6th Annual Plein-air Painting Retreat
Hockomock Point in Bremen, Maine
with Jan-Willem & Nancy Boer of the Shenandoah Art Destination
6-day painting retreat, September 11 – 16, 2026
Included in Price:
5 nights lodging, 5 breakfasts/6 lunches/4 dinners/entry fees
Day 1 arrive morning 10:30 – 12:00; lunch at 12:30
Day 6 departure at 2:00 pm
| Cost | |
| Single occupancy (artist) | $2445 |
| Double occupancy (two artists) in the same bedroom | $2220 each |
| Non-artist spouse/partner in the same bedroom | $1700 |
| Single occupancy (artist) | $2315 |
| Double occupancy (participating artist) in the same bedroom | $2190 each |
| Non-artist spouse/partner in the same bedroom | $1600 |
Prices per person in US dollars ($) A non-participant spouse/partner price includes meals & lodging.
Workshop Size: Minimum of 6 artists – maximum 10 (all mediums). Maximum of 2 accompanying non-participating spouses/partners.
Additional Costs NOT included: One evening meal in restaurant and possible ferry trip (determined by weather).
Dietary restrictions are limited; if you fall in this category, please contact us before registering to see what can be accommodated (may be an extra charge) .
NOTE: Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies, easels, chair – whatever you require. Keep in mind being plein-air sites, walking will be required and artist will be responsible for carrying their own materials/supplies.
Upon registration deposit of $350 required (non-refundable unless minimum # is not met); balance June 15, 2026.
Accommodations: All single rooms except one – great for friends (two queen beds). Bathrooms are shared by two rooms.
Painting Opportunities:
Midcoast Maine is a favorite spot for vacationers, and many well-known American painters – including Rockwell Kent, Robert Henri, the Wyeth family and many more. Paintable scenes on the property include the dock, a hammock by the sea and small harbors with sailboats. Day trips may include Pemaquid Lighthouse, the fishing harbor of Round Pond, the Olson House from the famous painting of Andrew Wyeth, “Christina’s World, Monhegan Island with its cliffs, lobster boats, lighthouse and the village below and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.
We will also visit the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland which is full of inspirational paintings including many painted by the Wyeth family.
How to get there:
The nearest easy airport is Portland, about 90 minutes away, or Boston, about 3.5 hours. There are also flights from Boston to Rockland, about 45 minutes away. From the airport you can rent a car (we will send directions with your reservation). There is also a convenient twice-a-day bus service from downtown Boston or Boston’s Logan airport, or from the Portland Transportation Center (a short ride from the Portland airport), to Damariscotta, the nearest town, where we can pick you up.
“What a wonderful experience all around for me; you guys did a fantastic job on the whole retreat – food, location, housing and teacher. You gave us an opportunity to see scenic Maine. I love the fact that we were given different environment opportunities every day. The trips gave us adventure at the same time. I think the allotted time for painting was spot on. We all come to workshops to try and learn and improve our talent. I believe we are all here to not only get guidance but to get valuable instruction. Thank you both for the wonderful opportunity to paint with you. It is always fun meeting new people with the same love language, art! I had a great experience!!”
“This workshop experience is very well organized. The expeditions were varied and interesting and a joy to paint. The accommodations in a private home and catered meals were world class right there in rural Maine. Beautiful unspoiled serene area to paint. Something worth painting everywhere you looked.”
“Beautiful location. Well organized. Lots of good food. Valuable guidance and instruction from Jan. Enjoyed input, sharing and comradery from fellow artists. Great Plein air experience!”
“The plein air trip to Maine was beyond my expections. The weather was turning cooler and the scenery was amazing. The lessons and daily painting opportunities stretched my skills and each day I felt more comfortable with painting outside. The accommodations, hospitality and meals were excellent. I would recommend the trip to any painter looking to experience the beauty of Maine and New England hospitality.”
“The Shenandoah Art Destination Maine artist retreat was a fantastic experience! An inspiring retreat (and treat) for the artist. Being immersed in making and appreciating art for five days with fellow artists, sharing the plein-air experience in an inspiring, natural environment was stimulating and invigorating. Having experienced a brief stay with Jan-Willem and Nancy at their Shenandoah Art Destination, which I would highly recommend, I received this Maine retreat as a Christmas gift from my wife, who attended as a non-painter and found it equally rejuvenating and refreshing. The beautiful accommodations in a peaceful, picturesque location was inspiring in itself but the availability of the other inspiring painting locations took it to the top. Highlights for us were the visits to Monhegan island, the Olson House in Cushing Maine and the Farnsworth Museum of Art. Having a “home base” with the needs of food and travel taken care of allowed everyone to focus on the experience. Jan’s mentoring, instruction and encouragement along with Nancy’s planning, organization and sociable spark made this a memorable experience, one that we would definitely like to do again.”