How to paint a subject when it is all alone ? This sort of subject can create traps as some people over work the boat, and under work the surrounds. With this subject we will focus on how to make you « empty » spaces in your paintings have value/importance.

How to paint flowers in an interior without over painting the subject ? Light, colour and transparency are the 3 main elements we will be working on today. This sort of subject seems easy and obvious to paint, but the trick is to ensure the surroundings adds value to the flowers, and the flowers don’t dominate entirely the scene, but how ?

How to paint different surfaces textures (glass, broken stone, wood) in the same painting. Painting different textures make a subject more realistic, but it also creates character and volume. This image will be loads of fun as we see how our watercolour paints can achieve these different effects.

How to create the illusion of texture in watercolour? Part of still life paintings is about texture, whether it be shiny hard surfaces, soft fabrics or rough wood/paint and rust. This week we will look at how to create the illusion of rough texture in your paintings

How to add your on style/personality into a still life painting. Still life paintings can be painted in a figurative/classic style, suggested/atmospheric or abstract. How can you add your own style and personality into a still life subject, making it attractive and unique !

How to create attraction and depth with a flat still life (light & colour). This week we will look at a still life subject that has very little depth. We will focus on how colour can create the illusion of depth, light and impact, but also make your painting stand out amongst others.

Let's paint Provence, France - How to paint a large, repetitive foreground. Foregrounds and backgrounds are often a source of dilemma because it's not always easy to know how to paint them without the painting looking like a postcard or these areas dominating the subject. A foreground and background are not just spaces in a painting, they allow you to enhance the subject in a way that suits you. They are fundamental aspects of any painting: landscape, seascape, portrait, still life, etc. In other words, it's very important to know how to manage these large foregrounds and backgrounds in all our paintings to make sure that our subjects 'work' as well as possible.

Let's paint Nantes, France - Master the art of painting reflections! Subjects are not always objects; water, reflections, fog, smoke and light are also good subjects to paint. These subjects require clear choices because they are not solid masses, so they must appear translucent and transparent to be credible. Any subject can be enhanced by reflections, light and shadow effects, fog or smoke. So let's learn how to paint with these types of effects so that you can include them in your paintings to create more atmosphere.

Let's paint the Mont Saint Michel, France! - How to paint postcard subjects without looking kitsch! So many beautiful sights are tempting to paint, like the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben. To be honest, most of the time, paintings of these subjects look kitschy, and always the same. This week, we're going to look at how to make a subject we've all seen before look special and impressive, rather than déjà vu. This is an essential point to work on for people who want to exhibit their paintings in big cities, as most of the recognizable scenes have already been painted by hundreds of artists before you, so how can you stand out with your paintings? That's what we will look into this week.

Let's paint Paris, France - Let's turn a complicated subject into a simple but magnificent painting. We're often frightened by the idea of tackling a subject that seems complicated, but to be honest, there are no complicated subjects. However, there are subjects that require a particular approach. Any subject is possible, so take courage in hand and let's get out of our comfort zone, as progress can only occur when we try something new! Taking risks and trying something new are essential steps in our progress as painters. Alone, the challege is daunting, but it is actually a fun and exciting process, so let's work on this together.

Let's paint la Franche Comté, France - Mastering the illusion of depth and light in a landscape. This week we will continue to work on suggested shapes with subtle tonal values and colours, which work together to create an atmospheric landscape. I will introduce you to the essential element of depth, and the importance of a strong, but clear direction to guide the eye through the scene. This LIVE is essential when you are wanting to attract the attention of the public, a potential buyer or a judge. What I'm going to teach you this week will help you move to a higher level and can be applied to any subject.

Let's paint Dordogne, France - How to create the soft impression of sun on snow. Here's a real challenge: an Australian is going to paint snow !!!!. What I want to achieve with this painting is to teach you the power of subtlety! By using suggested shapes and subtle variations in tonal values and colours, we are able to create attraction, mystery and captivation. If you want to include these elements in your paintings, this is the perfect subject to learn!

