The Islesford Workshops, now in their fourth year, are planned to meet the needs of a range of artists, from novices through professionals. Approaches, concepts, and techniques of landscape painting are demonstrated and a series of projects suggested to participants.

Conversations within this community of painters, as well as formal critiques, are conducted with groups and individuals.

We appreciate Henry and Ashley’s theory of teaching, encouraging participants to directly engage with nature, experiment, and above all enjoy the painting process.

Sessions emphasize loose and creative experimentation. This approach inspires beginners, and reenergizes veteran painters.

All instruction takes place en plein air. We are fortunate to have a large well-lit room – with wonderful views - available for ‘retreat’, should the weather become inclement.

Gathering over three delicious meals each day at the Islesford Dock is an experience in itself. The restaurant becomes a relaxed setting for planning the day over breakfast and enjoying far-ranging discussions at sunset. Lunch is often served on site. Meals and island accommodations are further elements that make these workshops special.

HENRY ISAACS has traveled the world capturing its varied landscapes. He translates his love of nature onto his canvases with inspiring energy and passion. It is Little Cranberry Island where Henry and Donna Isaacs now make their home and Maine’s shores, seas, harbors, mountains and skies that are often seen in Henry’s compositions.

Isaacs received degrees in painting and printmaking from the Rhode Island School of Design and the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London. He has taught art in Britain, Italy, and the U.S. For more information on Henry, go to: www.HenryIsaacs.com

ASHLEY BRYAN, painter and illustrator, has been a neighbor on Islesford for many years. Recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King Awards for outstanding illustrations, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal for substantial and lasting contributions to children’s literature, he was recently honored as a Literary Lion at the New York Public Library.

Ashley Bryan is Professor Emeritus of Fine Art from Dartmouth College, and holds degrees from Cooper Union, Columbia University, University of Aix-en-Provence and Freiburg University. Ashley’s newest book, "All Things Bright and Beautiful", appeared to a starred review in Publishers Weekly.

Ashley’s work continues to evolve. From intricate collages on the pages of his books to large oils of the gardens and landscapes of the island, one experiences color, emotion, and energy.

Session Format: Our island becomes your art laboratory for three days. One mile by one and a half miles, Little Cranberry provides painting sites overlooking the mountains and harbors of Acadia National Park.

On the 'back' side we look out to a few scattered islands and the wide expanse of the Gulf of Maine. Sailboats and fishing boats, an occasional four masted schooner, all puncture the horizon. 'Inland' are the island’s historic mid-nineteenth century homes and gardens, neat piles of traps, and, of course, the docks where the flow of lobsters being hauled and weighed continues into the evenings at this time of the year.

A typical day allows at least two painting venues. We might start out at the north shore painting the Great Bay and Mt Desert Island, and then move to the wild marshland on the eastern side in the afternoon.

Painting sites are accessible and only a very short walk to indoor space and conveniences. We help you transport your materials and art works with our commandeered golf carts and island trucks. Our assistants set each location with easels, chairs, water bottles, and extra supplies and help organize at the end of the day.

All levels of experience are very welcome. All painting media are acceptable. We have easels and chairs for use during your stay. If you've started a picture that you can't quite put away at the end of the day, the coffee is on and studio space open through the night.

Our staff is focused on doing everything to allow you to immerse yourself in your art for the time you are with us.

A certain amount of oil based paint, medium, canvasses, palettes and brushes are available for purchase should you need something extra, or simply wish to try out some new idea suggested by one of our instructors. For those traveling from a distance that would rather arrive ‘hands free’, let us know and we can put together a kit for you - paints, brushes and canvasses.


Henry and Ashley have varied interests in art making. Among the principles they have in common is a passion to share their love of making pictures. Our faculty will push you to start projects, experiment, and try something new.

Will you go home with a stack of finished pictures? That is up to you. What you will take away is an extraordinary experience of painting with kindred spirits, and facilitated by two of the art world’s most skilled and experienced instructors. With great doses of humor, encouragement, and hard work, you will find that your painting days go by very quickly.

Fee, inclusive of tuition, board and room: $1200.
Please complete the REGISTRATION FORM and mail or email it along with your deposit of $350 per person to:

The Islesford Dock Gallery
P.O. Box A Islesford, ME 04646
Email: islesforddock@gmail.com

If you have questions or would like to pay your credit card deposit by phone, call Dan or Cynthia Lief: (207) 244-7494. A registration confirmation will be sent to you. The balance will be due upon arrival at the workshop.