Should we know how to draw to paint?
Knowing how do draw is essential for figurative art but it is not necessary to take a pencil to learn how to draw. Learning how to draw with a brush while developing a painting offers many advantages:
- Use of masses instead of lines
- Faster mastery of values (light and dark)
- More spontaneous and less frozen work
- Possibility of using the quick wipe-out method
How to develop creativity?
The creative aspect of painting is exercised mainly before the first touch of paint by the development of the subject, the composition and the choices of colours and techniques. We will guide you through all the steps so that you learn to tap into your creativity tank. You can then make informed choices before and during the execution of your paintings.
Can I trace my subject on the canvas?
You can draw a subject directly on a canvas with a projector or by tracing an image. By skipping the drawing stage, you will gain in speed but you will not develop your ability to recognize the proportions, angles and shapes or to paint live subject. For those of you who are struggling with drawing, we suggest you consider the grid technique that we can teach you and then you can move on to more direct techniques.
Why color mixing seems so difficult?
We will help you to overcome this difficulty by approaching the colours one component at a time (values, temperature, tint and intensity). We will demystify the theories of colours and show you different techniques to easily harmonize the colours of your works.
What material to bring?
For painting, you only need a few brushes, a palette, a canvas or a primed panel, two palette knifes, odourless solvent and primary colours: red, blue , Yellow and white. If you are not sure, we will lend you the material needed for the first class.
For drawing, a selection of 6B to 4H pencils, eraser (kneaded or standard), a drawing pad of at least 12 "x 16".
Please refer to the course page you are interested in for more details on the material.
What if I can't come to a class?
You can take your missed classes within 3 months of the first class taken. To retake a course, you must notify us of an absence at least 24 hours in advance otherwise the course will be counted as taken.
Who is the portrait course for?
Anyone who has a some drawing experience can take the portrait course. The more solid your drawing is, the faster you will progress. Portrait painting requires patience and determination but you will greatly gain in skill in recognizing the forms and values that are the foundation of all figurative genres.
Classic or contemporary techniques?
Knowledge about painting has developed and passed on from master to student for millennia. This accumulation of knowledge has accelerated since the last century with the discoveries in optics, perception, chemistry and even in psychology. Depending on your objectives, we will see the proven classical techniques and the more recent scientific achievements to give you all the tools that will help you to develop your pictorial language.
Education language?
French and English.
How many people per group?
The maximum is 8 persons per group but we try to have groups of 4 to 6 people so that everyone one can have a personalized teaching adapted to his/her needs and objectives.
Can I get a refund if I abandon a course?
If circumstances force you to drop a course, you can request a refund for courses not taken less the registration fee of $ 25. Refund are possible within 90 days of the first course taken.
Philosophy of teaching?
In short, pleasure and excellence. For the amateur painter as for the professional painter, it is by striving for excellence that you will surpass yourself and that painting will become a passion. We will help you develop your perception skills, which are often the first obstacle to achieving your goals. By understanding your subjects and mastering your tools, you can unleash your creativity and progress to your full potential.
You have more questions?
Contact us, it will be our pleasure to answer you quickly.
