Cost: $245 | Member Pricing: $180–220
Instructor: Greg Gandy
▶ Instructor: Greg Gandy, MFA | Portfolio
▶ 12 Participants Maximum
▶ In-Person and Remote Participation
COST: $245
MEMBER PRICING | Use code at checkout
$220 – Member | use code: MEMBER
$198 – Advancing Plan | use code: ADVANCING
$180 – Mastering Plan | use code: MASTERING
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
We want everyone to be able to participate. If you need financial assistance, a 30% discount is available – just email us at team@azgourartgroup.com
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW
Strong composition is the foundation of every memorable painting. In this workshop, you'll learn how to simplify complex scenes, create compelling focal points, guide the viewer's eye, and confidently edit reality to strengthen your work. Through demonstrations, practical exercises, and individual feedback, you'll discover the design principles that help transform good paintings into great ones. Whether you're just beginning or have years of experience, you'll leave with simple, practical tools you can apply to every painting you create.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE
Objective
The objective of this five-hour workshop is to help painters make stronger, more intentional compositional choices and move beyond simply copying what they see. We’ll begin with a discussion and demonstration of key design principles, including simplifying complex scenes, organizing large shapes and values, creating a clear focal point, and guiding the viewer’s eye. Students will then work through quick thumbnail and composition exercises before developing a painting with plenty of individual instruction and feedback along the way. We’ll finish by looking at the work together and discussing how these strategies can be carried into future paintings. All levels are welcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Instructor lecture and painting demonstration
Structured painting exercises with room for interpretation
Individualized guidance during studio work
Group critique and discussion
Insights into the instructor’s current projects as added educational context
A casual, energetic environment that encourages experimentation and growth
MATERIALS TO BRING
Preferred painting medium and supplies
Sketchbook or drawing paper
Pencil and/or markers for thumbnail sketches
Several reference images you’d be interested in painting from
Your usual painting setup
Turp or water to clean brushes
Rags or paper towels
Tables and chairs are provided. Participants may bring their own easels (tabletop or freestanding) or work directly on the table. The studio offers a restroom, paint-washing sink, paper towels, water, tea, and backup art supplies if you forget something. A café is conveniently located across the street, though bringing lunch is recommended to maximize working time.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Arrival: Participants are welcome to arrive up to 20 minutes early to settle in.
Parking: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Questions: please get in touch via email: team@westportalgallery.com
LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED
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415 212 9092 | team@westportalgallery.com
