Registration Deposit: $170 (includes $25 reg fee)
Balance: $350, due 7/28/25
Total cost of Workshop: $520
Dates: Friday, September 26th – Sunday, September 28th, 2025 (9am-4pm)
Level: Some experience in painting and color mixing is required
Materials: Wise- Supply List.pdf
Off-site Location: Mike Wise’s studio, 560 Hill Valley Drive, Coupeville

For oil and acrylic*

Join Mike Wise in his Whidbey Island studio for an intense information-packed workshop. Mike will demonstrate his painting techniques in oils, from initial concept and block-in, to middle ground modeling and top layer impasto finish work. All workshops follow a similar flow with an equal balance of demonstrations and student painting time. Throughout the course of this workshop, Mike will demonstrate his complete approach to painting, from white canvas to finished picture. Mike will do painting demonstrations in the morning and afternoon each day and will provide plenty of one-on-one instruction with students. He will cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques. Demonstrations will cover values, massing, edges, drawing, paint handling, mediums, tools, supports and anything else that goes into painting.

While covering all aspects of his painting process, this class will have an additional emphasis on photographs in terms of how to use them and interpret what you see. Photographs can be exceedingly difficult to use for a variety of reasons, and this workshop will address the workarounds Mike has developed to maximize his use of photo reference.

Students will learn:

• How to interpret photos, in terms of values and colors
• Composing images from multiple photographs
• Basics of color temperature in photos
• Color value and problems with photos and how to overcome
• Limitations of photos
• How to shoot reference photos for painting, bracketing
• Basic editing of reference photos

*Acrylic painters should note that Mike paints using oils, however he is very comfortable teaching students who paint with acrylic. While demonstrations are in oil, many of the same principles apply. If you are painting in acrylic, it is up to you to know the specific nuances of your medium.

Student Testimonials:

“Mike is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he shares all of his experience, tips and techniques with his students. He wants us to be successful artists. His modeling of the steps and phases of painting, his individual feedback, and his genuine appreciation of master artists, are how he has supported me as I am learning, growing, and evolving as an oil painter.”

— Pamela G., Freeland, WA

“Mike Wise’s classes feature expressive use of design, color and brushwork. Lots of individual attention and helpful demos, definitely recommend!”

— June J., Edmonds, WA