May 20-24, 2024

Five-Day Intensive Painting Workshop for Artists

Location: Root Studio School, Jonesborough, Tennessee

Tom and Peggy Root combine their knowledge and years of experience to teach an immersion workshop for all levels of artists wanting to refresh their inspiration or shore up their foundational skills.

In this intensive, participants will study the flow and organization of light and the sensation of atmosphere and space in painting. Peggy will lead morning landscape painting outside on location from 9 till noon. Students will then return to the studio for lunch break, fellowship, art study and review of the morning's work. In the afternoons, from 2-5, Tom will lead students in a series of targeted exercises designed to heighten perception and improve their work in landscape, still-life and figure. Slide lectures will be used to enhance study. Lessons will be directed for oil painting, but participants may work in the medium of their choice. A pot luck meal will be held on Thursday evening at the studio.

Historic Jonesborough has wonderful options for meals and lodging for out-of-town participants, as well as quaint shops, walking trails, history, and southern hospitality along with every convenience. This five-day workshop is $625. (model fee included). A $300 deposit with registration will hold your spot in the workshop. For more information and a supply list, call (423) 302-8960 or email rootstudioschool@gmail.com.

June Painting Camp

June 3-5, 2024

Three-day intensive landscape painting workshop with Peggy Root

Respected landscape painter Peggy Root shares her 40 plus years of professional experience painting "en plein air" in this intensive landscape workshop. The format is designed to be relaxed, yet rigorous, with plenty of time for painting, instruction and camaraderie with fellow artists. All levels are taught, from professional to beginner. For those driving, all locations are easily accessed by Interstate 26 and 81 and are in close proximity to the Tri-Cities (Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol) and a short trip from Asheville and Knoxville. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged. A suggested supply list, set-up ideas and workshop details will be sent out to all participants.

For this June Painting Camp we will be painting some beautiful areas around Elizabethton, Tennessee. We will paint mornings and afternoons as we explore lakefront areas as well as nearby mountains and farmland around Wilbur and Watauga Dams. Price of the workshop is $400. For more information and to register call (423) 302- 8960 or email rootstudioschool@gmail.com.

Past Workshops

May 16-20, 2022

Painting the Old Town with Peggy Root. Five-day outdoor painting workshop in and around Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town

Interesting architecture, picturesque streets, rolling farmland, creeks, gardens. . . Jonesborough is beautiful in May and there is much to paint! Join us for a week of painting and camaraderie in this five-day intensive workshop. Daily sessions 9 - 4 with a break for lunch. A slide show will be held at the studio during the week. Painters of all levels are welcome to participate. We will meet at Root Studio School at 8:30 a.m. on Monday morning for coffee and an introduction, then proceed on to our painting sites. Lodging and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. For more information, material and equipment suggestions and to register, call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com

May 23-25, 2022

Light is the Subject with Tom Root

In this three-day intensive, we will study the flow and organization of light in painting. Students will participate in a series of targeted exercises designed to heighten their perception and improve their skills. Each day will start with multiple still-life exercises with those lessons applied to work from the live model in the afternoons. 9 - 4 daily, Monday through Wednesday with a one-hour break each day for lunch. (Slide lecture included.) Tuition for the workshop includes model fee.

For information or registration write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com or call us at (423) 302-8960.

May 17-21, 2021

May Painting Camp in Unicoi County with Peggy Root

Join us in May for our first outdoor 5-day painting intensive of 2021! We will meet for introductions at Blackberry Blossom Campground in Limestone Cove at 9 am on Monday. There will be 3 hour morning and afternoon sessions with an hour break for lunch and conversation. For more information and to register call (423) 302-8960 or write us at: rootstudioschool@gmail.com.

Intensive Workshops "en plein air" are designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction and camaraderie with fellow artists. We teach all levels from professional to beginner. This mix enhances the experience for our participants. Our workshop locations vary each year. For those driving, all locations are easily accessed by Interstate 26 and are in close proximity to the Tri-Cities (Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol), the Tri-Cities Airport, Jonesborough, and neighboring communities. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged. A suggested supply list, set-up ideas and workshop details will be sent out to all participants.

Intensive Workshops "en plein air" are designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. We teach all levels from professional to beginner. This mix enhances the experience for our participants. This fall, we will offer two five-day intensive workshops.
Instructor: Peggy Root
Northeast Tennessee is rich in beautiful subject matter: picturesque rolling farmland and farm communities, waterways and dramatic mountainscapes. Our workshop locations vary each year. For those driving, all locations are easily accessed by Interstate 26 and are in close proximity to the Tri-Cities (Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol), the Tri-Cities Airport, Jonesborough and neighboring communities. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged. A suggested supply list, set-up ideas and workshop details will be sent out to all participants upon registration.
For more information and to register call (423) 302- 8960 or write us at: rootstudioschool@gmail.com.

