Steven Assael
Steven Assael's style is unique and has characteristic sense of light and shadow to illuminate the characters - paintings and drawings. Steven Assael is one of the most famous present living artists of our time. He presently teaches at The School of Visual Arts in New York. He studied at Pratt Institute in New York City and with fine art instructors such as Robert Beverly Hale and David Leffel. He is known for his conscientious focus on visual truth combined with his compassion sensibility for the human condition transforming his figures into towering works of art.
Anne Belov
Instructor Anne Belov has been painting for more than 40 years. She is experienced in oils, watercolor, acrylics, egg tempera and pencil. Her subject matter encompasses everything from still life, landscape, and architecture to narrative figure paintings.
On Anne Belov's Workshops
"I love having local artists teach; being in touch with people we can see again and who are in touch with our community (general and artistic) is really great. I also enjoyed the people in the group...fun getting acquainted there too. The size of the group was marvelous...just right."
"I learned to think about not just connecting the objects to each other in a still life, but to think ahead about something about myself I want to connect to the painting, then use that as a genuine way to select the objects and arrange them in a way that expresses something to me. Ultimately, I am sure that will relay a stronger painting to the viewer." I learned that one should always have a story or event that the still life is about before starting the painting. Also using a shadow box is really helpful."
Learn More About Anne's Spring 2012 Workshop
John Budicin
John Budicin was born in Rovigno, Italy and settle in Southern California when he was 12. After working as a commercial artist for 19 years, John decided to make his true passion for art his lifetime profession. With many awards and honors, Budicin's work has been in museum exhibitions and featured in many art magazines, Recently, several of his paintings were selected and published in 200 Great Painting Ideas for Artists. Budicin is represented by the Long Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as other galleries in the southwest.
On John Budicin's Workshops
"Your group logistics were great. Even though the island surrounds itself with beautiful bays and deep rural expanses, you took us to a couple places beyond visitor access where I captured scenes less commonly seen and just as beautiful. Many of the locations could keep landscape painters occupied for the whole week. John Budicin really put out for us, it seemed. He came by with advice while I painted quite often, though not too often—my ego had time to say 'Okay, yea he's right.' I felt I got better-than-average responses from John."
"There are a lot of things I liked about it. John himself was great—doing demos daily and being very open to questions and helping with hands on instruction. I have a new eye for values in my surroundings and am daily thinking about the way he builds a painting (even though I haven’t painted since the workshop). I loved our locations! Kudos to you for coming up with these! The openness and neighborly welcome expressed in individuals allowing us to use their homes, property, bathroom facilities, etc., was heartwarming. A great feeling of community. And I loved painting every day for 5 straight days. It was a great group of talented artists and budding artists, like myself. Cary, you were very welcoming, generous and yet on task. A great way to be. Thank you!"
"We both very much liked having John do a demo in the morning. We take a bit of time to get going and his demos built up our enthusiasm for our own attempts later in the day. We also like the idea of working on a plein air painting over a long time (nailing down the light/shadows quickly and then taking your time in building the painting."
Faye Castel
Faye studied art at the University of Washington, and received her BA in 1967. She followed that degree with a teaching certification, beginning a lifelong interplay between learning and teaching. A longtime student of color, light, and the vast potential for human expression, Faye Castle has been recognized as a distinguished Pastel Artist with the Northwest Pastel Society and is a member of Women Painter's of Washington.
Jean Chambers
Jean Chambers grew up on a farm in Alabama and showed a strong interest in drawing and painting as a child, but she took a circuitous route, via the architectural field, to find her career in fine art. On business trips, she began visiting museums and art galleries, which was the roadmap toward her artistic journey. She developed an innate ability to visually dissect a painting, study the integral parts that make up the whole, and gain a sound understanding of the techniques used to build the work. She is an avid student of her craft and enjoys finding differences and similarities in various works of art.
Aleah Chapin
Aleah Chapin is fascinated by the many languages that pigment can speak. Through paint, she explores her surroundings and the intrinsic physical quality of things. By investigating exterior textures she delves deeper into the unseen cerebral and psychological substance of the person or object she is painting.
