BOLD & LOOSE:
PAINTING NATURE WITH CONFIDENCE
Get ready to break free from rigid techniques and find that sweet spot where your creativity flows naturally.
If youâve been wanting to paint more loosely but find yourself unsure where to begin, youâre not alone. The struggle to loosen up and let go of rigid techniques can be overwhelming.
Thatâs exactly why Eric created this courseâto help artists like you break free from those frustrations. He understands how daunting it can feel, but heâs here to guide you through the process and show you that learning how it all comes together is where the magic truly happens.
In this course, Eric will mentor you step-by-step, helping you find that sweet spot where true creativity lies. Youâll learn how to avoid common mistakes that often keep artists stuck and, instead, open your mind to react to whatâs unfolding on the canvas. This shift in mindset will help your work evolve naturally, leading to more expression, spontaneity, and joy in your painting.
So don't hesitate any longer. Join Eric in this unforgettable course!
365 DAYS OF COURSE
ACCESS & MENTORING
WITH ERIC JACOBSEN
- A whole course designed for you covering six art modules with videos and lessons to put into practice. At each step, youâll receive feedback on your work and regular communication from Eric Jacobsen for 365 days, a whole year!
- This online course is waiting for you to log in when itâs convenient (no set times or schedules). Work at your own pace and ask for help when you need it.
- With each video, you can rewind, pause, freeze the frame, and fully absorb each lesson. Experience full-length painting videos along with supporting concept videos that provide practical information at every step. Eric will ensure that your time at the easel is focused on creating something you are excited to finish.
- Eric understands that every student experiences artistic challenges, so he always encourages you to ask questions, focus on the principles, and infuse new creativity into your paintings!
- Eric will unlock your passion for painting and guide you in expressing your true self. He knows that every brushstroke is a powerful opportunity for growth, and he fully invests in his students' success!
WHAT'S INSIDE THIS COURSE?
In every module, you will find an in-depth, start-to-finish demonstration where Eric skillfully paints while providing a detailed commentary on his techniques and the rationale behind each step. This engaging approach not only showcases his artistry but also enhances your understanding of the creative process. Alongside the main demonstration, you'll have access to a variety of supplementary video lessons that delve into the key concepts of the module, making it easier to grasp essential skills and techniques.
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As you progress through each module, you'll be encouraged to practice the lessons at your own pace, utilizing Eric's thoughtfully crafted assignments designed to reinforce your learning. Once you feel confident in your skills, you can seamlessly transition to the next module. Moreover, should you have questions or seek personalized feedback on your painting, Eric is readily available to assist you through his exclusive private student Facebook group, fostering a supportive community atmosphere for all students.
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MODULE 1 | COMPOSITION
We have all heard the saying, âComposition is kingâ or something along these lines...and itâs true. No course on painting would be complete without touching on this subject. Another word for composition is design. Simply put it is the layout of basic color shapes into a pleasing arrangement. In our time together, I will discuss and demonstrate how to simplify a scene and break it down into itâs basic shapes. I will also demonstrate how to edit and arrange the landscape in order to create a dynamic yet balanced picture. Itâs easier than you think and requires only a basic knowledge of design and the rules of composition.
MODULE 2 | VALUE
Value is often overlooked in favor of color... in fact the two are interconnected...value is a property of color. Every color has a value. It is either lighter or darker than the color next to it. We use value to convey a sense of light and form, in this module I will encourage you all to focus on value first and then color. I will also encourage you to choose subject matter that has a wide value range so as to create a powerful light effect and strong form.
MODULE 3 | COLOR
There is much that can be said about color. In fact itâs the thing that most folks think of first, when they think of painting. In this course we will discuss the properties of color and the importance of color relationship. Color relationship is what painting is all about. I will encourage you to let go of the exact color of things in nature and to stop copying tone for tone and colorfor color, but instead, focus on relating colors by considering their hue, value, and temperature.This way of seeing and comparing is vital for the landscape painter.
