Summer Landscape Painting Intensive
Spend five focused days painting the mountains, fields, and light of southern Vermont in summer. During this intensive, you’ll focus on the development of your technique, eye, and personal approach to landscape painting.
August 17-21, 2026
Location: Bennington, Vermont
Format: In-person, non-credit
Audience: Ages 18+
Experience Level: Some painting experience required
Early registration discount available through May 15, 2026—save $200.
Bennington alumni are eligible for an additional 10% discount. Enrollment is limited.
Spend a week painting outdoors, weather permitting, in the hills and fields surrounding Bennington College. This intensive workshop invites artists to slow down, observe carefully, and develop new approaches to landscape painting.
Through a combination of demonstrations, outdoor painting sessions, and group critiques, the workshop emphasizes both technical development and personal expression. Participants will explore techniques for translating light, atmosphere, and place into compelling work.
Guided by a visiting artist (to be announced), the program emphasizes both technical development and personal expression. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Program Highlights
- Daily plein air painting sessions in southern Vermont landscapes
- Instruction in composition and spatial structure in landscape painting
- Observing and translating natural light and color
- Techniques in efficient plein air painting
- Strategies for developing finished works from outdoor studies
- Constructive critique and dialogue about painting
- Dedicated time for focused, uninterrupted painting
Designed for
- Adult painters seeking a focused summer studio experience
- Emerging artists building a portfolio of landscape work
- Undergraduate or pre-college art students
- Artists interested in plein-air methods and observational painting
- Creative individuals seeking a retreat-style experience
Participants should have some prior experience with painting materials, but all media are welcome.
Space is limited. Register today!
Faculty
To be announced.
Location and Experience
Set in the mountains of southern Vermont, Bennington College offers an environment designed for focused and creative work.
Participants will paint in nearby fields, wooded areas, and scenic viewpoints within walking or short driving distance to campus. The rhythm of the program balances instruction with extended time outdoors, allowing you to observe, experiment, and develop your work in direct response to the landscape.
Mornings are structured, with faculty-led instruction. Afternoons are more flexible with opportunities for individual or group work, informal collaboration, or exploration of campus and the surrounding area. Evenings are unstructured, giving you space to rest, connect, or continue your work in your own way.
Pricing and Logistics
Tuition: $1,400
Room: $550 (optional)
Board: $450 (optional)
Early registration discount available through May 15, 2026—save $200. Bennington alumni are eligible for an additional 10% discount.
Duration: One week, with participants arriving August 16 and departing August 22
Format: In-person, non-credit
Eligibility: Ages 18+
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course for credit?
No, this is a non-credit summer program.
Can I attend the program online?
No. The program is only available in-person.
How do I request accommodations and support?
If you need accommodations and support, please email summer@bennington.edu.
What is the time commitment each day?
Mornings are structured, with faculty-led sessions. Afternoons are more flexible with opportunities for individual or group work, informal collaboration, or exploration of campus and the surrounding area. Evenings are unstructured, giving you space to rest, connect, or continue your work in your own way.
Is there wifi available?
Yes. Bennington offers two wireless networks. Please view more information about accessing Bennington’s wifi networks.
What do dining options look like if I purchase a meal plan with my registration?
Bennington proves that college food can be inspiring, nourishing, and delicious. Our Chefs are continually creating new and flavorful dishes alongside much-loved staples featuring sustainably sourced products from our local farmers and producers. Meals offer a wide range of options drawing on cuisines from around the world, and including vegetarian, vegan, and made-without-gluten selections at every meal. Learn more about dining services at Bennington.
How do I get to campus?
Please see more information about getting to Campus.
What is the refund policy?
- Cancel by June 15, 2026 - Full refund
- Cancel by July 15, 2026 - 50% refund
- Cancel by August 1, 2026 - No refund
Additional questions can be directed to summer@bennington.edu.
Ready to spend a week painting in Vermont?
Register now to secure your spot. Enrollment is limited.