Testimonials

“I spent two glorious semesters in 1974-75 at The Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing. I never imagined how it would change my life, and that the lessons learned about art would touch every part of my life. I learned to see with new eyes, giving attention to the light. I learned that one mark, one value affects every other mark and value, thus the whole piece. Amazing how these lessons are valuable in teaching, in music, in personal relationships and in life. I am forever grateful to this community of artists that welcomed me with love and respect, and continues to do so. The LMSP&D gift of learning to see has helped me to find a profound joy in the natural world and the people in my life. I have mastered none of these LMSP&D lessons, but am happily making progress.” - Nanette Jenkins, student, 1974-75

“While at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing I learned to see and paint the natural landscape in a way I had not before, which nurtured my love of art and artmaking. The critiques and color theory classes were comprehensive, deep, and practical while also emphasizing an intuitive way of seeing. I also experienced the best art history education at the school while in Paris and Florence, standing in front of the very paintings, drawings, and sculptures that we were studying. But most of all, at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing, I made cherished, lifelong friends with whom I still frequently talk about painting. My teachers were Billy Weyman, Sam Bjorklund, John Gasparach, Chris Coffee, and Alan Roberts. I have the highest respect for these teachers. My art education at the LMSP&D was transformative.” - Jill O’Bryan, student, 1976-77

“I’m grateful I had the opportunity to attend the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing—it was an exceptional experience.  The community of students, the beautiful city of Aix and the surrounding countryside, and the supportive teachers provided a wonderful environment to grow as an artist.  Most importantly, the school’s core teachings about light and form gave me a strong foundation for thinking about the visual arts in general and about my own painting.” - Elizabeth Ivers, student, 1979-80

Five-Week High School Summer Program: “Painting in Provence: A Seminar in Vision”

“The Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing summer program was honestly one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve had. Living and painting in Aix en Provence gave me a new way of seeing art, less about getting everything “right” and more about really paying attention to the world around me. The small, supportive group made it easy to try new things, even when I wasn’t sure they’d work. I left with better skills, but also a lot more confidence in my own creative voice. I learned that I can adapt to new places quickly and that my best work comes when I’m not afraid to make mistakes.” - Isabel, Summer 2025 student from the Watershed School, Boulder, Colorado

“It was very valuable to experience, half of what I learned from the great teachers and half from staying in a foreign country for so long. It made me realize how much I want to live somewhere European.” - Elliott, Summer 2024 student from North Fork High School, Hotchkiss, Colorado

“I gained a new perspective of the world as well as a better eye for color and a more thoughtful way of going about my art. When I look around I can now differentiate between cool and warm toned color and think about which colors I would have to use to make it.” - Alexis, Summer 2024 student from Horace Mann in New York, New York

“I would recommend this program. Living in Aix let me experience a different type of environment than what I am used to. It is a very charming, beautiful little city and I was very familiar with it's layout by the end of my trip. I also enjoyed leaning now to paint en plein air. It forced me out of my comfort zone and I was very happy with my paintings and the progress I made throughout the program.” - Stella, Summer 2024 student from Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, Maryland

“The program offers room for you to grow as a person. Regardless of what is going on back home, it provides an opportunity for you to have room to think about things and to reflect. This includes during creative writing sessions and even with each stroke on the canvas.” - Nickole, Summer 2023 student from the Hewitt School, New York, New York

“The program turns out to be about much more than just art. I learned so much about myself and developed a lot of independence. It was very enriching art-wise as well!” - Hannah, Summer 2023 student from Georgetown Day School, Washington, D.C.

