Category: painting classes

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Finding inspiration in poppy fields

Poppies and other paintings

It is not a secret that some themes and subjects are easier to paint, and especially, if the artist is just starting out. Poppy fields or wildflower meadow definitely make great subject. After engaging for a few classes in two landscape paintings, we decided to paint poppies in a landscape, just for fun and for the love of color. So, we created background for poppy fields, then added flowers on top of that and finally adjusted some values.

This theme was liked a lot, and all students started their paintings without any complications, extreme difficulties or unpleasant surprises.

Poppies pop
Everybody told, they really enjoyed this painting and subject.

The excitement was so great that these paintings got finished by students during the following class, which was the last class before I left for vacation.

Art classes for adults, Ajax
Adult group painting poppies

Students are using artist grade acrylic paints, so, these paintings will last. We had a chance to check out paintings done with students grade paints, and colors had lost they brightness in just 3 years. We are referencing drawings, pictures, and sometimes real flowers to help our imagination with color choices and composition.

Poppies and other paintings

Students have freedom to choose whatever color or its shade they prefer, in order to create their paintings in a way they love it.

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New Year, new art and new experience

Art studio, watercolor paintings

Happy New Year!

The new year should make us richer with new ideas, intentions and goals, help us better understand ourselves and never let us down, as we go through our life and this time.

I woke up this morning and suddenly realized how happy I was. There was nothing to complain about. The morning was crisp and sunny, it almost seemed like spring.

I could spend the entire day as I wish. Nothing was hurting me, there were no regrets about the previous day. I had a complete freedom over my decisions and intentions, and the day was just about to start. It was like a promise, and I had no doubts this promise will be kept.

What is holding us back when we are unable to turn our dreams into reality? Small issues, big issues or issues which might not be even existing?

In fact, it is very simple in most cases:

Identify what is disturbing you, and get rid of it.

When it’s impossible to get rid of it, try to handle it in the best way.

Fruit still life, watercolor
Fruit and berries, watercolor 61 x 46 cm or 24 x 18 in

My African violets are in full bloom, three are purple, one is pink, and one is white. They blossom every year around this time, and that’s when I paint them.

Watercolor painting, floral
Love in purple 1, 24 x 18 in or 61 x 46 cm

I have added a few views from my art gallery.

I hope it will be a good year with many new paintings. Enjoy!

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Pear still life and fall art classes

fall art classes

Still life, – classic or modern, abstract, or realistic, – I adore this subject in any form it’s created. I took my time this summer and painted a good size watercolor on heavy Arches paper. For this particular still life, I used real pears and a cloth next to the window. My intention was using bright and sunny colors as you can see in the resulting painting.

Pears, still life
Golden pears still life on my easel, just finished

It is more my personalized realism painting than pure realism. I chose the placement of fruit and light reflection so that the entire painting shines through flow of colors and shapes.

Fall art classes
Watercolor painting, Golden pears, still life. It is 24 x 18 in or 61 x 46 cm in size

In the upcoming art classes, I am teaching still life, floral painting and landscapes.  My goal is to teach students so that they can discover the excitement of drawing and painting real fruits, vegetables, flowers, street scenes, nature scenes without reproducing photos, computer printouts and similar aid. We learn creating a genuinely original art since it originates in our imagination and perception.

Most students are beginners or have very limited experience, but everyone has shown remarkable results so far. There is also usually a group of students with previous experience in painting and drawing. They will also learn numerous new techniques and discover new ideas.

Classes are designed for children 12+ years, youth and adults.

Register here: Sign up for art classes