Painting Spring   April 22-26, 2019   Peggy Root, Instructor
A five-day intensive outdoor painting workshop in the mountains and foothills of Northeast Tennessee. For more information write us at: rootstudioschool@gmail.com

Painting In and Around the Old Town   May 20-24, 2019   Peggy Root, Instructor
Five-day intensive outdoor painting workshop around Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee and the beautiful surrounding countryside. For more information write us at: rootstudioschool@gmail.com

Painting Water   Sept. 17-21, 2018   Peggy Root, Instructor
Five days of painting beautiful rivers and rushing mountain creeks of NE Tennessee

Fall Painting Camp   Oct. 15-19, 2018   Peggy Root, Instructor
Five days of Autumn painting in the beautiful foothills and mountains of NE Tennessee

For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodations list, campgrounds and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

September 20-22       Figure/Portrait Workshop with Tom Root

October 16-20            October Outdoor Painting Camp with Peggy Root

September 20-22       Figure/Portrait Workshop with Tom Root

Tom is kicking off the new term with a figure painting and drawing workshop at his Johnson City studio. Students will work from the nude and draped model. Tom will demonstrate "seeing" techniques and painting methods, and will discuss general aspects of anatomy and how to think structurally about the figure. The workshop will include shorter poses for drawing and longer, multi-day poses for painting. This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced adult students and professionals.

This workshop will be held upstairs in Tom's north light studio (Miller Artz Building across from Hands On Museum) at 316 East Main Street, Johnson City. Participants can bring a bag lunch or buy lunch locally.

To reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write: rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. www.rootstudioschool.com

October 16-20            October Outdoor Painting Camp with Peggy Root

In this five-day intensive workshop, we will spend a beautiful week of painting in the beautiful mountains and foothills of Northeast Tennessee. The locations are all located near Interstate 26, Johnson City and Jonesborough. Painters of all levels are welcomed. Painting begins on Monday at 9 a.m. with morning and afternoon sessions. This intensive workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be easily arranged.

For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners. www.rootstudioschool.com

April 20, 21, 22     Portrait/Figure Workshop       Instructor: Tom Root

In this three-day workshop, we'll draw and paint from the nude/partially draped model in Tom's Johnson City studio. Tom will demonstrate "seeing" techniques and painting methods, and will discuss general aspects of anatomy and how to think structurally about the figure. The workshop will include shorter poses for drawing and longer, multi-day poses for painting. This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced adult students and professionals.

This workshop will be held upstairs in Tom's north light studio (Miller Artz Building across from Hands On Museum) at 316 East Main Street, Johnson City. Participants can bring a bag lunch or buy lunch locally.

To reserve your space call (423) 302- 8960, or write: rootstudioschool@gmail.com
For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodations list, campgrounds and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

April 4, 5, 6     Plein Air Workshop and Art Talk       Instructor: Peggy Root

Bluffton, South Carolina sponsored by Society of Bluffton Artists

April 24 - 28     Painting Spring       Instructor: Peggy Root

A five-day intensive painting workshop en plein air in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee

May 22-26     Painting the Old Town       Instructor: Peggy Root

Five-day intensive painting workshop en plein air around and about Historic Jonesborough in beautiful Northeast Tennessee.

Intensive Workshops "en plein air" are designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. We usually have a variety of levels and experience - from beginner to professionals which enhances the experience for all participants. Our beautiful locations in NE Tennessee will be easily accessed by Interstate 26 and in close proximity to Johnson City and the Tri-Cities. Directions and details will be sent out to all participants. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged.   Instructor: Peggy Root

     PAINTING PEOPLE: Figure Drawing/Painting Workshop 2015
             Tom Root, Instructor - Thursdays at Root Studio School - Johnson City Studio.

Join us as we kick off the new school year with a three-day figurative workshop at the Root Studio School. An ability to draw and paint the human figure and a basic understanding of structural anatomy is fundamental to good draftsmanship. This workshop will be devoted to learning to draw and paint the nude and draped human figure, working from the live model. The instructor will demonstrate and discuss various aspects such as: structural anatomy, weight, balance and proportion, form and illumination, and visual techniques for securing a likeness. The class will include shorter poses for drawing and longer, multi-day poses for painting. This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced adult students and professionals. Participants can bring a bag lunch or buy lunch locally. This workshop will be held upstairs in Tom's north light studio ( Miller Artz Building across from Hands On Museum) at 316 East Main Street, Johnson City. To reserve your space call (423) 302- 8960, or write rootstudioschool@gmail.com.