Theme: Welcome to the world of shapes! Big, small, simple, complicated...shapes create rythme! The power of shape is SOOOO under-stated. Shape creates everything from design, to balance, strength to interest. Shapes are like the entire ochestra playing together!

Theme: Today we will focus on painting sun rays through forest trees. Light is such an important aspect of any subject as it creates the illusion of depth, volume and atmosphere. With this painting we will focus on how light passes through the leaves, the reflection in the water and how light bounces off every surface in its path.

IMPORTANT : Mastering the 3 pillars of painting : shape, tonal values and colour. In this LIVE we will get down to the core fundamentals of any painting figurative or abstract. Understanding the 3 pillars of any painting: shape, tonal values and colour is an effort and takes time and patience. However, learning how to integrate and work these elements in a way that enhances a painting is easier and more beneficial using abstract design, quite simply as we are not distracted by a subject. This LIVE is very important for anyone who feels stuck with their painting or just wishes to progress further, whether you want to paint abstracts or figurative paintings.

Theme: Understanding and mastering abstraction (even in figurative paintings). This week we will begin by breaking down the role of big abstract shapes in paintings. When people hear the word abstract in painting, they think directly of a series of shapes with no visual recognition of these shapes. However, every figurative painting also requires good abstract understanding. In fact, mastering abstraction is essential for any successful painting; abstract or figurative. For the next 4 weeks we will be diving into what abstract is, why it is an essential part of figurative painting, how to create abstract art or abstract areas in your paintings to enhance the effect of your subject. This is a game-changer.

Theme: Learn to stop copying photos and learn to paint YOUR own ideas! It is time to be more creative! There is no subject that can resonate more with the public than portraits. Take your courage in hand and join me as we enter a new phase in our LIVE sessions; one that centers painting around us, around the public, the buyer and the judge; a phase that focuses on people, one that touches the hearts of everyone: the Art of portrait/figure painting.

Theme: Use light and shadow to create emotion and impact with a subject. « Attracting people to your painting from a distance is all about structure (design) and tonal value contrast. Some subjects work well just as they are, however we can still boost the effect of this kind of subject by using light and shadows to ensure we don't just attract attention, but also stimulate emotions; even with a subject that doesn't seem emotional. This subject is ideal for a painting, however we can use light to create more impact. I will explain how I would approach this subject during todays LIVE. »

Theme: Mood, mood and more mood ! Now let’s increase it by adding people to a scene to create more life ! There is nothing like people in a landscape, marine or urban scene to bring the subject to life, yet painting people, even small figures can be a scary thought, will we mess up the painting ? will they look good ? In todays LIVE I will go through some simple ways you can add people into your scenes to ensure small figures add to the painting as opposed to create diversion.

Theme: Attract the eye, hold the eye and trigger emotions part 3. Complicated subjects can feel daunting, yet tempting at the same time. This week we will continue to speak about my "Attract, hold and trigger" method using this incredible subject from Rouen, France. We will focus on how to simplify this subject, whilst at the same time amplifying strength of the subject and triggering an emotional response from the public.

We'll explore the magic of reflections. Reflections, light and shadow are a great way to create atmosphere. They can also add an emotional aspect to your subjects. Reflections are not simply shapes, they create intrigue, mystery and trigger the imagination of the viewer, judge or buyer. This is key to create a strong connection and keep the viewer hooked on your painting. Reflections are literally that, a way of triggering people's mind, thoughts and feelings. Let's see how we can use them to create more than just an image.

How to attract attention to your paintings? Make your paintings stand out! A great painting is a great painting, but if it does grab the eye of those passing, few will see it. There is a real art to making your paintings stand out amongst others, just being a good painting is really not enough anymore. This week I will walk you through the 3 steps to ensure your paintings attract the eye to pull the viewers to your painting, keep them captivated and then also stimulate an emotional response from the viewer, judge or buyer. This is an important session for people who exhibit and sell their paintings.