Learn More About Aleah's Summer 2012 Workshop
Larine Chung
Larine Chung was trained as a classical pianist since her childhood, but decided to pursue art in college receiving a BFA from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is currently living in Washington State and has graduated from the 4-year Classical Atelier program trained in classical painting tradition under Juliette Aristides. With her traditional art training background, she is interested in creating works that is relevant to now and would evoke an intellectual and emotional response in people.
Susan Diehl
From little on, Susan Diehl found a place in drawing she could go for solace and joy. It is from this place that she paints today. Although she studied fine art at the University of Wisconsin, she felt her studies began in earnest when she met Ron Lukas (now art director at Dream Works Studio) and studied in the Russian impressionist style, learning painting skills in the time-honored tradition- mentor to student. Susan’s subject matter tend to be inspired by man's interaction with nature and the capturing of special archetypal moments in time. Many times a hints of the human’s element will creep into a landscape, a boat by a pond, or a wheel-barrel in the field. She is keenly interested in color and light, shape and pattern. Susan’s versatility and knowledge allows her to paint whatever she wishes, from still life and landscape to her favorite, figures interacting with their environment.
Milo Duke
Milo Duke shows a penchant for the unusual in his symbolic constructions of a world that is both mythic and magical. His paintings have been called "intellectually complex and playfully political" (The Stranger. 1993) and "visionary images touched with surrealism and dream imagery" (Seattle Times 1988). His style is uniquely his, however, he teaches in all styles, from impressionism to high realism.
David Gluck
Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, David Gluck currently resides in Toronto with his wife Katherine Stone where he works as a full time artist and part time instructor. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Art Education from Penn State University in 2006, following which he immigrated to Canada to continue his career as an artist. His artwork is in both private and public collections around the world. These days David exhibits with Howard Schepp Fine Art in Palm Desert, CA and with M Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC. David has taken second place in still life for The David Leffel Award for Excellence in painting, and has been a repeat finalist in the ARC Salon. David's work has also been included in International Artist, American Artist, and Artist's magazines.
Learn More About Kate and David's 2012 Workshop
David Gray
David Gray acquired a strong foundational education in art and has continued with independent and occasional formal studies in pictorial expression and oil painting. The resulting work reveals a personal and contemporary expression of beauty and order which pays homage to the classical tradition in its craftsmanship. David's works are included in many discriminating private art collections throughout the United States and abroad.
On David Gray's Workshops
"One of the absolute best workshops I have ever taken. The instructor/student ratio was great and, of course, Langley is a great setting, but the instructor was the best. In a humble but thorough manner, he explains to you exactly how he does his beautiful paintings in a well thought out step by step process. What was novel was that he painted for us exactly the way he paints in his own studio. He is very generous and patient with students – probably too much so. I am glad I got to study with him before he becomes too famous."
"Another thing that impressed me right off was the attention to detail. The reserved parking with WIFAS professionally printed signs, the signs out in front - very professional - not what you would expect - sets a tone that is carried through the whole workshop."
"You were a very "approachable" host and studio owner... not aloof or patronizing. Rather, you were sincerely friendly and helpful. Thanks again for holding an excellent workshop."
"Thoroughly enjoyed all 3 days of David Gray's workshop. He's a very methodical instructor which ensured we understood each step and he continually gave informative answers to the attendees' questions. Very worthwhile and I was enthused enough to continue working on the painting the very next day after the 3-day workshop because I do NOT want to let his instruction fade away. As often happens after any kind of workshop, not utilizing the information soon after often negates so much of what was shared."
"I liked it because it was low stress to "produce" and a nice size class."
"I LOVED the workshop and honestly can't think of one thing I would have changed. You thought of everything!"
"Thank you again so much, Cary, for letting us visit your beautiful studio. That was fun! And thank you for your wonderful hospitality, refreshments and having readily on hand anything we forgot. David is a not only a great artist but a very good communicator also. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who's interested in the future."
Walker Hall
Walker Hall holds a B.A. From Colorado College and has two years experience teaching in Japan. He completed four years of classical training under artist Juliette Aristides and a two-year apprenticeship with Eric Leggett, one of Seattle's most esteemed gilders and custom frame makers.