Join us for our five-day "intensive" en plein air workshop in the beautiful mountains of NE Tennessee

In this five-day intensive workshop we will further our skills in painting fast and slow water at several beautiful locations in Northeast Tennessee. Painters of all levels are welcome. There will be morning and afternoon painting sessions with one hour break for lunch. This intensive workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. The locations will be easily accessed by Interstate 26 and in close proximity to Johnson City (and the Tri-Cities), TN. Directions and details will be sent out to all participants. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged. For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists, campgrounds and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

Fall Color . . . just how should I use all those color notes in a painting? Should I edit or suppress some colors? How should I combine color combinations in order to make more pleasing color harmony or increase the drama of the composition?

In this five-day intensive workshop, we will address the challenges that go along with plein air painting in this most colorful time of year. We will spend a week painting scenery in the NE Tennessee foothills and mountains. Painters of all levels are welcome. Painting begins on Monday at 9 a.m. with morning and afternoon sessions. This intensive workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. The locations will be easily accessed by Interstate 26 and in close proximity to the Tri-Cities, TN. Directions and details will be sent out to all participants. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be easily arranged. For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists, campgrounds and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

April 11,  1-4 pm   Taming the Wild Greens
Color mixing and application for summer landscape painting en plein air.
Instructor: Peggy Root

Life, Light and Atmosphere

May 11-15, 9 am-5 pm. Five-Day Intensive Painting Workshop for Artists at the McKinney Center in Historic Jonesborough, TN.

Tom and Peggy Root combine their knowledge and years of experience to teach an intensive immersion workshop to benefit all levels of artists - from beginners to art majors and professionals wanting to refresh their inspiration or shore up their foundational skills. There are 6 lessons/focus points for the week, starting from simple exercises in color, light and form to painting a more complex figurative "environment." Lessons will be directed for oil painting, but participants may work in the medium of their choice. The beautifully appointed McKinney Center for the Arts in Historic Jonesborough will be the setting for this week-long workshop and will provide plenty of space for indoor/outdoor painting and ample parking. Jonesborough has wonderful options for meals and lodging for out-of-town participants, as well as quaint shops, walking trails, history, and southern hospitality along with every convenience. For more information about this five-day workshop and a supply list, call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com.

Painting the Old Town

5-Day Intensive Workshop en Plein Air, June 15-19   Instructor: Peggy Root

Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee. Interesting architecture, picturesque streets, rolling farmland, creeks, gardens . . . Jonesborough is beautiful in June and there is much to paint!

Join us for a week of painting and camaraderie in this five-day intensive workshop in Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town. Painters of all levels are welcome to participate. Painting begins on Monday morning, June15 th at 9 a.m. For more information and to register, call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com . Accommodations list, discounts on lodging and local tourist information available for out-of- towners.

Five-Day Intensive Outdoor Landscape Painting Workshop with Peggy Root

Join us! In this five-day intensive workshop we will further our skills in painting water at several beautiful locations in Northeast Tennessee. Painters of all levels are welcome. There will be morning and afternoon painting sessions with one hour break for lunch. This intensive workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. The locations will be easily accessed by Interstate 26 and in close proximity to Johnson City, TN. Directions and details will be sent out to all participants. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be arranged. For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

Saturday Afternoon Workshops at Root Studio School

During the cooler months, we offer short, one afternoon, workshops on single topics of interest to artists of all levels. We will meet at the (warm) studio school for a discussion and slide show, a coffee and cookie break and then painting practice! These workshops will run 1:00 pm to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday Afternoon.

Call or write to reserve your spot. You are welcome to bring along your landscape work for an informal critique.

March 29, 2014    Painting the Bare Landscape    Peggy Root, instructor
In the winter and early spring, we can see the "anatomy" of a landscape. In this workshop we will discuss how to use the winter months to improve our "seeing" skills and how to use linear and atmospheric perspective in a simple landscape to tell the story in paint.

April 12, 2014    Gearing up for Outdoor Painting    Peggy Root, Instructor
At this workshop, our topic will be the practical details of painting out-of-doors, equipment and paint, working with variable light, weather, bugs and all the details as we get ready for warmer weather.

