The Thinking Painter: Developing Paintings with Purpose

Date: Thursdays, October 1st - 22nd, 2026 (4 sessions)

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (PDT) 

Location: Online via Zoom

Level: Open to All Levels

Medium: Acrylic, Gouache, Oil & Pastel

Workshop Overview:

The Thinking Painter: Developing Paintings with Purpose is a focused, hands-on workshop for artists who want to move beyond simply painting what they see and begin creating paintings with greater clarity, intention, and impact. Designed for artists working in any style or genre, this workshop is ideal for those looking to strengthen the process behind their paintings. The ideas explored in this workshop apply across painting media, though instruction and critiques will be most applicable to artists working in oil, acrylic, gouache, or pastel.

Through discussion, live demonstrations, and practical exercises, you'll explore how paintings evolve from concept to completion. Beginning with reference gathering, ideas, and visual inspiration, you'll learn how sketches, studies, and experimentation can be used to test possibilities, explore alternatives, and clarify intent before committing to a final work. Along the way, we'll examine the decisions that shape a painting's development, including simplification, design, emphasis, editing, and revision.

More than a workshop about technique, this is a workshop about thinking. You'll develop a clearer understanding of why certain visual decisions strengthen a painting, how to evaluate options throughout the creative process, and how to move forward with greater confidence and purpose. The result is a more intentional approach to painting that helps transform initial ideas into stronger, more resolved works.

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!"