John T. Eiseman
How to tell YOUR story in plein air
MENTORED PLEIN AIR EXPERIENCE
Dates: May 12, 13 & 14, 2026
Tuition: $300
With decades of experience as a professional artist and a long track record of plein-air events under his belt, award-winning painter John T. Eiseman is the ideal mentor to guide your artistic journey. John has been painting since his teens; he graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art (Magna Cum Laude, 1981) and his work has won numerous awards, as well as being accepted into major national exhibitions.
Is this a workshop?
No. While there is one demonstration at the beginning, this is not a traditional workshop format. There are no ongoing lectures or step-by-step instruction. The focus is on mentorship, shared practice, and individual guidance.
What does a typical day look like?
Participants will paint outdoors during extended morning and afternoon plein air sessions over two days. John moves among the group, offering one-on-one feedback, suggestions, and encouragement as you work. The experience concludes with a gallery talk and group critique on Thursday morning.
Will I receive individual attention?
Yes. Individual mentorship is central to the experience. John works directly with each participant, responding to their questions and helping them refine observation, composition, value, color, and mark-making in a way that supports their personal artistic goals.
What will I learn?
Rather than focusing on formulas or techniques alone, the emphasis is on:
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Learning how to truly see
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Translating observation into confident mark-making
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Understanding value and color relationships
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Developing your own visual language
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Telling your unique story through painting
What should I bring?
Participants should bring their own plein air setup and preferred media. There are no restrictions on materials.
How many paintings will I complete?
Artists typically produce multiple paintings, but the focus is on growth and exploration rather than finished results.
Who it’s for?
Beginners and advanced painters alike — John adapts his instruction to meet each artist where they are and guide them toward growth.
Location(s): To be determined
Whether you’re stepping into plein air for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, this program is designed to nurture your skills and creative vision under the guidance of a seasoned, celebrated artist.