Theme: Learn to stop painting the subject, and start painting. Why is it that when we paint we focus on painting subjects, rather than painting a painting? What is the difference anyway, and how can we start focusing on the whole painting rather than individual subjects within the painting? In this second LIVE series I will take you quite literally from Concept to Creation, and show you a MUCH easier way to paint and get better results. There really is a faster way to improve your paintings. Join me for this NEW LIVE series as we begin to understand why focusing on subjects when we paint is all wrong, and what we can do from day 1 to improve our paintings. When you inscribe to this LIVE you will receive in your confirmation message, a link to watch a FREE introductory video into our subject.

Secrets from past Masters - What Rembrandt and Ettore Roesler Franz did to create impact. This week I will take you back to the past, revisiting how John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt, Bonington and Ettore were able to create the Masterpieces they did. What really makes the difference between an ordinary painting and one that just seems to have it all. In the final 2 sessions in this LIVE series we will focus on how all elements we have studied throughout this first LIVE series, tie together to ultimately create the final painting. These 2 LIVES are a MUST for those who want the upper edge! From September, 2023 a NEW LIVE series will begin. We will focus on locating subjects and figuring out how to turn them into great paintings! Come join me each week, as I take you through the steps from finding a subjects, transforming it to become a painting, working through sketches and finally we will paint these paintings during our LIVE sessions every Monday.

Secrets from past Masters - Simplify your subject to amplify atmosphere, as John Singer Sargent did. This week and next week I will take you back to the past, revisiting how John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt, Bonington and Ettore were able to create the Masterpieces they did. What really makes the difference between an ordinary painting and one that just seems to have it all. In the final 2 sessions in this LIVE series we will focus on how all elements we have studied throughout this first LIVE series, tie together to ultimately create the final painting. These 2 LIVES are a MUST for those who want the upper edge! From September, 2023 a NEW LIVE series will begin. We will focus on locating subjects and figuring out how to turn them into great paintings! Come join me each week, as I take you through the steps from finding a subjects, transforming it to become a painting, working through sketches and finally we will paint these paintings during our LIVE sessions every Monday.

Correction 1 : Learn how you can identify what is not working in your painting, AND fix it. Learn how you can identify what is not working in your painting, AND fix it, BEFORE exhibiting or inscribing a painting into a competition. How to fix all lingering weaknesses you don't want anyone to see! Today I will work through the process of finishing a painting LIVE, asking all the questions needed to get the best mood and impact for the subject.

Composition 2 : Make your paintings stand out of the crowd by creating your own unique compositions. This is a 2 part series.

Composition 1 : Learn how to create the best composition in order to get the best result possible. This is a 2 part series. On the 7th of August we will work through what a composition really is and how you can create your own effective compositions that will improve straight away all of your future paintings. The composition pulls together all of the other aspects of a painting; Shape, tonal values, colour, technique and struction. Composiition is what units them all, and if created well will amplify your message/atmosphere and emotion, which enhances the overall impact of your art to the point where your paintings will improve massively over night. This LIVE is a MUST if you want better results!!!

Theme: Venice and personal feed-back day The last Monday of every month is “Up close and personal” with me, in my role as an international judge and curator. As an artist we rarely receive the insight from a professional judge on our work. THIS IS YOUR OCCASION. Watch and learn on direct as I do 3-5 painting critiques LIVE (send me a photo of your painting for a free Live critique – names can be anonymous if you desire). The knowledge given in these “Up Close and Personal” sessions will be HUGE, my opinion: DON’T MISS THEM!! As I run through what will turn off a buyer or a judge and what makes them LOVE your paintings, divulging the secrets of professional judging! Learn: 1. How to see what is not working in a painting AND how to correct it! 2. How to see what distractions and habits are weakening the result. 3. How to analyze your painting to know what is left to do. 4. Learn how to know when to stop painting.