MODULE 4 | MARK MAKING
A key element to creating interesting and exciting paintings in any style is mark making. As painters, we are mark makers. We create the scene before us with pieces of paint laid down bybrush, knife, rag, etc... Iâll address the importance of using a variety of mark making techniques to convey the feeling of the landscape. Throughout our time together, I will encourage you all to be playful and experiment with your mark making.
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WHEN YOU ENROLL TODAY
YOU GET INSTANT ACCESS TO THE COURSE
WHICH INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
4 MODULES OF OVER-THE-SHOULDER VIDEO INSTRUCTION
There are more than 10Â hours of pre-recorded video oil demonstrations. Dive into each one when your schedule allows. They are available to you online 24/7 for one full year on desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. All you need is an internet connection. Paint alongside Eric with each video and rewatch them as often as you need. You have all year with Eric's course concepts, and it will be a good one!
ERIC'S HAND-SELECTED PHOTO REFERENCES, OR USE YOUR OWN
Inside you will find photo reference packages of Ericâs own hand-selected images - ready for you to work from. You can easily practice what you've been learning by using them as you wish throughout the year. You are not required to use the photos - youâre always welcome to develop your own composition.
NEW VIDEO LESSONS ADDED TO THE COURSE EVERY MONTHÂ
In addition to the videos within the six core modules and their suggested assignments, Eric will record a NEW video lesson addressing a topic with tips & techniques to try in your paintings. If you think of a topic that you would like to have Eric expand on, let him know! Students often mention how much they enjoy receiving each new artistic concept throughout the year.Â
PARTICIPATE IN GROUP OFFICE HOURS WITH ERIC EVERY OTHER MONTH
Please note this is NOT a live critique you watch at a specific time. It is recorded and added to the course. You will hear and see him digitally correct students' submissions right before your eyes. These critiques are valuable because Eric is allowed more time to go in-depth into the painting and cover more detail than what is posted in his private student Facebook community. On the chosen submissions, see Eric peel back the layers, show what is working, and fix the areas that are not. The best part about these recorded videos is that you can stop and rewind Eric's critique and see how to improve your original painting.
ACCESS TO ERIC'S PRIVATEÂ STUDENT FACEBOOK GROUP
Get ongoing support in Ericâs private Facebook community, which is only available to enrolled students. When you post your painting inside the group, you'll receive guidance, feedback from Eric, and new ideas, plus you can see what other students are asking, so you can learn from their journeys as well! It's a global community of artists all working alongside each other. This kind of genuine support and connection online makes a huge difference in your growth, so come with your questions!
**A note about the Facebook community** Participation in the private FB group isnât required, but it will accelerate your learning throughout the year as you connect with Eric and other students. If you want, you can observe and read everything. But we encourage you to post a painting or comment because no one, but the students and Eric in the group, will see what you have posted. The general public never sees inside and will never see your posted paintings or questions, only Eric and the other students in the course.
DISCOVER THE POWER OF ERICâS AI TOOL
This exclusive AI library is a treasure trove of Eric's amazing course video content with TAAO. Got a question? Just ask, and the AI will instantly pinpoint exactly where Eric covered it in his course videos, complete with a written answer. This will save you hours and hours of time searching so you can keep moving forward without delay. Be one of the first to dive into this game-changing tool and experience the future of course mentoring.
Check out the video below to see it in action!
ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
HEAR FROM ERIC'S STUDENTS
"âIâve had the pleasure of studying with Eric in his in-person workshops, and I couldnât be more thrilled to recommend his new one-year online mentoring course! If youâve ever been inspired by Ericâs energetic approach, just imagine how much more youâll gain from having ongoing support and feedback over the course of a full year. Eric has a way of simplifying the painting process, showing us how to create using proven techniques that deliver minimal effort for visible results. Itâs perfect for artists who want to bring more expression and spontaneity into their work! This online course goes far beyond the usual 4- or 5-day workshop because Eric will have the time to really expand on his process and guide us step-by-step. And the fact that we get to be part of his inner circleâseeing and experiencing what he shares from Maine, where he lives, and the beautiful subjects he paintsâadds an extra layer of excitement to the experience. Donât miss this opportunity to secure your spot. I canât wait to dive deeper into Ericâs teachings & mentoring; I know youâll love it too!â"
Testimonial
Alexandria
"My expectations were very high because Iâve been in other mentoring courses offered by TAAO in the past. My expectations were definitely met as soon as I previewed this brand new course by Eric Jacobsen. I have now doubt his artistic style will be a great addition to their mentoring offerings. I am so grateful that TAAO has allowed me to participate online in a course from anywhere in the world. That is so much more than I had ever expected could be done. I am surprised at how much content there is and never expected to learn so much in my art journey. Not only it is learning and growing, but nowhere else can you be part of the mentors, art life, travels and upcoming show sneak peeks they are so masterfully invited to. LOVE it ALL!!! "
Testimonial
Hannah
ABOUT ERIC JACOBSEN
ERIC JACOBSEN
An Maine artist known for his bold expressive paintings was born and raised in New England. He received a BA in History from Gordon College in Wenham, MA, and studied fine art at the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT. At the Academy, he received training in the Beaux Arts tradition of drawing and painting from life.
Eric finds his true inspiration in the stunning beauty of nature. Jacobsen is an âoutdoor on-locationâ painter. He brings his oil paints wherever he goes, setting up his easel on-site and working until he completes his painting. This is where he feels happiest, striving to connect with his surroundings.Â
"It is most important to me that my paintings convey a certain mood. I want the viewer to engage without analyzing or thinking about the subject. Generally, I try to find strong compositions in nature and then paint the scene accurately while leaving out extraneous details. These details only busy up the painting and detract from the piece's strength. My painting process consists of finding a painting site and setting up to paint for a couple of hours or until the light changes. I will return on consecutive days simultaneously for larger paintings under similar lighting conditions to finish a piece."Â
ABOUT TUCSON ART ACADEMY ONLINE
(TAAO)
FOUNDED BY GĂBOR & CHRISTINE SVAGRIK
Art is our passion and bringing master artists right to you in your own studio is our mission.
When you enroll in one of our online mentoring courses, our professional instructors will share their art knowledge with you and take you with them on their journeys.
Our instructors have been teaching for years and know exactly how to carefully nurture each student's needs so they will benefit the most. You will get out what you put into these courses! That's our goal and promise to you.
We love physical workshops and in-person feedback, but they have their limitations.
âThey end way too fast.
â They require travel, extra expenses, and lugging your materials with you.
â The dates and times often conflict with your availability.
â If you canât make sense of your notes or quite remember how the instructor did something, youâre out of luck and on your own.
We know it can be frustrating and disheartening to work hard to perfect your art to only be hit with more stumbling blocks. I'm sure you would do anything to be able to ask a question and receive feedback from a professional artist you admire.
So we asked ourselves, âHow can we make world-class art instruction available to EVERYONE who wants it?â
And so, our 365-Day Access with Mentoring courses were born. For more than 10 years, students from around the world have had access to some of the most celebrated artists (with incredible teaching ability) available to them.
We are delighted to bring our favorite renowned artists to your doorstep.Â
We are thrilled to welcome renowned artist Eric Jacobsen to your studio. For an entire year, you will receive his guidance, support, teaching, and mentorship.
You wonât find Eric Jacobsenâs course,
BOLD & LOOSE: PAINTING NATURE WITH CONFIDENCE anywhere else.
Exclusive content available ONLY inside Tucson Art Academy Online.
And while this 365-day course access with mentorship is worth thousands,
weâre only asking for one payment of $895 USD.
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(The best value anywhere for MENTORSHIP with Eric Jacobsen!)
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Eric's entire course with all the benefits is open to you when you enroll.
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Youâll be on a path toward continued growth and success for your art.
Join Eric today.
ONCE ENROLLED KEEP THIS
EXCLUSIVE BONUS
FROM ERIC
- BONUS -
PAINTING THE IMPRESSION
(VALUE $70)
In this 60 minute never-before-seen start-to-finish painting demonstration, Eric shares how to explore the essential tools and techniques for creating dynamic landscapes, including various brushes and palette knives. Discover the importance of a well-chosen color palette and the benefits of painting over previous works. Learn how to establish composition with a two-thirds sky and one-third land ratio while emphasizing value and temperature for depth. The video highlights the use of texture and the significance of clean color mixing and encourages a loose, expressive painting style. Final touches focus on refining details and achieving a cohesive composition, making the process both engaging and informative.
