Classes and Tutorials
Have you always wanted to learn to paint but felt overwhelmed by the process? Maybe you feel like artistic talent is just something you are born with or without?
I'm here to tell you that you can learn to paint, at any age, and my aim is to make that process as fun and easy as possible.
Here you will find the dates of upcoming classes and trainings. Many of which are free. Currently classes are give on Zoom but as we slowly re-open I hope to give classes in personal locally in Vancouver.
I am always interested in hearing about what YOU want to learn. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have topics or challenges that are of interest to you.
Currently Available Free Classes
How to paint Iris
In Watercolor
How to Paint Koi Fish in India
Ink and Watercolor
Concepts on mixing greens for
landscape painting
Paint An Autumn Fox in
Watercolor
Free Classes for Site Members
The benefits of learning to paint.
Science shows that learning to paint offers massive rewards both mentally and emotionally. Just as keeping your body in shape as we age keeping your mind sharp is also incredibly important. Here are a few benefits to learning how to paint.
1. Painting strengthens memory : People who frequently use creative outlets such as painting, and drawing have less chance of developing memory loss illnesses as they age. By exercising memory recollection skills painting works to sharpen the mind through conceptual visualization and implementation.
2. Painting fosters creative growth :
When we begin to exercise our creative muscles we begin to create new and unexpected links in our brains. Sometimes when we start out we struggle to find inspiration, but as we exercise our creative muscles inspiration comes easily. This also translates into creative problem solving in other area's of our lives..
3. Painting Provides Stress Relief :
Stress in our modern day world is a real problem. High levels of stress and anxiety contribute to both mental health and physical health issues. Painting acts as a kind of meditation allowing the mind to relax as it focuses and fully engages on a more enjoyable pursuit, leaving space for a happier, healthier lifestyle and helps improve overall mental health.
4. Painting builds motor and problem-solving skills :
Painting as an activity promotes critical thinking. Artist must think conceptually to bring multiple solutions to complex questions during the painting process, not unlike a crossword puzzle or jigsaw puzzle. For the artist to achieve their vision they must dexterously handle their paintbrush which increases mobility in the hands and fingers. The fine motor skills that a painter develops eventually becomes implemented in everyday life.
5. Painting promotes an optimistic attitude : When we begin a painting we start by setting a series of goals, short term goals first for the painting in questions, and the long term goal of building of skills required to achieve beautiful works. By reaching our many short and long term goals we give our self-esteem a boost which helps us develop a sense of well being. The reward of growing and expanding artistic skills creates a sense of accomplishment. Creating visually appealing artwork that others admire gives the painter a sense of pride and happiness in the work.
6. Painting Nurtures Emotional Growth :
As painting is a type of meditative process it allows us the space to subconsciously work on our emotional state in a relaxed and positive manner. This release of emotions through artwork is a cathartic experience for many people. Those who paint often experience an increase in their emotional intelligence, which is a feed back loop contributing to better relationships with ourselves and others.
As a teacher and Mentor
Some of the work I am most proud of during my career as a 3D artist is the work of my students from Campus ADN in Montreal Quebec. I had the pleasure of coaching these students from beginner/intro level in art and 3D software through to a finished game product at the end of one year. The ammount that they learned and their evolution as artists in that short period is nothing short of miraculous. There is nothing more rewarding than helping others build a career and realise their dreams. Many of my students have gone on to work for ubisoft, warner brothers, Panashe games and a handfull of other Indy companies throughout Montreal and Quebec.
The three game trailors were created in 15 weeks by all students at campus. The level designers were responsible for gameplay, the animators responsible for the annimations, and my students, the 3D artists were responsible for creating the visuals you see here. 15 weeks is an incredibly tight prodution timeline so as a lead artist, to get my students to a final product I had little room for error. Careful planning and highly resusable assets was the name of the game. Each team of artists was comprised of about 12 - 15 individuals. They were responsible for concept art, modelling, texturing, lighting and of course performance.
These games were created with 3D Studio Max, zbrush, photoshop, substance painter and designer and built in Unity game engines.