Theme: Welcome to the passionate and perilous world of colour!! Here I will walk you through the role of colour in a painting, from subject identification, to attracting/guiding/holding and repelling the eye, how to choose the right colour range for a subject, what many people do that weakens their painting rather than enhancing it. This essential session runs down how to make colour work for the painting, not against it! If you love colour or have trouble using them, this is a great session for you.

Theme: The Holy Grail of painting; welcome to the hidden world of Structure. If you thought you knew everything about painting, this is the cherry on top! This is what makes the difference between a good painting and a jaw dropping painting! Learn what structure is, how to identify it and use it in all your paintings. This is what separates the professionals from the amateurs. How to identify it, create it and use it to your advantage. There is nothing better than structure to create the “WOW” effect! DON’T MISS THIS!!

Theme: Creating the artist! This is GOLD. DON'T MISS THIS ! This information is from my Business course, and vital for anyone wanting to create or improve their painting career. 1. Why people go around in circles , not progressing with their art, and how to stop this. 2. How do we go from being a painter to someone who is able to sell paintings and develop an art career? 3. How to identify and create the right direction for you. 4. Every product needs to suit their market for the product to sell, are your paintings suited to your market? If not why not? I will explain what to do to change this! DON’T MISS THIS!! This information in this session is not available anywhere, and to be honest it is sorely missing. Many artists don’t have a clear direction for their art, which sees them going around in circles and not really progressing for years on end. It is really time to stop this frustrating cycle!

Theme: personal feed-back day The last Monday of every month is “Up close and personal” with me, in my role as an international judge and curator. As an artist we rarely receive the insight from a professional judge on our work. THIS IS YOUR OCCASION. Watch and learn on direct as I do 3-5 painting critiques LIVE (send me a photo of your painting for a free Live critique – names can be anonymous if you desire). The knowledge given in these “Up Close and Personal” sessions will be HUGE, my opinion: DON’T MISS THEM!! As I run through what will turn off a buyer or a judge and what makes them LOVE your paintings, divulging the secrets of professional judging! Learn: 5. How to see what is not working in a painting AND how to correct it! 6. How to see what distractions and habits are weakening the result. 7. How to analyze your painting to know what is left to do. 8. Learn how to know when to stop paintin

Today's Theme: Marine Watch and see how I put a Marine painting together. I will walk you through the entire process in this 2-hour session from Concept to Creation. This is a full painting demonstration, that includes the drawing before painting, my ideas and goals and 3 phases where I analyze with you how the painting is going, and how I will pull the painting together at the end. In these sessions learn 4 important keys for all paintings: 1. Learn how to create impact and be creative with any subject. 2. Learn how to detach yourself from a photo. 3. Learn how to create mood and atmosphere with your subject. 4. Learn how to know when to stop.

Theme: Use creativity in your compositions to demand attention in exhibitions and competitions. How to use creativity in your compositions to demand attention in exhibitions and competitions and increase sales. WELCOME to what no-one will tell you. This is part of my Business course on painting. In this session I will walk you through the following points so you can get better competition and sales results immediately with your paintings. In this session I will cover: 1. Why do some paintings attract our eye and others don’t? 2. Why do some artists attract the public and others don’t. 3. Why do some artists sell well and others don’t? 4. I will explain the method used by Rembrandt to “hook and lock” the viewer, buyer or judge in front of the painting, massively raising your chances of receiving an award and selling the painting. THIS IS GOLD!! DON’T MISS IT!!

Theme: Urban scene. Watch and see how I put an Urban scene painting together. I will walk you through the entire process in this 2-hour session from Concept to Creation. This is a full painting demonstration, that includes the drawing before painting, my ideas and goals and 3 phases where I analyze with you how the painting is going, and how I will pull the painting together at the end. In these sessions learn 4 important keys for all paintings: 1. Learn how to create impact and be creative with any subject. 2. Learn how to detach yourself from a photo. 3. Learn how to create mood and atmosphere with your subject. 4. Learn how to know when to stop.