“But when you are taking fashion illustration at FIT, you have to take a couple of painting classes. The most interesting thing that I've learned over time painting, is that painting is not drawing. That's one of the things that I do teach in my classes. It's not tracing something on a canvas and filling it in, you're actually painting light,” said Ric.

Kristan Vermeulen sat down with Ric to learn more about his craft of plein air art and the important light is for painters. Ric describes looking at various photos to create your painting but really noticing the light in each scene. 

It was Kristan's first time taking an oil painting workshop and it was a great experience and her painting turned out fairly well. 

I had to ask him, why plein air? He has done so many styles of painting, so why is this his specialty? He shares that this part could be because of where he lives, Maine. There are so many beautiful scenes to paint each and every season. I don’t blame him for wanting to paint these gorgeous scenes - especially the ones he sees from his private studio in Ogunquit. “One of my instructors told me that you have to love the process, as well as the final result, right? So I love painting outdoors, I want to share that love with other people.”

Ric shares what he has learned through the years in workshops at the Cliff House Resort. He also sells his lovely work at the resort and on his website. 

Also, stay until the end to hear local musician Liz Beebe's new track Try It Out.

Thanks to Berlin City Auto Group for the eco-friendly option when traveling to Ogunquit and for sponsoring this podcast. Also, thanks to Frances Mahoney for joining me and taking the photos!

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