Pam Ingalls
Ingalls' education in art began early. She first studied with her father, Richard Ingalls, who created the Art Department at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. She continued at the Accademia Delle Belle Arte in Florence, Italy in 1977, then returned home to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga in 1979. She later worked with Frederick Frank in New York and subsequently studied oil painting under Ron Lukas in Seattle. More recently she has studied with Richard Schmid and Burt Silverman.
View Details On Pam's mid-2012 Oil Painting Workshop
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson received his training in painting and drawing at the Art Students League of New York and individual instruction from master painter Lajos Markos. His numerous awards include First Place from The Artist's Magazine annual competition and the Salmagundi Club. Johnson has participated in national juried shows sponsored by the Salmagundi Club, Knickerbocker Artists, National Watercolor Society, Oil Painters of America, National Arts for the Parks, and the Portrait Institute in New York, among others. He has had numerous individual gallery shows, and his work is currently exhibited in galleries in the Southwest and in Washington, D.C. Johnson is the author of On Becoming a Painter, and his work is also featured in The Best of Flower Painting 2.
Take a Sneak Peek at Robert's 2012 Workshop
Gregg Kreutz
Gregg Kreutz received his education from New York University and the Art Students League and studied with David Leffel. He exhibits at various galleries in New York, Wisconsin, Arizona and New Mexico. Kreutz authored "Problem Solving for Oil Painters," published by Watson-Guptill, and he was featured in March '88 American Artist. He had a one-man show at Grand Central Gallery, New York, in 1989. Kreutz has many awards to his credit, including the Salmagundi Club, Grumbacher, and Frank C. Wright awards. In his view, "Realistic painting is an especially rewarding endeavor. To actively go after it means to learn what makes art, what the external world really looks like, and how the two can be fused."
Jim Lamb
Washington artist Jim Lamb’s work has been seen around the world in the form of limited edition prints, collectible plates, greeting cards, puzzles, posters, apparel, postage stamps, sculptures, and many other forms. Jim believes he is most inspired when painting outdoors directly from nature. His paintings can be found in galleries, shows, and collections around the U.S. He is a member of the Northwest Rendezvous Group of Artists, Plein Air Washington, and the California Art Club.
Click for More Details on Jim's 2012 Workshop
Jeff Legg
Over the course of his creative life, Jeff has developed an appreciation for the teaching process and the give-and-take relationship that he desires to create with students and emerging artists. Through challenge and encouragement, he hopes to convey that good art is more than just mirroring a subject, but is also about capturing and interpreting a feeling or a mood, and to show that good paintings are built on principles, not formulas.
On Jeff Legg's Workshops
"Thanks so much for hosting the Jeff Legg workshop. I came away with so much more than I expected. Jeff patiently demonstrates the techniques he uses and now I can confidently apply them in my paintings. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from such a high caliber artist (in a fun and non-intimidating atmosphere). His sense of humor really comes through and being there was like being with one big happy family. He helped me come away with a painting that I will cherish forever.
This is the second time I’ve attended one of your workshops and every time I feel like I’ve taken a mini-vacation. I look forward to getting on the ferry every morning and to another peaceful ferry ride back in the afternoons. The view is amazing and so relaxing (I often spot seals along the way). The best part is that when it’s all over and I’m home, I feel that I’ve seriously grown as an artist. Thanks again for the “to-die-for” cakes you bake every morning. I can still taste the coconut and pineapple and can’t wait to go back for more!"
Robert Liberace
Robert Liberace is a contemporary classicist inspired by the old masters. He is equally gifted in painting, drawing, and sculpture. In February 2006, he was selected by The Artist's Magazine as one of their choices for the top twenty realist artists under the age of forty. In April of 2003, Rob received the Grand Prize Award in the International Portrait Competition from the Portrait Society of America. In 2002, he won their Best of Show Award. Rob has been commissioned to do portraits for clients such as George Bush, Ambassador Sol Linowitz, and Marc Pachter, the director of the National Portrait Gallery. He is currently working on a life sized sculpture of Mother Teresa for the National Shrine.
