Simplify for Impact: The Magic of Shape, Colour & Gradients

May 31st - June 1st, 2025

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (PDT) 

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

Level: Suitable for Beginner & Intermediate Level

Medium: Acrylic, Oil & Gouache

Workshop Overview:

Shape, colour, and gradients are powerful tools that guide the viewer’s eye, creating balance, depth, and movement within a composition. When used with intention, they transform a painting from ordinary to captivating, drawing in the viewer and holding their  attention.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to simplify complex subjects into bold, effective shapes, use colour strategically to enhance mood and visual impact, and master gradients to create depth and flow. Through guided exercises and hands-on practice, you'll gain the confidence to design compositions that feel both dynamic and harmonious.

Whether you’re looking to refine your artistic voice or strengthen the impact of your work, this workshop will provide practical techniques to elevate our paintings and make them more visually compelling.

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.

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!"