“I couldn't have loved my experience at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing any more than I already do. Staying with the group of high schoolers and the teachers formed friendships I will never forget. I couldn't be more grateful for the people I met. Hilary, Rose, Cathleen, Estelle, Barry, and Alan are some of the kindest people and souls I have ever met. The experience was filled with love and intelligence. I still remember the peacebuilding seminar where we watched the video about the ice cream shop in Rwanda and everything about the program kind of clicked for me and I really knew that I loved being in Aix, painting with new friends, and learning about art history. if you are considering participating in this program, just do it; it is worth any price you put on it.” - Cira, Summer 2023 student from the Lawrenceville School, Lawrence, New Jersey

“Be completely open-minded and welcome in learning. Rather than being intimidated by how far away Aix is, or maybe trying a new medium, or the fact that fellow program members are all strangers to you at first, embrace that as a chance to also discover new things about yourself and your ability to navigate and flourish in a completely different dynamic.” - Joy-Shanti, Summer 2023 student from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts

“The Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing summer program was a really transformative experience I recommend to artists of all skill levels. It is an opportunity to live and explore a beautiful little town in the south of France. There is so much to see and do and the locals are so fun, making it a great place to learn the French language and become really immersed in the culture. There is something for everyone to learn – from the basics of color theory and mixing, to techniques for plein air painting. Additionally, it is an opportunity to learn art history by experiencing much of the art you will learn about in person and really dissecting the works and lives of famous artists. You will learn and form relationships with like minded people, people with more experience, less experience and very knowledgeable people. It is really the experience of a lifetime!” - Isabella, Summer 2023 student from the Nightingale Bamford School, New York, New York

”My art most definitely changed. I got newfound confidence in my own independence. I loved being in France and experiencing the culture.” - Elle F., Summer 2022 student from The Field School, Washington, D.C.

“My art changed massively, and I learned to work a whole new medium which for me was oil painting. I developed a true sense of admiration and wonder for the world around me that I had never before truly seen, and for that I am incredibly grateful.” - Josephine H., Summer 2022 student from Polytechnic High School, Los Angeles

”I believe that a large part of the impact this program had on me was how it changed how I think about art. The methods of teaching that the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing uses let me “see” my art through a new lens. I now can ask myself the right questions when making art: what’s the character that I want to convey, and what elements are essential to create this character while benefitting the whole? What elements should be sacrificed for the good of the whole? How can I utilize color theory to create balanced shadows that complement the light? Another thing that I learned to develop was a fast-paced approach to painting. This helped me eliminate things that in the past had been negatively impacting my art: attention to detail, an obsession to fill the page, and unnecessary elements. Something that was entirely new to me this program was color theory. I had essentially never learned basic color theory, and this program was a game changer. Along with this, I’m so grateful for the endless new things that I learned but can’t list.” - Anna F., Summer 2022 student from Georgetown Day School, Washington, D.C.

”I learned how to draw and how to paint and capture the incandescent quality of light.” - Sophia H., Summer 2022 student from Holton Arms, Washington, D.C.

Five-Week Adult Summer Program: “Painting in Provence: A Seminar in Vision”

“My experience at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing was beyond my expectations. It was a lifetime experience, full of joy, learning and a great sense of community. The program is very well designed and organized. The opportunity to dive into the practice of plein air painting is really one of the “highest points” of the school’s proposal. Blending painting courses, creative writing, French and Museum Studies was also a very interesting dynamic. The staff, the professors are very kind, very open and supportive. I would recommend the LMSP&D to everyone that wants to develop their painting experience.” - Dani, Summer 2025 student

“An absolutely amazing experience. Exceeded all my expectations. The studio in town and the farmhouse were amazing locations which created an amazing atmosphere for painting. Everyone working on staff were so kind and helpful from painting advice to shopping recommendations.” - Louisa, Summer 2025 student

“I overall really loved the program and I would absolutely recommend it to people interested in it. It was my first time ever painting and I found it to be a great introduction into the medium. The landscapes we painting were very inspiring to draw from, and I found all the instructors to be helpful and insightful in different ways, expanding my understanding of the medium without directing me into a specific technique.” - Michael, Summer 2025 student

“As [I returned home and] August unfolded, I realized that I had actually changed from my experiences at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing. Starting with listening more to my classical music and then, when I was in my garden, I realized how my observation about color and landscape had intensified. Wanting to spend more time painting seemed to be an important goal. The experience has put things more into perspective and has made me prioritize what’s important.” - Barbara, Summer 2025 student

