As an accompaniment to the exhibit “Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman” and in the tradition of Cos Cob art colony artists John Henry Twachtman, Theodore Robinson, Childe Hassam and J. Alden Weir—all American Impressionists inspired by Bush-Holley House and its surroundings—the Greenwich Historical Society is offering a plein air painting class on Saturday, November 12th, 2022. This class will offer students individualized training in Impressionist painting by teaching artist Dmitri Wright, and will be held on the grounds of the Historical Society. In addition to art instruction, the program will open with a brief welcome in the exhibition gallery from Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Maggie Dimock. The theme, “Retracing Twachtman’s Footsteps: Painting en plein air in Cos Cob” will focus on recapturing the spirit of the Cos Cob art colony, the cradle of American Impressionism. Participants will then have the opportunity to actively engage in the technique and practice of the school of Impressionism through creation of their own artwork and relive the experience of the first Impressionist artists who were inspired by this historic landscape.
Instructor Dmitri Wright walks in the footsteps of a long line of American Impressionists. His mentor Samuel Brecher studied under Charles W. Hawthorne, founder of the Cape Cod Art School and a student of artist William Merritt Chase. Wright studied under Reuben Tam as a Max Beckman International Scholar at the Brooklyn Museum and, while attending Cooper Union, studied under Wolf Kahn and Will Barnet. As a Master Artist, Wright was the first artist-in-residence at the Greenwich Historical Society.
He is currently the Master Artist/Instructor at Weir Farm National Historic Site for American Impressionists and teaches Impressionism at the Silvermine Art School. Wright’s work embodies the representational method of integrating the impressionist and expressionist schools with an influence rooted in classic art.
Students will be required to supply their own materials and refreshments. Suggested materials include a portable easel, canvas, and medium of choice, including watercolor, acrylics, and oils.
Please note registration and payment for this program is non-refundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt. Please contact Public Programs Manager Stephanie Barnett at sbarnett@greenwichhistory.org with any questions.
