How to Compose Memorable Paintings that Impact Viewers with Lalita Hamill, AFCA

Tuesdays, July 15 & 22, Aug 5 & 12, 2025

10.00 AM - 1.00 PM (PDT)

Online via Zoom

Participants: all levels, all media, all styles

Workshop Overview:

To what degree do you ‘compose’ your paintings so they are meaningful, impactful, and memorable? In this course, you will develop a deeper and broader understanding of the elements and principles of design and how to apply them to improve the quality and appeal of your work. Participants will receive feedback on their reference images and paintings. 

Topics and activities will include:

• An art assessment process to use while looking at the work of others.
• Elements of Design – Line, shape, values, form, space, texture, colour
• Principles of Design 

              o Pattern & Repetition

              o Contrast

              o Symmetry and Balance

              o Emphasis

              o Scale & Proportion

              o Rhythm & Movement

              o Unity & Harmony balanced with 

• Receive feedback on your own reference photos and/or paintings (optional)
• How to use an armature to assess your composition while painting.
• Delve deeper into ‘why’ you paint, and how that relates to your viewers.

Supplies:

· Notebook & pen

· 5 reference photographs you plan to paint from, emailed to Lalita just after day 1 (optional).

· 3 recent paintings for critique (optional).

About Lalita Hamill, AFCA: 

Lalita is a sought-after instructor and juror who specializes in contemporary realism, especially of figures, still life and landscapes. She attended the Vancouver Academy of Art for four years, where she studied traditional painting methods from classically trained instructors. Lalita is a Signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, and an Associate Member of Oil Painters of America. She has been teaching for over 30 years, facilitated public monthly critiques for 10 years, and has been running a weekly contemporary atelier program out of her studio for seven years. Lalita designed the Foundations Program for the Federation of Canadian Artists. She is accomplished in oils, acrylics and watercolour, and specializes in art assessment and composition.

Lalita has a degree in Philosophy and English, and is also a writer, musician, facilitator, and XR Designer. “I paint to gently awaken in myself and others that which has been lost, hidden, or buried.”  - L.C. Hamill  Visit www.lalitahamill.com

Student Testimonials:

• “In her critiques, Lalita provides honest and gentle suggestions for improvements at the same time she lets the painters know what really works in each painting.  Over the past four years I have learned so much from her.  What a lovely soul she is.”  - Marion Iherg

• “I have learned more about colour and tones in these sessions than I have ever learned from any other professional artist or class.”  - E. Johnston

• “I really appreciate Lalita’s knowledge delivered with such a friendly, inclusive style” - J. Dixon 

• “Lalita is a fantastic facilitator and makes you feel good about your painting. I value her professional opinion.” - Nadja Mak

• “I have learned a great deal while attending Lalita’s art critiques. I feel I understand what I’m looking at so much more and can articulate what I feel about a piece more than I could before. It helps me appreciate different styles as well. I find every session worthwhile and inspiring.”  – Heidi Stewart

•  "Lalita is not only an outstanding artist, she is one of those rare people with the ability to teach.”  - C. Evens