Holiday Open Studio Starts 14 Nov 2015 at Digital Art Academy

Posted by Skip Allen on November 10, 2015

Are you ready for Holiday Open Studio Registration; I am. OMGosh, by the looks of it, I’m really, really ready. It all starts Saturday, 14 Nov 2015.

Santa Skip by Corel Painter Master Elite, Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter 2016

Have you registered yet? There is still time to register before Holiday Open Studio Registration starts this coming Saturday, 14 Nov 2015.

The instructors for this year are Corel Painter Master Elite, Karen Bonaker plus professional painter and educators, Elaina Moore-Kelly and Winifred Whitfield. Oh…me too…I will do a bit of a song and dance the last week of the four-week class.

Karen Bonaker starts the class with Winter Trees in Snow. Karen demonstrates watercolor, liquid ink, and how to use selections and the image portfolio to create lovely landscapes. I am looking forward to her week; I love her artistic innovations. Karen is always an inspiration.

Where is my Peace, Watercolor, Corel Painter 2016, Corel Master Painter Elite, Karen Bonaker

DAA closes for Thanksgiving Week, 21 – 27 Nov 2015

In the second week of class beginning 28 Nov., Elaina Moore-Kelly continues with watercolor, which is something new for her. Since watercolor is my favorite medium, I can’t wait to learn her approach. Elaina explains using fonts in Painter and adds creative selections to the mix.

Happy Thanksgiving, Corel Painter 2016, Elaina Moore-Kelly

Winifred Whitfield takes the reins in week 3 creating images inspired by Roy Lichtenstein, the American Pop Artist from the 1960s. His work defined pop art through parody and he used comic strips as his inspirations. He used heavy black lines, dots, checks and all sorts of patterns. Winifred capitalizes on all aspects of Lichtenstein’s work and provides patterns and papers for your explorations.

Corel Painter 2016, Winifred Whitfield

And that brings us to week 4, my week. I planned to demonstrate painting a poinsettia in watercolor, but that may change. I am waffling. I spent the last couple of months making pastel variants for Painter. The new features in Painter 2016 add so much to the look and feel of pastel variants…so…I may switch my week to pastels…or not. Hey…who knows, I may just do both. Here is an example of a photograph I took while walking around my neighborhood. I live in rural Georgia. And following is the pastel image I did using the photograph as a reference. It was loads of fun, but I better get with it and decide what I am doing.

Poole Road, Nikon D810, Skip Allen

And the image in pastels.

Poole Road Stream, Corel Painter 2016, Custom Pastel Variants, Skip Allen

OK, if you have read this far, here is a bit of sad news. Holiday Open Studio has been an annual event at the Digital Art Academy (DAA) for eight years. But, Karen Bonaker has announced that this will be the last one. Yes, that is right, this will be the last one. If you have never participated in a Holiday Open Studio, then don’t miss this last one. They are so special. And, if you have been a regular, then do join us for a farewell to Holiday Open Studio.

OK, that’s it from Santa Skip. I hope to see all of you in the class starting Saturday, 14 Nov 2015.

Spring Open Studio Starts Saturday at Digital Art Academy

Posted by Skip Allen on March 25, 2015

Hey Friends,

Spring Open Studio starts Saturday at the Digital Art Academy. The instructor is Corel Painter Master Elite, Karen Bonaker, and the topic is Contemporary Japanese Ink Paintings. Registration closes Friday, March 27, 2015…so hurry and register before it is too late. The course will include a custom brush category, paper textures, overlays and reference materials. Karen provides video and PDFs, plus moderates and comments on all student work.

I’m excited about anything that talks about watercolor in painter and this class focuses on it. Karen talks about flow maps, watercolors, selections, and demos tons of new brushes. Check out the following work by Karen. This is the type of work demonstrated in the class.

I love that the images also have a Sumi-e feel to them.

Finch on Bamboo, Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter 2015

The textured backgrounds are wonderful.

Landscape with Growth Effect, Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter 2015

Of course I love anything with flowers.

Orchids in a Pot, Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter 2015

OK, I can’t stand it. I had to do a practice one. I used a new brush of mine and a texture overlay. Loads of fun, but I can’t wait to learn Karen’s new techniques.

