The Workshop

Everyone Learns, Everyone Succeeds

Painting, Drawing, Art History

The White Hart Inn, Salisbury CT

After many years working and living as an artist, I’m teaching everything I know. But, it all comes down to only two things—being present and being generous. That’s it. The rest is already inside you. You will learn to access it here.

My workshop is a group of people that connect through the studio experience. An authentic and connected community has developed. With my guidance, we foster a deep understanding of art, its practice, connoisseurship, and as Brice Marden said, how “the painting makes you.”

For more information on our group email us below. We look forward to you joining.

Classes we offer

Wednesdays 10:30am-12:30pm

Saturdays 10:30am-12:30pm

Men’s Figure Drawing Group Thursday 530pm-830pm (Waiting List)

Third Tuesday Figure Drawing 530pm-630pm (Waiting List)

Hollister House Garden Retreat (Waiting List)

Residencies

2027 Umbria residency, May 8 thru 16th (Waiting List)

2026 Sharon CT Farm residency, June 29 thu August 3 (Sold Out)

Workshop Structure

Here’s how my sessions are structured:

•  Core Curriculum: I teach 6 unique and innovative foundational concepts in drawing, painting, color, and composition. They’re very simple, practical, but extremely effective. Students quickly gain real confidence and see real progress. These foundational concepts will continue to guide us as we grow as artist.

•  Class Format: 2-hours of working and instruction time. Set up and group reflection start and end the session.

•  Mediums: Oil, watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, and graphite

•  Environment: Supportive and non-competitive — students are encouraged to take risks and grow together

•  Who It’s For: Everyone: absolute beginners. We are all emerging artists

Testimonials

Peter is the teacher I never had and with that discovered a talent I never knew I had! Peter’s teaching style suits persons of all talent and range. I came to know after my first class, that not only is he a knowledgeable artist and talent himself but he expresses a compassionate interest in each of his students which allows the meek to become emboldened with a confidence to achieve. This aptly describes myself. I entered the workshop with one  college art course under my belt and certainly felt a bit “less than”.

Now, eight months later, the “less than” is gone and has been replaced with  incredible joy from process to final creation. I’m so thankful to have found Peter’s workshop and experience this training which produced a personal growth  that could only come from a teacher like Peter.

—Lynn

Although this is not an official google review,  I need to give Peter Cusack 5 stars (ok let’s just say 10!) for his incredible ability to instruct me in art class.  I’m not new to art instruction, but under Peter’s tutelage, I’m new to believing in myself and my artistic abilities. I have great respect for his teaching style, his encouragement and fun, funny and insightful way to allow me to succeed and love the journey.  The class is literally my favorite time of the week and I take the positive energy and joy with me when I exit the room.  So run, don’t walk to sign up for a class with Peter.  You will be so happy when you arrive!

—Sherri

Several months ago, I decided I wanted to try to find an art class that would provide some basic instruction and guidance but also let me do pretty much whatever I wanted to do. Whether that would be drawing, watercolor, pastel, oil, abstract, figurative, or learning from copying the Masters, I just wanted to have fun and learn to make art! I had no idea where I might find such a thing, when one day I noticed an art class going on in the ballroom of the White Hart Inn in Salisbury. Let me say that this turned out to be a moment of kismet, as this class could not have been more perfect for me in every way.

Peter is not only a terrific teacher, but a wonderful human being. He provides gentle guidance, supportive tips, and insights that are always incredibly helpful. I have already learned so much, and after the initial sessions, you can do pretty much whatever you want. I have loved the non-competitive and warm supportive atmosphere of the other students as we all work on our own projects simultaneously. The summer intensive where we worked outdoors and sometimes with a live model was very special too. I cannot recommend this class more highly for students of all levels.

Lynne O.

What We Do Together

Contact

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