In this class we will work from your photo references to design YOUR finished painting.

Bring your own photo (if you wish).

How we will create a finished painting from your reference photo:

• By knowing how to select your subject. Important: the most beautiful subject does not necessarily make a beautiful painting. Avoid complicated subject with lots of negative shapes. Avoid obvious subject such as spectacular sunset, panoramic views, and historical monuments.

• By learning how to simplify your painting by selecting only the elements that contribute or enhance your story and remove the elements that complicate or confuse your message.
• by organizing the depth in three levels: foreground, middle ground (the scene where the story takes place), and background.
• By organizing the hierarchical relationship between the different shapes.
• By carrying out a value study identifying major shapes with same value.
• By establishing connections between the shapes to guide the viewer’s eyes.
• By building dramatic tension by managing contrast and tonal values.
• By creating a mother colour that gives specific light and mood to your painting.

“Amid is a wonderful instructor. He teaches elements of composition, technique and artistry presented in a step by step manner at a pace that is easy to follow. His feedback is invaluable, offered in a supportive manner ideal for personal growth and exploration.  Having taken several workshops with Amid this past year, I highly recommend his workshops for all skill levels”.

Richard L.

“I have learned so much from Amid’s classes and had a lot of fun doing so!  His instructions are so clear and easy to follow. No matter what the subject is, he breaks the painting process down in easy steps. He is a fantastic instructor and painter and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to take his classes all the way from Belgium (where he lives) to my living room. Thank you Amid and French Escapade! “

Lily S.

“Amid El Haddad is a devoted, passionate watercolor artist who provides clear, easily understood instruction to achieve incredible, impressionistic results! In just two days of painting with Amid in the FrenchEscapade V.I.E.W class I was able to better understand the medium to effectively achieve the desired results. Much to my amazement both paintings demonstrated a vast improvement in my abilities directly related to his teaching. Amid is able to break down and convey manageable chunks of information, demonstrate his intentions and facilitate growth in his students. Thank you Amid for sharing your vast knowledge and expertise of watercolor painting!”

Marilyn M.