Practice Sumi-e Style, Skip Allen, Corel Painter 2015

Don’t miss this class, Contemporary Japanese Ink Painting, at the Digital Art Academy. Registration closes Friday…hurry and register.

See you there,

Skip

Still Time To Register for Holiday Open Studio 2014

Posted by Skip Allen on November 12, 2014

Hello Everyone,

OK…this is your last chance. Registration for Holiday Open Studio 2014 at the Digital Art Academy is open until Saturday, November 15. After that it is too late. The class started this week and I am the first instructor. During my week, we learn about making calligraphy in Painter 2015 or Painter X3. I provide some special calligraphy brushes for Painter 2015 and Painter X3. Over the last couple of days, I have made 4 more variants to add to the set. The following video is a shameless promotional video for the class, but you do see me practicing calligraphy in Painter 2015.

Four more weeks follow my week. The instructors are Elaina Moore-Kelly, Aaron Rutten, and Karen Bonaker. For more information and to register go to Holiday Open Studio or the Digital Art Academy. You don’t want to miss out. Last chance for Holiday fun. 🙂

Enjoy,

Skip

Holiday Open Studio Starts November 8, 2014; Register Today

Posted by Skip Allen on November 6, 2014

Hey Everyone,

It is that time of year again. Holiday Open Studio, a tradition at Digital Art Academy, starts day after tomorrow, Saturday, November 8, 2014. As usual, it will be a fun packed few weeks. Do join us and click the link above and register for this session.

A beautiful image created by Corel Master Painter, Karen Bonaker.

This year, I start the party with lessons on calligraphy. OK, I’m not a calligrapher or a scribe, but I created some cool brushes and show you the basics of calligraphy. I teach a type style called Foundational Hand, which Edward Johnson developed from a 10th century manuscript. Want to see a quick video of me starting the alphabet with Foundational Hand. Well, it is below, but fair warning…it is really a shameless advertisement for the class…but you do see me making part of the alphabet.

Elaina Moore-Kelly reserved the second week for an old-fashioned nostalgic look at Christmas. She explains how to create a Christmas card that looks like a chalkboard card. It is very cool and this type of image is very trendy in craft circles this year. Elaina provides written and video lessons.

Elaina Moore-Kelly’s Chalkboard Christmas

Next up is Aaron Rutten with something fascinating. Aaron demonstrates how to paint totem art in a traditional Native American style. Totemic art is found in cultures all around the world, which allows the student to draw inspiration from a variety of places. Aaron encourages each student to choose their own totem animal or symbol, and paint it abstracted instead of in a realistic way.

Totem Art by Aaron Rutten

Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker takes the lead for the two final weeks. She developed a wonderful technique to create digital Japanese woodcuts. I have seen some of her images and they are stunning. She is very excited about the process and I can tell it will be a lot of fun.

What color is snow? Karen tells us in her second week. I can’t wait to find out. I thought snow was white. Didn’t you? Karen paints snow scenes in a glorious rainbow of colors; after the class, we can too.

Winter Road – Digital Woodcut by Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker

OK…that’s the skinny. Check out Holiday Open Studio at the Digital Art Academy. Register today and join us for this years seasonal fun.

Enjoy,

Skip

Corel Painter X3 Online Classes, New at the Digital Art Academy, Landscape Painting Fundementals and Acrylic Painting on Digitally Printed Canvas

Posted by Skip Allen on January 18, 2014

Hello Friends,

I’m excited about the new classes at the Digital Art Academy (DAA). Check out these wonderful offerings.

Landscape Painting Fundamentals, Instructor Aaron Rutten, starts February 1, 2014. Aaron is new to DAA and has a very fresh approach to digital landscapes.

Aaron Rutten Landscape, Corel Painter

He makes you tube instructional videos daily and has a large following; do visit Aaron Rutten’s You Tube Channel. You can see more of Aaron’s work at his website. I laughed out loud when I saw this delightful image:

A High Dive for Gumby, painted by Aaron Rutten in Corel Painter.

