“To create one’s own world takes courage.”
-Georgia O’Keeffe
So much of my photography education has come from reading books. Through the pages of these books, I have learned from incredible artists.
The photographs and composites below would not exist without inspiration I gained while reading books about famous artists.
Please join me in a guided book study for seven months. During this book study, we will explore the work and lives of Georgia O’Keefe, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse. As we immerse ourselves into reading about these important artists, we will create photographs and art influenced by our reading and study. We will also discover the artists within ourselves.
During the guided book study, we will focus on one book or artists per month. The first book has been selected by your instructor. The first book is not currently available new at this time. Your instructor will mail a used copy of this book to you before the book study begins. All following books will be self-selected and purchased by participants for the assigned artists. Participants will have the opportunity to select their own books based upon the depth they wish to explore in a given month. The instructor will offer suggestions for ways to find the just right books for studying each artist.
After reading the books, we will meet on Zoom for a discussion of the books and to share photographs, artwork, and insights inspired by reading the books.
The schedule for the Artist book study is:
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom Introduction to Study
(You will receive the title of our first book to purchase.)
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Sunday, June 7, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Sunday, July 5, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Sunday, September 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Sunday, October 4, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Meetings will take place using Zoom technology. This study will consist of an introductory session followed by six educational Zoom sessions. Each session will be approximately one hour to two hours in length. Since participation will allow you to be much more successful, please make sure you will be available for all sessions.
Participants will be responsible for getting their own books, whether from the public library or bookseller.
The registration fee for the book study is $325.00. The registration fee $325.00 covers seven educational sessions led by Mary using Zoom technology. Other than the first book, participants will be responsible for purchasing their books.
Testimonials:
“Participating in the artist book study has been an enlightening journey that transformed my understanding of the artists and myself. Reading their stories and seeing their art gave me such inspiration. Creating the images for each artist allowed me to express my thoughts and emotions in a way I never would have. I am grateful for Mary for guiding us through this study and encouraging us to explore our own creativity.”
Photograph and quote courtesy of Jenny L.
“I participated in several of Mary’s workshops over the last couple of years. Not only is Mary an incredibly talented photographer but she’s an amazing and supportive teacher. She challenges you to move out of your comfort zone to learn more about yourself and to think differently about photography to produce more creative images. Can’t wait for our next adventure!”
Photograph and quote courtesy of Stephanie J.
“Having taken two of Mary’s Book Study sessions, my eyes have been opened to a new appreciation for the artists we have studied. From Ansel Adams, Georgia O’keeffe and the like to Frida Kahlo, Vincent Van Gogh and other great artists, her classes have encouraged me to read more about other artists and to visit more exhibitions of artists in general. Her group Zoom sessions were well planned giving each member of the group the freedom to express through discussing the artists and to make images inspired by the artists. My love of photography has been enhanced by studying the artists in depth and Mary’s classes have made that happen. I highly recommend Mary’s classes!”
Photograph and quote courtesy of Lynne D.
“Mary’s workshop enlightened my knowledge about artist’s that I had heard of and seen works from all my life, but never studied them as real people with joys, sadness, and challenges that we all experience. Each student chose their own study material with freedom to use multiple types of resources to share with the other participants. Mary was very knowledgeable about the artists we studied and was very encouraging to all in the workshop.”
Photograph and quote courtesy of Melony P.
“Mary created a supportive and sharing community in the Meet the Artists Book Study group. Five different artists were studied and discussed. Each participant chose their own book(s) about each artist to read and share with the group. Everyone brought their own interests and perspective about the artist to each discussion giving us a broad overview of each artist. In addition, each member of the group shared a series of photos they created that were influenced by each artist we studied. My participation in this class has opened my eyes to some new ways of thinking about what, why, and how I am photographing each time I click the shutter.”
Photograph and quote courtesy of Levia H.
“This photography workshop and book study was very transformative. Exploring the work of a modern artists through both a creative and critical lens gave me a whole new appreciation for contemporary photography. The sessions struck a perfect balance between technical skill building and artistic discussion. I enjoyed learning about the artist assigned and the creative photographs inspired by the artists that everyone shared. I left each session feeling inspired, challenged and more connected to my vision as a photographer. This is a great opportunity to grow and be inspired.”
Photograph and quote courtesy of Vicki W.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel your registration 30 days before the event, you will receive a refund for the event’s tuition paid minus a $25.00 processing charge. No refunds will be given within 30 days of the event. No refunds will be given for cancellations or no-shows once the event has started. To initiate a refund, please send an email to mproberts123@comporium.net.
Mary Presson Roberts (The Mary Photographer, LLC) reserves the right to cancel a workshop, class, or photo tour. Should the cancellation of an event by Mary Presson Roberts (The Mary Photographer, LLC) be necessary, participants will be informed as soon as possible, and tuition fees will be refunded in full. Mary Presson Roberts (The Mary Photographer, LLC) is not responsible for any losses incurred due to such cancellation.
I encourage participants to purchase refundable transportation fares and/or trip cancellation insurance if workshop/event requires travel.
By registering for a workshop, it’s understood that you are aware of and agree to our cancellation policies.
Registration:
Registration is limited; sign up and pay for your slot today using the button below (Paypal and all major credit cards accepted). If you want to pay by check, please reach out to me through my contact page by clicking here.