Capturing Mood in Your Landscapes

Saturday Afternoon Workshops are back! We offer a series of short, one afternoon, workshops on single topics during the winter months. We will meet at the (warm) studio school for a discussion of particular painting techniques, a coffee and cookie break and then painting practice! These workshops will run 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturdays - once a month. Call or write to reserve your spot. You are welcome to bring along your landscape work for an informal critique. Instructor: Peggy Root

Form and Structure in the Landscape

June 3-7, 2013   Instructor: Peggy Root

In this five-day intensive workshop we will further our skills in painting form and structure in the beautiful farmland and mountains of Northeast Tennessee. Painters of all levels are welcomed. An introduction and slideshow/talk will be held Sunday evening (June 2) at the Studio School before the workshop begins. Painting begins Monday at 9 a.m. with morning and afternoon sessions. This workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be easily arranged. For more information call: (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com . Accommodation lists and local tourist information are available for out-of-towners.

Art Camp for Kids

Mark your calendars! ART CAMP! We have exciting things planned for June 22-26th, 2015.
Jonesborough studio

Mornings are designed for ages 8-11.
Afternoons are designed for ages 12-16.
Register early; class will fill at 12 students.

Children's Art Camp

June 17-21, 2013, 2-5 pm

Mark your calendars for our popular Art Camp!

Ages 7 - 12

Painting Sky

February 9, 2013 (Saturday Afternoon Workshop)   Instructor: Peggy Root

Composition and Storytelling

March 9, 2013 (Saturday Afternoon Workshop)   Instructor: Peggy Root

In response to many requests, we are offering a series of short, one afternoon, workshops on single topics during the winter months. We will meet at the (warm) studio school for a discussion of particular painting techniques, a coffee and cookie break and then painting practice! These workshops will run 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturdays - once a month. Call or write to reserve your spot. You are welcome to bring along your landscape work for an informal critique.

          Figure and Portrait Workshop - Sept. 4-7
          Intensive Landscape Workshops Sept. 17 - 21 and Oct. 15 - 19
          Saturday Afternoon Workshops

Figure and Portrait Workshop

Sept. 4-7, 2012          9 am to 4 pm

Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, A Fallen Angel, circa 1752

Join us as we kick off the new school year with a four-day figurative workshop at the Root Studio School. Figure drawing/painting is fundamental for good draftmanship and important for the landscape and still life painter as well as the figurative painter. Adult Students/artists of all levels are welcome to participate. Serious high school students will be considered (via porfolio review).

Mornings (9:30 - 12:30) will be devoted to painting and drawing a portrait from the live model. The instructor will demonstrate and discuss aspects of the portrait including: likeness, posing, lighting, design and various historic painting methods. Afternoons (1:30 -4:30) will include instruction in figure drawing/painting and anatomy. Working from the live model, students will learn to see action, proportion, balance, weight, form, linear rhythm and anatomical construction. Different approaches and techniques will be explored.

Participants can bring a bag lunch or buy lunch locally. There will be a gathering for participants on Thursday evening with pot luck dinner and slide show given by the instructor. For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation list and local tourist information available for out-of-towners.

Workshops en plein air

Sunlight and Shadow - Sept. 17-21, 2012
Intensive Landscape Painting Workshop

Instructor: Peggy Root

In this five-day intensive workshop we will further our skills in painting sunlight and shadow at a beautiful location along the shores of the Watauga River in East Tennessee. Painters of all levels are welcomed. An introduction and slideshow/talk will be held Sunday evening at the Root Studio School before workshop begins (Sept. 16). Painting begins on Monday at 9 a.m. with morning and afternoon sessions. This intensive workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. This location is a short drive from Root Studio School. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be easily arranged. For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

Fall Color - October 15-19, 2012

Instructor: Peggy Root

Intensive Landscape Painting Workshop

In this five-day intensive workshop, we will spend a beautiful week on Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee, at Bays Mountain Park/Kingsport Reservoir. Bays Mountain Park is a 3,550-acre nature preserve with picnic shelters and restrooms, a nature center, planetarium, trails and a 44 acre lake. The park is a 30 minute drive from Root Studio School. Painters of all levels are welcomed. Painting begins on Monday at 9 a.m. with morning and afternoon sessions. This intensive workshop is designed to provide plenty of time for painting, instruction, and camaraderie with fellow artists. Car-pooling and rides for those attending without cars can be easily arranged. For more information and to reserve your space call (423) 302-8960 or write us at rootstudioschool@gmail.com. Accommodation lists and local tourist information is available for out-of-towners.

Call (423) 302-8960 or email rootstudioschool@gmail.com for information or registration. We try to keep our class sizes small and our rates affordable for artists and students.

To mail your tuition payment or deposit, please use this address:
Root Studio School, 606 Depot Street, Jonesborough, TN, 37659.