Here is an example of a landscape painting that Aaron will demonstrate in the class. Isn’t it exciting?

Painting for Week 2, Landscape Painting Fundamentals with Aaron Rutten

I know you will want to take Landscape Painting Fundamentals. I think this class will be a lot of fun.

I am very excited about Acrylic Painting on Digitally Printed Canvas with Painter Master Marilyn Sholin. Having Marilyn back at DAA brings so many fond memories. I took my first digital online class at DAA from Marilyn in September of 2008. I loved the class. Now she is back at DAA sharing how to enhance your digitally printed canvases.

Corel Master Painter Marilyn Sholin logo.

Acrylic Painting on Digitally Printed Canvas starts February 17, 2014. This class will change the way we finish our paintings.

In addition to the two new classes at DAA, there are a number of Self-Paced Classes (Open Enrollment) available now and coming soon. Self-Paced class content is available to download immediately. Your instructor provides support for questions about class content. These classes do not include live sessions however some may include recorded live sessions. There are no deadlines and you can work at your own pace.

Master Painter Karen Bonaker’s popular class, Photo Painting 101 for the Beginner, is now a Self Paced class. Don’t let the “for the beginner” moniker fool you; this class is full of tips and tricks. I am always surprised at how much I pick up in every class I attend.

Brave, From Photo Painting 101, Painted by Karen Bonaker in Corel Painter 3X

Elaina Moore-Kelly provides the best fundamental basic class for Painter X3 and Painter 12 found on the Web. Her classes are PDF based, very comprehensive, and easy to understand. For beginners and advanced users alike. If you are an advanced Painter user, treat yourself and be surprised at how much new stuff you will discover. These classes are win-win for anybody.

Swans on a Lake, Elaina Moore-Kelly, lesson 3 Introduction to Painter X3 Part 2

Introduction to Painter X3, Part 1

Introduction to Painter X3, Part 2

Introduction to Painter 12, Part 1

Introduction to Painter 12, Part 2

Introduction to Painter 12, Part 3

Returning in March are the very popular digital photography classes with Al Mierau, Digital Photography – The Basics, and Introduction to Black & White Photography.

Lots of wonderful education opportunities in 2014. If you are wondering why I’m not on the list, too bad…I ain’t telling. Just kidding. I have some minor medical issues that I need to take care of in February. After that, look for new classes from me.

Enjoy,

Skip

Corel Painter X3 Classes, Holiday Open Studio, Introduction to Corel Painter X3, and Natural Media Studio: Opaques’ with Tim Shelbourne Schmid brushes

Posted by Skip Allen on September 28, 2013

Hello Everyone,

It pleases me to announce several new Corel Painter X3 classes available for registration now. You will love them all!

Holiday Open Studio

It is time for the Digital Art Academy’s annual Holiday Open Studio. Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker teaches two weeks with Elaina Moore-Kelly and myself each taking a week. Want four, fun-filled weeks full of painting Holiday Cheer? Then do join us for this special seasonal class. Holiday Open Studio starts November 9, 2013; closes for Thanksgiving week, and restarts on November 30, 2013. The dates are Open November 9 – November 22; Closed November 23 – November 29; Open again November 30 – December 13.

As a teaser, here is an image by Karen. She demonstrates how to create lovely images like this one.

Image by Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker; Subject for Holiday Open Studio

Don’t miss Holiday Open Studio!

Introduction to Painter X3, Part 1

Elaina Moore-Kelly is well-known for her “Intro Courses for Corel Painter.” Part 1 of her Introduction to Corel Painter X3 is open for registration.

I know, you have used Painter for a several years and you don’t need an introduction course to Painter. Or, maybe you are just starting with Painter and are utilizing all the videos you can find on You Tube or various blogs, and you don’t think you need an Introduction course. Phooey on that. Yes, I am telling you, the advanced user and beginner, that you are very wrong.

Corel Painter is a very complex piece of software, which means it is difficult to learn. Time and again, experienced users surprise me with their shallow knowledge of Corel Painter. Yes, you can get by with limited knowledge and create stunning works, but imagine what you could produce if you knew the program more intimately. Extra knowledge improves work flow, too. Trust me; a second look at Painter is a “win-win” situation. The benefits you gain will more than justify the small cost of this class. If you are a beginner, the class prepares you to properly use all the bells and whistles of Corel Painter X3.

