Painting Masterclasses in MD!

[inkybrushes]

Hey everyone, thought I'd share a bit of news with you! Starting this month, I'm going to be running a Painting Masterclass each month!

Held once a month, these classes are designed for intermediate painters who have grasped the basics of proper paint application, and who are ready to take their painting to the next level. I'll be combining my experience in miniatures painting, as well as my background in illustration and art theory, to create a unique curriculum that not only includes techniques used by many studio and display painters (such as painting non-metallic metals, freehand texturing, and object source lighting), but also advanced colour theory and artistic illusionism that will help set your miniatures apart from the crowd.

These classes are stand-alone classes and will include a lecture and demonstration portion, followed by a practical portion where you will practice the techniques we've been talking about. Class size is kept to EIGHT students so that I can give each person individual attention and guidance. These are not beginner classes, as they build off of beginner and intermediate techniques like highlighting and shading, proper paint application (good texture and brush control), and basic color knowledge.

Below, you'll find a description of February's class, as well as an overall description of the masterclasses in general. For April, I'm going to be focusing on Mach bands and the importance of contrast and illusionism, and I will be using an Infinity miniature as our class model. If you are potentially interested in attending this class, please let me know your thoughts on which Infinity mini you'd like to see used!

Starting in March, there will also be a once a month Beginner/Intermediate class, and a once a month free Painting Hospital, where you can get advice on how to salvage paint jobs that you aren't happy with anymore, have suffered damage, or just need some TLC. I'll post info about that as I get it planned out! Here's February's event; if you're interested, I encourage you to sign up with me asap, as I'm expecting spots to fill up quickly:


February Painting Masterclass : Atmospheric Techniques

Sunday, February 17th, 12:00PM

Whether immersed in the depths of the eerie blue ocean, avoiding lava pits in a fiery hell, or tirelessly trudging their way through the muddy, dreary trenches: your miniature's standing somewhere. Part of making a miniature - and in particular, a group of miniatures - look amazing, is the ability to manipulate light mapping, color palettes, and base scenery to give the impression that your miniature is set within a certain environment.

In our Atmospheric Techniques Masterclass, we'll cover the following:

- color palettes, both true and emotional, of several different environments, and how they affect our miniatures
- environmental light mapping, and how it affects glow, highlighting, and shading
- scenery and finishing detail to bring your environment to life (aka, Don't Forget the Base 'Cause It's Really Important)

After learning the theory and techniques behind creating environmental consistency, we'll be practicing those techniques on the Acolyte of the Ethers model from Deep Wars, an underwater skirmish game. You'll be able to ask questions and receive advice on your miniature throughout the day, and see techniques demonstrated in real time.

Class is $15 and includes the class miniature. Limited to EIGHT intermediate painters. This class is not recommended for beginners, as it will be building off of intermediate techniques. To sign-up, please email sarah@gamesandstuffonline.com. Class spots are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please read below for a description of the Painting Masterclass in general, including material recommendations and requirements.

Class starts at noon on February 17th. Please arrive a little early to get set up.

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You've mastered the basics of color choice and correct paint application. Your miniatures look good and you're looking to take them to the next level. What now?

Painting Masterclass is a series designed for miniatures painters who are comfortable and happy with their current painting abilities, but are hoping to learn advanced techniques used by studio and display painters. Each class will focus on a different technique to help intermediate painters develop their painting skill set.

The following materials are required for the student to bring:

- two good quality paintbrushes (sable brushes recommended, but not required)
- a palette (wet palettes are recommended, but not required)

You should also bring, if you can:

- paints
- water cup
- rag or paper towels

Many different paint colors will be provided for class use, as well as paper towels and water cups if you do not have your own.

The more you use your own materials and paints, the better you will learn how to use these materials at home. Note: The recommendations on brushes and palettes come from experience of what I have found to work best, and the techniques I will be teaching have been developed using those materials, but if you have a different preference, by all means bring those.

This is NOT a beginner class. Beginner painters who are interested in learning to cement their skills should check out the Beginner classes, where the focus is on perfecting the basic techniques needed to move onto more advanced painting.

[samurai]

I can't join, but sounds great! Any chance on having some video material from these classes?

[inkybrushes]

Not from these classes, no, but I've got some stuff in the pipeline for some DVD sets at the end of this year/early next year.

[Oreet]

I wish I could come out to these, but Sunday afternoons are our group's Infinity game day each week, so I can't do Sundays.

[kidterminal]

Not from these classes, no, but I've got some stuff in the pipeline for some DVD sets at the end of this year/early next year.

You'll be selling dvds then?

[valthonis]

Being a newbie painter and a fan of your work, I would be very interested in a DVD.