Learn More About Robert's Workshop In 2012
Carol Marine
Carol Marine was born in Sheridan, Montana, and raised in the very small town of Harper, Texas in a dome house designed and built by her parents. Her mother is a weaver and a potter, and her father builds boats. Her parents always assured their children they could do anything in their lives they wanted, and that it was better to have a job they enjoyed than to make a lot of money. Carol’s family has been her greatest influence and inspiration. After graduating from Harper high school, Carol spent four and a half years at the University of Texas in Austin. She graduated in the fall of 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art, and a focus in painting.
Learn More About Carol's 2012 Workshop
Ned Mueller
On Ned Mueller’s Workshops
"The workshop with Ned Mueller was excellent. He is amusing and entertaining at the same time as he is supplying a great deal of information and instruction. I think we’ll remember a lot more of what he taught because we had such a good time. I feel fortunate to have had the chance for instruction with an artist of his caliber who is also a very good teacher. The surroundings were very comfortable and pleasant. Thanks for all the goodies and for providing such a delightful school for our work."
Stan Miller
Stan Miller in a signature member and award winner with the American Watercolor Society. He teaches workshops throughout the U.S. as well in Europe (with Plein Air Painters of America). He recently won the grand prize in the Watercolor Magic Magazine painting competition. He also recently won first place in Landscape in the Artist's Magazine National painting competition.
Dreama Tolle Perry
Dreama Tolle Perry's masterful handling of color combined with exuberant brush work results in paintings that stir the senses---flowers set afire by sunlight, cats napping peacefully, a crush of market umbrellas lined along the Grand Canal---all invite the viewer to "step into" that place for a time and experience the joy of the moment.
Learn More About Dreama's 2012 Workshop
Tony Pro
Tony Pro was born in Northridge, CA in 1973. Pro received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from California State University, Northridge and at the same time attended California Art Institute where he studied with famed illustrator, Glenn Orbik. There he learned the value of academic figure and head drawing and how to apply strict study principles to his craft and, largely, trained himself to paint.
David Riedel
Similar to the Old Masters' style, Riedel's works are characterized by their chiaroscuro and deep background color, lending a certain vibrancy and energy to his subjects. His use of dramatic lighting and rhythmic color, combined with a sense of solid composition, produces work that is timeless in its appeal. David considers his primary instruction to be from David Leffel, yet he also feels the importance of many fellow artists in both Taos and New York. The excitement of interacting with other artists creates a milieu in which he finds opportunities for artistic growth.
Learn More About David Riedel's Spring 2012 Workshop
Michele Rushworth
Michele Rushworth has painted portraits in oils of children of all ages for clients across the United States. In addition she has painted the official portraits of five state Governors, a U.S. Senator, an Ambassador and numerous other executives, doctors and academics. Her work has been featured in American Artist Magazine as well as appearing on many national television and local news broadcasts and in newspapers in many states.
On Michele Rushworth's Workshops
"Thanks for the great workshop. It worked out so well to meet in Seattle. Michele said she is looking forward to next year only a little longer. There is always something more to learn!"
"Michele - great workshop! It continued to strengthen my grounding in portrait work as well as good old basic painting skills / technique. Thanks for all the suggestions on both photography and lighting."
Henry Stinson
Henry Stinson has the master's touch in both drawing and painting. His work reflects the old masters that he studied incessantly. His oils show the influence of Russian Impressionism, but with Henry's trademark approach. A bit quirky and more modern, his subjects include heating oil tanks, VW starters, and Martians. His focus and true love is the human figure, however, which he conveys with incredibly graceful and painterly brushstrokes. His drafting skills are superb.
On Henry Stinson's Workshops
"While reinforcing previously learned skills, I am constantly amazed that I always learn something new with each workshop of his I attend. Henry Stinson is a wonderful and inspiring teacher."
"Henry is someone that loves what he does. He has passion, and sincerity in regard for his students, and his art. It was a gift for me to have the opportunity to learn from him. Thank you."