“Do it!! The Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing opened my eyes to an entirely new way of painting and experiencing the world. I would strongly recommend choosing a homestay (Estelle picks excellent matches) and fully participating in all the activities from creative writing to peace building to painting in plein air. All the classes, caring faculty, and the beautiful setting of Aix culminated in one of the best experiences of my life. Your heart will feel fuller :)” - Carmen, Summer 2024 student

“I cannot emphasize enough the impact the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing has had not only on my way of thinking, but my way of being as well. I drive stretches of highway in my car and see colors previously hidden from my mind. The world has turned from a dull place of musts into a world where I snap photos of ‘motifs’ I want to return to and wonder aloud at the purples in the turning trees and the reds in the shadows of the grass. The LMSP&D is run by a team of passionate and enthusiastic artists that show up every day to aid you on this journey. They are kind and caring and revel with you in this excitement of unlocking a new world. I gained so much knowledge about art practice as a whole and also developed a new skill, painting in oils, which I had previously never tried. I discovered a certain self confidence. The kind that comes with mastering the twisting streets and alleys of a new city but also with practicing looking at making everyday in an attempt to have it become second nature. I feel so very proud of myself and the relationships I made with others and the world around me during my time at the school. I am sure these relationships will continue to foster in years to come!” - Maurin, Summer 2024 student

“This program is life changing. I learned a lot about how to view the world and find beauty all around me along with ways to express that beauty through art. I found myself and was able to work through aspects of my life that I’d been ignoring for 10 years. Through drawing I found a quick way to express my big feelings, through writing I found a way to study myself and poetically communicate what had previously been to hard to look at, through painting I found meditation as the canvas slowly came to life before my eyes with an image that combined what I was seeing, how I saw it, and how I was feeling. It’s true that you get as much out of the program as you put in, and I put in everything I had and came out a new person because of it. I was exhausted a lot of the time outside of class but I wouldn’t give up the experience and learning I did there for anything else in the world. I highly recommend going.” - Cassi, Summer 2024 student

“The summer program is amazing. The chance to draw and paint everyday and to experiment with different styles and ideas was remarkable -- especially in beautiful Aix and with the expert Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing team. It's difficult to explain how much I learned during the program and how the teaching is still shaping and challenging my work at home. I will be exploring the experience and the inspiration I took away from it for a long time to come. Mille mercis! - Lauren, Summer 2024 student

“This trip was important for me in considering my relationship to art. There is a universal characteristic of art that is helpfully observed in painting; art is always a process of trying to look better and then trying to communicate better, and it is also a process of removing yourself. The painting outings, seminars, and museum trips all framed my thinking for five weeks on how I look at what’s around me and how I convey that, and then within that frame of mind I was in a beautifully constructed town and also a home stay that was different from my life but intimate.” - Benjamin, Summer 2024 student

“The Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing summer program was rich, deep, and meaningful. I grew in my understanding of and experience of art. The program is centered around fine art, classical thought, and making connections between art, light and dark, life, and the eternal. I have been enriched, both in my soul and in my art, including writing, through this program.” - Tammy, Summer 2023 student

“If anyone is considering this program, do it. If you have no art experience or have spent your whole life as an artist, you will gain so much from taking the jump and going. I became a stronger artist from this program because of how it taught me to see and experience life around me. There are not many moments where you can fly across the ocean and live in a house full of people who don’t speak the same language as you, go out into a field and paint, complete writing prompts over a glass of wine, and exchange ideas with 20 people with different backgrounds. This program taught me how to perceive my world and really ground myself where my feet are, and I am forever grateful for that.” - Zoe, Summer 2023 student

“The Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing program holds such a special place in my heart! Through those five weeks, my artwork, and how I see the artistic process grew incredibly. I began to connect with my surroundings in a much more present way, and was able to really refine how this new view of the world could impact my art. By taking this step of attending this program, I gained such confidence in myself as an artist and as an individual capable of pursuing my passions. As a magical bonus to expanding my comfort zone, I found a sense of home in Aix, in the French language and culture, in new friendships.” - Hannah, Summer 2023 student

“I would recommend the program to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the way that they look into the world and the way that this looking and attention can deepen their own sense of a belonging to the forms, patterns, and beauty around them.” - Peter, Summer 2023 student

