Design for Painters with Michael King

Date: March 14th - 15th, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (PDT) 

Location: Federation Academy on Granville Island, 1310 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S1 

Level: Beginners with a strong foundation, Intermediate & Advanced painters

Medium: Acrylic, Oil & Gouache

Workshop Overview:

Strong paintings aren’t accidental. They’re built on clear, intentional design. 

DESIGN for PAINTERS is a focused, hands-on course for artists who want their paintings to feel clearer, more cohesive, and more intentional. Many painters reach a point where their work feels inconsistent or unresolved, not because of a lack of skill, but because the design  decisions underneath the paint aren’t fully clear. This workshop offers a practical starting point for addressing that.

Through clear discussion, live demonstrations, and guided exercises, you’ll explore  approachable ways to think about design in your work. Beginning with simple black-and-white conceptual ideas, small abstractions and explorational sketches in paint, you’ll build a foundation for understanding structure, emphasis, and visual flow, then carry those ideas into your own painting through a thoughtful revision or rework.

This course isn’t about formulas or fixed outcomes. It’s an introduction to seeing more clearly, creating with intention, and making more deliberate choices as you paint. Rather than promising answers to everything, it provides tools and a way of thinking you can continue to develop long after the workshop ends.

About the Instructor - Michael King: 

Meet Michael King, a passionate Canadian artist with a deep love for plein air (outdoor) painting, through which he endeavors to capture the essence of every landscape he encounters.

Drawing inspiration straight from the heart of nature, Michael is constantly attuned to the delicate dance of light, form, and colour, seamlessly blending representational elements with an impressionistic touch, resulting in captivating works of art.

With a background in product design, he brings a wealth of technical expertise to his artistic practice, all while cherishing the beauty of simplicity. His dedication to mastery shines through in every brushstroke, always looking at the technical aspects of painting, design and a need for simplicity.

His talent has been recognized in various exhibitions and competitions, and his artwork graces private collections in Canada, the United States, and the UK. Michael's impact extends beyond his studio as he's also the driving force behind the artful:minds artist  podcast series, enriching the lives of fellow creatives he meets along his way. 

Website:  michaelking.ca 

Instagram:  Michael King | Plein Air Oil Painter (@michaelking.ca) • Instagram photos and videos 

Student Testimonials:

• "Michael is a great teacher, friendly yet professional. He is organized and focused in his teaching which I greatly appreciated. Highly recommend Michael’s workshops."

• "Michael’s workshop taught me tools to take my painting to a place I did not know how to get to on my own and, how to approach the process more effectively. I plan to take more."

• "I learned more in an hour than I have in two years." 

• "It’s great dealing with a true professional! Thank you."

• "I just had a very enjoyable weekend workshop. Michael’s color theory knowledge is extensive, and he really helped me to view composition on a new level. His teaching style is very accommodating to each individual. It was well worth it, and it was fun!"