"I really loved my time in your studio with Henry, you and the others. I felt so at home. The words that keep ringing in my head, (which, of course, we all know if we've been painting awhile.......but somehow this sticks) "warm light-cool shadows. Cool light-warm shadows" and "Squint for value. Eyes wide open for color". I find myself staring at people's faces to find the colors. I feel I can almost do it. I enjoyed Henry's generosity, sense of humor, and support. I was so glad we started and ended on time. Thanks for that. Also Henry sells his demo paintings for a very reasonable price. I think that is a benefit for students. I treasure the one I bought, and will use it as inspiration."
"I think Henry has such a fun way of teaching. The comedy routines kept it light, and whenever he came by my paintings, he always had something to show me whether it be mixing colors in a way that wasn't muddy, or looking for color in the shadows. Looking for colors I see would be one of the main things I learned from Henry. I started seeing the cool and warm colors he talked about, and blocking in the mass shapes, then blocking in shadows. I was worried that once I left your studio, I would forget all he said and it keeps surfacing throughout each day. On the plane ride home I found myself looking at reflected colors on surfaces and faces, and thinking about what colors I would use to paint with."
View Henry Stinson's 2012 Workshop
Katherine Stone
Katherine Stone’s approach to art is traditional with an emphasis on technique and fine craftsmanship. In the past few years she has won First Place and People’s Choice in the biannual Portrait Society of Canada Portrait Competition, First Place in the Still Life Category in the international ARC Salon, and has placed in half a dozen international art competitions including the prestigious ARC International Salon. Kate has appeared in an episode of Star Portraits, a show produced by Bravo! and PTV Productions.
Learn More About Kate and David's 2012 Workshop
Dan Thompson
Dan Thompson was born in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC. He earned his MFA from the Graduate School of Figurative Art of the New York Academy of Art, and supplemented his training with several additional years of private study and studio apprenticeships along the east coast of the United States. He has been awarded two grants from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation and has twice received the Ethel Lorraine Bernstein Memorial Award for Excellence in Painting from the Corcoran College of Art and Design. In 2001, Thompson won Best of Show in the American Society of Portrait Artist’s International Portrait Competition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Learn More About Dan's Workshop in 2012
Michele Usibelli
Michele Usibelli's works primarily in oils, with a flavor of impressionism, in her representational style. Her early training established a strong foundation in the Russian Impressionist tradition of seeing and painting shapes of light and color using relatively loose brushstrokes. She has extensively studied and been influenced by numerous historic artists. Combined, all of these influences have allowed Michele to establish her own unique artistic style and define her as a truly versatile emerging 21st Century American Impressionist.
Mary Whyte
Mary Whyte's paintings of the people and places are richly narrative. She combines abstract design with sensitive rendering to produce the dynamic portraits she is known for. Mary is also an avid teacher and author. She lives and paints in Charleston, South Carolina and teaches painting workshops across the country. She has been featured in American Artists and the Artist's Magazine, and has illustrated 11 children's books. Mary's paintings have been included in many museum and national exhibitions.
Zhaoming Wu
Zhaoming Wu was born in China and grew up in Guangzhou City. He received his BFA from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art China and his MFA from the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Since 1983, he has been exhibiting his work in Asia, Europe, the United States and other countries around the world. Long active as both an artist and a teacher, he served as a professor of painting at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art and is currently an instructor of painting at the Academy of Art University. His works have been featured in many publications, including two drawing books and two painting books.
On Zhaoming Wu's Workshops
"Zhoaming Wu makes the difficult look easy. He is a master of color, edges, and 'romance' in the painting. The models were inspiring and even the snacks were outstanding. Thanks for a great workshop that I will remember for a long time.
"The Zhaoming Wu workshop was nothing short of magical. He is a kind and insightful teacher. Watching his demos sent me right into that rare painting zone where wonderful things happen on the canvas."
"Lovely to come back to Whidbey, thanks for your hospitality. You did an amazing job with the organization, very professional."
View Zhaoming's 2012 Workshop Details
Henry Yan
Henry Yan has many years of experience in teaching drawing and painting at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. Per Henry, "I paint and I teach. I paint people, I paint landscapes and I paint anything that inspires me to mix colors and brush them on canvasses.