“My time spent at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing developed my work from the inside out. I felt studying there granted me the freedom to accept my own style and develop it, and relinquish the expectations of painting in any particular manner other than that which was my own.” - Liz, Summer 2023 student

“The program was a wonderful and valuable learning experience. I learned how to travel comfortably and interact with people from diverse walks of life. I discovered new facets of myself, like adaptability and creativity.” - Lucy, Summer 2023 student

“I walked away with a confidence in my painting and learned how to incorporate creativity in my life in a way that I hadn't done before. I don't know if I'll be a painter but I now know I will prioritize finding some creative pursuit in my life.” - David, Summer 2023 student

“The experience has made painting accessible to a beginner like myself. I'm no longer afraid to make art. I had to get vulnerable often which is difficult for me, but I think that it showed me that I am creative, and this is an important part of being human.” - Ann, Summer 2023 student

“It was incredible to see such measurable growth and confidence in the group of artists and I was proud to be a part of the first cohort of this new era of the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing. I felt like I was not only able to see the way the program is taught from another perspective and learn from the way Alan engages with questions and student struggles, but I was also able to get closer to what I was seeing and experiencing in the landscape in my art. I was so grateful for the time I got to spend with the program and continue to recommend it to everyone I can!” - Amelia M., Summer 2022 student from Washington, D.C.

Weekend Museum Study Seminars in the U.S.

“This seminar was very interesting and enjoyable! I loved hearing Alan's perspective on each of the paintings we evaluated. I also enjoyed hearing other participants weigh in on their views of each piece and being able to contribute myself. It was great to experience the art with other people who are connected to the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing and share our love of art together while learning. It helped me refine my ability to see, understand, and appreciate the art at a deeper level. I highly recommend this seminar to those who enjoy discussing art with others.” - Gloria, October 2023 Philadelphia Museum Program Participant

“I had a transformative experience at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing. Alan and Rose created such a warm and welcoming space for participants to share their thoughts and insights on works of art. It was a joy and a privilege to spend three hours talking at length about one Rembrandt with such an engaged group of people.” - Caroline, February 2023 New York City Museum Program Participant

“As always, the weekend at the museum with the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing was the most rejuvenating way to spend a few days. Looking at art with the school is unlike any other way of looking: slow, careful, thoughtful looking and learning and studying, comparing different pieces and relating them to a reading (provided ahead of time). It's been instrumental in both my painting practice and in the way I look at the world. I cannot recommend this enough!” - Clare, February 2023 New York City Museum Program Participant

”We all looked deeply together, wrestling honestly with what we saw, and endeavoring to better understand what it meant. The seminar provided me with valuable insight into the nature of art and inspiration to keep trying to create it." - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

“My weekend with the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing in D.C. was really fantastic! We always say this about the LMSP&D, but it was honestly life-changing. I feel so inspired to create more artwork. I learned an enormous amount, both philosophically and practically. The seminar experience with the school was fascinating and community-building. I felt welcomed as part of the LMSP&D family! Not only did we get to discuss great works of art but we made new friends and had a lot of fun.” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

”If anyone is considering attending a seminar like this, I highly recommend it! Even if you are not an artist, if you appreciate art, you will learn so much! It was great to meet others with varied art backgrounds and interests. Definitely a worthwhile way to spend some time. Reasonably priced and well-organized. Lots of art history and thoughtful discourse about the artists and the works that we saw. Most enjoyable!” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

”It's difficult to put how beautiful the time spent together was in words. Not only was the seminar well structured, but spending more time in front of paintings than I have ever before showed to be much more powerful than one could ever realize. The amazing people attending the seminar made the time in the museum and out of it even more special. I will say it has driven me to work towards a longer period of time with the school and it was moving to see how passionate everyone has been about the school and how my passion for the school has also grown.” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

”Alan imparted light, colors, and great words to reveal beauty and meaning to each of us gathered around the paintings. Nothing short of a life force he was! There is magic in the Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing! I experienced that magic when my son attended the school. But, what a treat to have my own LMSP&D Magic those days at the National!” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

