumped you or you're just looking for a place to hang for the night with a hook, welcome. 

If you're looking to learn but can't commit to a schedule this is also a great option.  

Bring a hook to fit your yarn and let's have some fun!

This is held on ZOOM.

This class is dedicated to helping you with understanding how to use your smartphone photography, how to take and create Images on your phone, what editing apps to use, and how to share and print your images.  Join Steve as we go over how to find out how to use essential controls on your phone along with the best free and low-cost tools for editing and image management.

Everyone has their phone close by so it makes sense to learn to take great images on your phone.  You will learn how to use your smartphone photography, explore the editing apps, and learn how to share and print your images.  Find out how to use essential controls on your phone along with identifying the best free and/or low-cost for editing and image management.

Steve McGrath