Cape Cod School of Art

Cape Cod School of Art, founded in 1899 by Charles W. Hawthorne in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is recognized as America's first outdoor painting school. It emphasized plein air (outdoor) painting, encouraging students to capture natural light and scenery directly from nature. The school became influential in the American Impressionist movement, blending traditional techniques with fresh, direct observation. Over the years, it educated many artists and fostered a vibrant artistic community. Today, it remains a historic site and continues to promote outdoor art education, celebrating the scenic Cape Cod landscape as a source of inspiration.