Elaina’s classes are beautifully crafted. The class is open enrollment, which means you can register at any time and work the assignments at your own pace. You may download all materials and use them when needed. Register for Introduction to Corel Painter X3, Part 1 now.

Corel Painter X3 Natural Media Studio: Opaques

Tim Shelbourne has a new class open at The Artists’ Quarter (TAQ), Corel Painter X3 Natural Media Studio: Opaques. Tim’s classes are always top-notch and I have enjoyed taking every one of them. This class has the added bonus of some new custom brushes created by Tim. The brushes are fabulous. He calls them Schmid brushes and they were inspired by the work of renowned artist, Richard Schmid. Check out this video on FB; https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152235582763032&set=o.508369542565533&type=2&theater.

Here is an example of an image created by Tim using his new brushes. In class Tim will demonstrate his techniques.

Tim Shelbourne’s Gunslinger, Corel Painter X3, using new Schmid brushes.

You will love Tim’s class: Corel Painter X3 Natural Media Studio: Opaques.

Well, that’s about it for this post. Do take these classes; you will be glad that you did.

Enjoy,

Skip

Painting Without Boundaries, Fall Open Studio with Karen Bonaker, Digital Art Academy

Posted by Skip Allen on August 13, 2013

Hello Everyone,

Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker has announced the 2013 Fall Open Studio, Painting without Boundaries. I can’t wait; it starts August 31, 2013, just over a short two weeks away. You can register or get more information here: Fall Open Studio 2013 – Painting Without Boundaries. You cannot beat the $42.00 price tag.

I can remember when I began using Painter back in 2008, I had difficulty getting started. I could make the software work; make strokes on the page in other words. I could clone, but it looked like the photograph. So, I decided to take some classes at the Digital Art Academy owned by Karen. If memory serves, my first class was with Marilyn Sholin, which helped me understand how to get a more painterly look to my clone. I knew I wanted to go beyond cloning, too.

I graduated from Art School with a BFA in Pottery, and I had a couple of painting classes and a lot of life drawing classes. I wasn’t very good at two-dimensional work. The struggle with trying to paint with Corel Painter was very real. Then I started taking classes with Karen. She has a knack for making painting in Corel Painter fun and not the least bit stressful. I didn’t turn into a painter over night, but I could see big improvements the more I worked with Karen.

Take it from me, I have first hand knowledge; Karen teaches you how to paint with skill and grace. You do not want to miss her classes.

Here are a couple of examples of Karen’s work:

Corel Painter Master Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter X3

Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter X3.

Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter X3

Corel Painter Master Karen Bonaker, Corel Painter X3

I love the last one, since I have a new cat, which makes two total. Karen works in various styles…all her own. She can jump between watercolor and chalk and then bring in oils. If you would like to see more of Karen’s work, visit her blog, Karen Bonaker Art.

Fall Open Studio 2013, Painter without Boundaries is for intermediate and advanced Corel Painter users. You can use either Corel Painter 12.2 SP1 or the new Corel Painter X3 for your class assignments. For more information and to register do go to the link provided.

Y’all hurry! Class time will be here before you know it. Go ahead and register; it will be the best $42.00 you have every spent. I can’t wait for class to start and I hope to see you there.

Enjoy,

skip

Color Harmony, Corel Master Painter Karen Boniker’s Newest Painter Focus Class

Posted by Skip Allen on January 17, 2013

Corel Master Painter Karen Boniker holds a series of classes called Painter Focus. Each is wonderful. I have loved each one. Color Harmony starts on Saturday, Jan 19, 2013. Registration closes tomorrow…I think at the end of the day, but I’m not sure…it is best to register right away.