"I don't consider myself a painter, but after the seminar, I can begin to see like a painter. So much excellent dialogue surrounding multiple aspects of visual art. So many thought-provoking points of view. Loved having painting tied into writing, music, and dance. Each discipline informs the others. My own creative impulses were definitely sparked by the weekend. Thank you.” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

"Spending three days looking at paintings in the National Gallery of Art felt like a privilege. I've always been interested in painting, art history, and art criticism so participating in this seminar was kind of like being a little kid in a candy store...” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

”Being a student of the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing was an unforgettable experience. This seminar allowed me to travel back in time when I was a young 18-year-old trying to figure out what I wanted out of life. The LMSP&D gave me a grounding and an understanding of how to see art and the world. This seminar was a small piece of that magical experience, so many moons ago. It was how many others described it, transformational.” - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

"What a joy to get to spend time looking in-depth at paintings to be able to better understand the artist and the work of art on a deeper level. Alan always uses his expertise and gentle guidance to encourage every participant’s insight no matter what their artistic experience may be. A very enriching experience!" - September 2022 Washington, D.C. Museum Program Participant

Week-long Venice Program

“As transcendent experiences are, this was/is beyond words…but words will have to do. Thank you to the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing team for all for your kind, gracious, and loving support and encouragement. Especially Rose who responded warmly to my questions and concerns before and during the class. She helped bring me to Venice. Thank you to Alan for opening up my mind (almost beyond its capacity) every day with a personalized ‘art lesson’; teaching me to see differently; and initiating me into the infinite possibilities of oil. Thank you to Cathleen for waiting for me when I ‘missed the boat’, for skipping class to go to church together, and for being my friend. Thanks to everyone for inspiring me with your art…. and for being excellent companions on our life long learning journeys. … and for all the delightful discussions about literature, life, philosophy, and art history, etc., etc., and etc.” - Stephanie, Venice 2025 participant

”Painting in Venice with the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing and Alan, Cathleen, Pauline, and the other staff was an amazing experience for me. I hadn't painted in awhile and this was freeing and allowed me to paint large (canvas wise) and try new things. Cathleen was a smiling angel for all our needs, Alan and Pauline were so positive and loving and helpful in their thoughts about painting in general and my work. I felt free to try new things and allow myself to immerse into the experience of mixing and painting, when time disappears. This week will stay with me for a long time. I know I need lots of time to process all that went on. This is a deep, profound experience where you can let yourself go into your personal world of growth through art and painting. The group is help in loving, sensitive, and caring hands, allowing one to delve deeper into one's art. I'm grateful for the magic of the week and the kindness, knowledge, and joy of the staff. Not to be missed.” - Charlotte, Venice 2024 participant

“I’ve participated in classes and uninstructed workshops at Otis, UCLA, CalArts, Santa Monica College, Art Centers, and a few private workshops, and no experience I’ve ever had comes close to the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing Experience; the incredible warmth and wisdom of faculty, and participants, the incredible organization, the materials provided, the teaching philosophy, and most of all the spirit is unlike anything I’ve been a part of. Cathleen and Alan made it all look so easy, and I know it is not, and am in awe of them. (And of Rose, off stage but no doubt handling much of it). I only wish there had been more time: more time painting, and more lessons/demonstrations. I feel as if I have discovered a new approach, a new attitude, and a new confidence. I had never painted en plein air with oils before, and was very wary of it. But that was the least it; i felt that I grew as an artist, and am just beginning to experience that growth.” - Jon, Venice 2024 participant

“It was a wonderful, beguiling, diverting, magical, enchanting journey of hard work and learning and I loved every minute and now the task is to come back down to earth and re-enter ‘real’ life with at least some of what I learned internalized.” - Sharon, Venice 2023, 2024, and 2025 participant

“I would highly and unreservedly recommend the Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing to any individual considering one of its programs. While the environments in which the programs are taught are hugely inspiring it is the level of individualized tutelage that make the program so worthwhile. And I am thrilled to say that my skills and resulting art took a giant step forward after our week in Venice with Alan Roberts.” - Hilary, Venice 2023 participant

“You can’t go wrong with a workshop in Venice led by Alan! I would do it again in a heartbeat.” - Meredith, Venice 2023 participant