The Cape Ann Summer School of Art presents:
Harley Bartlett –
The Painted Sketch of Rockport
TuesDAY, September 8 - saturday, September 12, 2026 from 9 am - 4 pm, en plein air
RAA&M Members: $800 | Non-Members: $850
As the goal of this workshop is to enable the artist to create a reasonably finished picture in a three-hour session, our focus will be on organization, simplicity, and intent.
Having a simple and organized kit is essential. I will show and discuss this in detail during the workshop and will also demonstrate the importance of working with a system that allows for intentional goals to be realized.
Particular attention will be paid to the artist’s palette, the engine from which a painting is created. Too often, painters fail to give thoughtful consideration to the organization of their colors, instead laying out color as needed and in a haphazard way. We will also address having adequate amounts of paint mixed to work from. If there is no paint on the palette, there will be no paint on the canvas.
Lecture: RAA&M President Harley Bartlett
Organization - an important facet to successful painting
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5:00–6:00 PM
In addition to painting instruction, all workshops include guided gallery walks throughout the area, evening lectures and an exhibition of historic Cape Ann paintings at the RAA&M. Enroll now!
Harley Bartlett is a painter known for his finely crafted compositions, subtle color, and deep respect for traditional painting values. Though born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has lived and worked in Rhode Island for much of his life, while maintaining a strong and active presence on Cape Ann.
Bartlett received his BA from the University of Pennsylvania and continued his studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He has exhibited widely in New England for more than three decades, with paintings held in numerous public and institutional collections, including Rhode Island College, Bryant University, the Providence Art Club, and civic and medical institutions throughout the region. His work has been featured in publications such as American Artist Magazine, Traditional Home, Florida Architecture, and Soundings Magazine.
An accomplished landscape, marine, and portrait painter, Bartlett has received numerous awards, including the Alden Bryan Memorial Award for Landscape, Best of Show at the Providence Art Club, and honors at the Guild of Boston Artists and the Lyme Art Association. He has been commissioned to paint official portraits of Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri, Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci, and other civic and institutional leaders.
Bartlett has held significant leadership roles in major New England art organizations. He previously served as President of the Lyme Art Association and is currently President of the Rockport Art Association & Museum. He is an Elected Artist of the Guild of Boston Artists and an Artist Member of the Rockport Art Association. He also owns and operates Harley Bartlett Gallery in Rockport, Massachusetts.
As an instructor, Bartlett brings decades of professional experience, a strong grounding in fundamentals, and a thoughtful connection to the traditions of American and European painting.
Cancelation Policy for CASSOA Workshops: Up to two weeks (fourteen days) prior to the start of a workshop, participants may cancel and request a refund, minus a non-refundable $100 registration fee. Tuition will not be refunded after this two-week period. This policy is strictly enforced.
