Can you paint something for me?
Yes! I am currently open to commission work. Please use the contact page to send me a message explaining what you would like a painting of. I will get back to you with my current price list and availability.
What kind of paint do you use?
I primarily use acrylic paint for my work. My favourite brands of paint are Holbein, Golden, Opus, & Kroma.
Did you go to art school?
Yes… but not for painting! I graduated from the University of Manitoba in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. My main focus in art school was drawing and graphic design. It wasn’t until 2016 that I began teaching myself how to paint. Every painting teaches me something new, I’m always striving to become a better artist.
Which books do you recommend?
Mitchell Albala - Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice
Scott Robertson - How to Draw: drawing and sketching objects and environments from your imagination
Scott Roberston - How to Render: the fundamentals of light, shadow and reflectivity
James Gurney - Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter
James Gurney- The Artist’s Guide to Sketching
Which artists inspire you?
There are so many artist that inspire me it’s hard to make a list... At the moment I’m loving the work of Andrew Tischler, James Gurney, Tom Hughes, Joshua Been, Kari Lehr, Andrew Hem, Chris Austin, Zoe Keller, Greg “Craola” Simkins, and many many more…
Any advice for a complete beginner?
Just start! If you are new to painting I recommend buying cheaper student grade acrylics. Buy a colour wheel and practice mixing colours. You will find painting much more enjoyable if you start with a solid understanding of colour mixing. Allow yourself to create something without the pressure of it being a finished work of art. Practice colour mixing, draw basic shapes (cube, cylinder, cone, sphere, pyramid), learn about light and shadow, value, and perspective. Look at my recommended books list for in depth coverage of these topics and much more!
Do you teach?
If you are just starting out, or looking for a critique on your current work I can help! I offer in-person and online teaching. I can help you one on one, or in a group setting. Please use the contact form to send me a message and I’ll get back to you with available dates and times.
Pricing:
$30 for 1/2hr session (per person)
$45 for 1 hr session (per person)
*Prices are listed in Canadian Dollars