You can register here: Painting with Color Harmony

Karen’s Red Roses Painted in Corel Painter 12.2

What it’s all about:

Where: Online working at your own Pace
Appropriate for: Beginners and Beyond
When: January 19th-26, 2013

Included in the Workshop:

Enjoy two live sessions with your Instructor Painter Master Karen Bonaker

Learn new tips on using color and picking colors from your source images

How to avoid common mistakes with color

How to mix colors for perfect color harmony

In depth exercises that will get you thinking about your color choices

Video demos, step by step downloadable files, tips and tricks

Support and feedback with Master 24/7

Final live Critique and Q&A Session, all live sessions are recorded if you cannot attend

Do join the class…you will be glad that you did. Karen is wonderful and so helpful to everyone.

Enjoy,

Skip

Holiday Open Studio, Digital Art Academy, Registration is open!

Posted by Skip Allen on October 25, 2012

Hello Everyone,

It’s time for the Holidays!

It is that time of year again. And I say Yahoo! That’s right Corel Painter Master Karen Bonaker’s annual Holiday Open Studio starts November 17, 2012 and ends December 14, 2012. You will want to register for Holiday Open Studio here.

Elaina Moore-Kelly and I will join Karen again this year. Karen will start the class off on Week 1, with Fall Landscapes. As usual, her demonstrations will be in Painter 12, but students can use any software they like. Folks use Photoshop, Art Rage, and earlier versions of 12. Both Karen and I will primarily use Buttery Oils. Check out this beautiful painting of Karen’s using combining watercolor brushes, Bristly Dabs, and Buttery Oils.

Fall is in the Air

I love fall colors. I am going to have fun.

Elaina has week two. She is a card maker extraordinaire. Elaina describes her class this way, “Wouldn’t it be great to send out your own hand-crafted cards this year? Join me this week as I demonstrate how to make and print your own unique cards while you learn how to do some crafty tricks using Painter 12.” I hope I send cards this year. I’ve been so bad about it for so long…sigh. Maybe with Elaina’s help, I’ll send some this year. Take a look at Elaina’s beautiful work.

Card from Holiday Open Studio

Week 3 and I’m up. OK, can I be honest? I haven’t prepared the class, yet. I’ve started but have a bunch to do. I know that I am going to work with Buttery Oils, as well, but no landscapes. I’m going floral. Still life or just floral, I’m not sure yet. I thought it might be fun to give you a little insight into the preparations I do for a class. I usually have to do a number of painting sketches to learn my subject. These studies are never posted…yuck…they are just trials. But, for fun, right after this post, I will post a video of my first practice with a poinsettia. I think you will find it interesting. So to see my example, check out my next post.

Karen brings Week 4 with snow scenes. It’s a toss-up which class I’m most excited about. I think all four will be terrific.

I know you will love Holiday Open Studio. Remember it is for anyone, beginner to advanced users. There is lots of sharing and we learn as much from each other as we do from the instructors. I know I learn tons from Elaina and Karen.

Here is the link for registration again. Holiday Open Studio.

Hope to see everyone there. I promise you will enjoy it. It’s like one big family.

Skip

New at Digital Art Academy…Open Enrollment classes

Posted by Skip Allen on May 31, 2012

Corel Master Painter Karen Bonaker has announced a change at the Digital Art Academy (DAA). We now have a type of class that has open enrollment. This means that you can enroll in the class at anytime, starting tomorrow and continuing through October 2012. When you enroll, all class materials will be available for download immediately, which means you do not have to wait for a week to download week 2 materials, all will be available once your registration is confirmed. You can work the course at your leisure. The instructor will be available to answer questions posted in the question forums. Please post your questions in the appropriate question forum; post week one questions in week one forum, etc.

Registration begins tomorrow, Jun 1st.

Session 3 of instructor lead courses starts August 4 and ends Aug 31st. Registration for these courses will be open on Jun 30th.

Here is a list of current courses, but others are being developed.

Registration for the Introduction to Painter 12 series of Open Enrollment classes opens on June 1 and will remain open through October 15, 2012.

Introduction to Corel Painter 12: Part 1 Instructor: Elaina Moore-Kelly

Introduction to Corel Painter 12: Part 2 Instructor: Elaina Moore-Kelly

Introduction to Corel Painter 12: Part 3 Instructor: Elaina Moore-Kelly

Painter 12 – A New Beginning Instructor: Skip Allen