Only students in this course receive this special bonus video - itâs not available for purchase anywhere.
You can download and save this video in a safe place. It's yours to keep as a takeaway when your course access ends.
THE ESSENTIALS:
- Eric Jacobsen's course "Bold and Loose: Painting Nature with Confidence" with mentorship and guidance from Eric for 365 days.
- Plus: BONUS - Painting The Impression
60 minute Painting Demo - Plus: Ask Eric to help you find what you need! Access Eric's personal library, powered by AI, which will instantly search through hundreds of hours of his course videos to find an answer to read and also take you to the exact minute in the video where he shows you what you asked. It's customized for you.
- Plus: A new video lesson EVERY month.
- Plus: In-depth group critiques EVERY other month on paintings.
- Plus: Instant access to EVERY previous monthly video lesson and EVERY group critique posted since the course first opened.
- Plus:Â A photo package of Eric's own hand-selected images to use as you wish.
- Plus: Eric's student-only private Facebook community to connect with him about questions or help with a painting. This way, he can really fine-tune areas of interest for you.
**A note about the Facebook community** Participation in the private FB group isnât required. However, connecting with Eric and other students will accelerate your learning throughout the year. If you want, you can observe and read everything. But we encourage you to post a painting or comment because no one, but the students and Eric in the group, will see what you have posted. The general public never sees inside and will never see your posted paintings or questions, only Eric and the other students in the course.
GET STARTED TODAY
365 DAYS WITH ERIC JACOBSEN
Get past the starting line & onto RESULTS.
This isnât just a course. Itâs a community. And itâs awesome.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I have support if I need help with a painting?
YES. There are two ways throughout the year to get help from Eric. If you join Eric's private student Facebook community, youâll be able to ask Eric questions, get feedback from Eric on your work, and connect with your classmates. Everyone can read and see Eric's responses throughout the year. When you post inside the group, Eric can fine-tune areas of interest specifically for you. You will also be invited to submit work & questions to Eric during his in-depth group critique every other month throughout the year. These are longer video-recorded sessions where you hear and see him digitally correct students' submissions right before your eyes. These are added to the course so everyone benefits from each other's video critiques. You can rework or recreate your paintings after watching these critiques because it is a video you can stop and rewind anytime. Eric is truly your mentor throughout the year.
I've taken art classes and been practicing for a while, but I still struggle to find the proper instruction to take my art to the next level. Is this course going to cover theories and not show me how to apply them to my paintings?
Eric's course will prepare you with the skills needed to advance and experiment with art way beyond the basics you already know. Manyâ âartists paint along, repeating over and over again the same mistakes and struggling with how to fix them. The goal of this course is to change all that. Being mentored by a professional artist who has also helped numerous students succeed is how you get the results you seek. If you apply yourself and ask for help, we promise you will gain wisdom that is not only hands-on from Eric but practical that you can build upon for years to come.
I struggle with technology... is this course easy to use?
YES. All you need to do is log in with your password and click âplay." You can pause, rewind, or fast forward in each video lesson. Watch from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone as long as your device is connected to the internet; youâre all set! Our technology is simple and very easy to use. We are always here to help if you need us!
I'm a beginner. Is this course too advanced for me?
NO. Eric designed this course to meet artists at all levels of art journeys. He covers the basics all the way to more advanced principles. You will get the most out of this course if you progress through the modules in order and reach out for mentorship along the way. Eric is a passionate teacher; if you are willing to apply yourself, you will learn more than you ever thought possible. Trust us; your future self will thank you for leaping today!
Are there deadlines or set times to be Online?
NO. You have full access to the course for 365 days, which means you can slow things down and work on your schedule, spend more time in the video lessons, and paint when it is right for you. This year-long format allows you to uncover your unique flow as an artist, be mentored by Eric, and invest in the process to see significant changes in your work.