Private Painting Lessons

I’m Adria Moynihan Rusk and I teach private painting lessons at my Portland, Maine studio or online. Lessons are custom tailored and designed to be educational, fun, and encouraging! 

I welcome brand new painters (adults and teens), or those looking to build on their existing skills with guidance and more personal attention. I teach oils or acrylics, whichever is the student’s preference.

Online lessons via Zoom are available to anyone near or far who would prefer virtual, real-time instruction.

My approach

My teaching style has a foundation in realism with a strong leaning toward impressionism. I help students step back from old habits and assumptions about painting and lead them toward a freer, more confident painterly aesthetic. 

Whether you are brand new to painting or looking to get back into it after time away, I can help. Together we will discuss your goals and create a lesson plan that is just right for you. Through short exercises and multi-session paintings you'll learn about materials, foundational skills, and advanced techniques that will help you manifest your own painting practice over time. 

Examples of things we study

• Drawing & painting from life (learning to translate what we see)

• Color theory and paint mixing

• Painting materials, tools, and best practices

• Composition and editing

• Painting representationally while keeping it loose

• Custom exercises and study based on student needs

Equipment and Supplies

Supplies: I provide most materials for in-person lessons. Online students will receive a supply list once we book our first lesson. I strive to keep the list simple yet artist-grade. I teach in both oils and acrylics so the list will vary depending on your chosen medium.

Technology: In the studio you’ll need ZERO, it’s a great break from technology! For online lessons you’ll need a strong internet connection and a computer/laptop with a built-in or external/usb camera. I need to be able to see your face and your studio setup/canvas, but not both at the same time (one camera is enough). You do not need a Zoom account (unless you want one), you can just follow the link I send you.

Rates

Six one-hour lessons (required commitment for all students): $700
Learning how to paint, or returning to painting after time away, deserves a commitment of your time and practice. The best way to start is with six lessons which will cover the basics of painting, the materials we use, how to see and what to emphasize, and how to start and finish a painting. Whether you are brand new to painting or looking for new perspective, this is where we start.

Want to share your lesson with a friend? Shared lessons are offered for up to 3 students who have similar experience levels/interests, who start lessons at the same time, and who come together (I don’t assign painting partners). The rate for shared lessons is $500pp for the 6 hour package.

Book a Free Meet & Greet

I offer a free 15 minute meet and greet to all hopeful students (this is optional). Meet me prior to scheduling your first lesson, discuss your goals, and see if it's a good fit. M&Gs are held via zoom.

Ready to book your lessons?

It’s best to email me directly to book your lessons. It can sometimes take a few weeks to find an opening that works for both of us, so it’s best not to wait if you’d like to begin soon.

Gift Certificates

Note: My typical teaching hours are 9-4 M-Th. If you need times outside of these hours please contact me before purchasing a gift certificate to confirm that we can make it work.

Lesson policies

Prior to booking a lesson, please read the lesson policies outlined here.

Are you looking for a single lesson? For those looking for a one-time event without the commitment of lessons, I do offer private 2hr painting workshops, each with a specific focus.

Are you interested in a larger class for more than 3 students?
Private lessons are my focus but occasionally I’m able to offer a group class. Sign up for group classes and workshops here (when available), or contact me to discuss creating a custom class for your group. And make sure to join my newsletter to be notified about future offerings.

Do you have a teenager (12+) who might benefit from private instruction?
I teach kids age 12 and up, and I love working with young artists! Contact me to tell me more about your teen and we’ll see if it sounds like a good match.

Are painting lessons right for you? Painting is a practice and it requires a commitment of time and attention. Your progress will align with how often you attend lessons and how often you practice outside of class (although it’s never required). The first six lessons will cover fundamental skills using exercises that highlight each skill. After that we can dive deeper into your personal interests and hone in on your preferred style of painting. If this sounds good, let’s work together!

What students are saying...

“My art experience with Adria over the past four plus years has been nothing short of inspiring, exciting and just as important, great fun. As a beginner, she was patient and carefully explained each step in terms I understood and as I have become more experienced, she has allowed me the freedom to experiment while gently guiding me in interesting directions.” — Katherine E., Freeport, ME

“I have been taking private lessons with Adria for almost two years now and have thoroughly enjoyed my weekly painting with her… She is a great teacher. I was an educator for many years and I know how difficult it can be to get across an idea in a clear way that you can understand and follow. Adria is passionate about painting and never hesitates to share that love with her students.” -MaryAnn H., Portland, ME

“Coming to Adria with relatively little painting experience, I have been wonderfully impressed by her unique teaching approach. Her lessons always manage to strike the right balance between teaching the technical side of painting, while at the same time encouraging the development of individual creativity and vision. Her studio provides the perfect environment in which to escape, and her subtle, encouraging guidance insures that my hours spent there are some of the most worthwhile of my week. Even after a short period of time, I have noticed a significant improvement in my own work.” — Lindsey D., MA