STUDY TO STUDIO

Experiment with your creativity and create with passion!

.

As artists, we have endless possibilities when capturing our study. But, the best paintings happen when we take that experience and fine-tune them in our studios.

With Kenn Backhaus as your instructor, you will learn how to identify, plan and paint every corner of a canvas with success!

Whether you are a beginner or well on your way, Kenn is excited to be your mentor and share everything with you inside this course. Over a year's time, it is inevitable you will see great results
.

HOW THE COURSE WORKS
Q&A

 
ENROLL HERE - $895 USD
CHOOSE PAYMENT OPTION

365 DAYS OF COURSE
ACCESS & MENTORING
WITH KENN BACKHAUS

  • A whole course designed for you that covers four art modules with videos and lessons to put into practice. At each step, you’ll receive feedback on your work and regular communication from Kenn Backhaus for 365 days...a whole year!
  • This online course is waiting for you to log in when it’s 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 savor each lesson. These are full-length painting videos and supporting concept videos that share hands-on information every step of the way. Kenn will ensure that your time at the easel is spent painting something you are EXCITED to finish.
  • Kenn knows that every student goes through art growing pains, so he always encourages you to ask questions, focus on the principles, and breathe new-found creativity into your paintings!
  • Kenn will bring out more of YOU and why you were so drawn to paint in the first place. He knows that every brushstroke becomes a chance to grow. He holds nothing back from his students!

WHAT'S INSIDE THIS COURSE?

 

Through the modules, you’ll see how Kenn starts with a reference - such as a photo - and paints a quick study from it… “translating the image into the language of paint” as Kenn calls it. From that first study, he then chooses a few other directions to take with that same reference - maybe by choosing a different format, changing the light and shadows, or a variation in the composition. Watch and listen as he develops a number of studies and then selects the most compelling one to paint on a larger canvas.

You’ll be invited to complete studies on references of your choosing (and he supplies a package of photos for you to use if you like).

Developing different ideas into your studies is a helpful process at large. You will see and feel your skills improve & your confidence grow.

 

ENROLL HERE - $895 USD
CHOOSE PAYMENT OPTION

MODULE 1 | DEVELOPING THE STUDY

Kenn sets the foundation by introducing you to the palette and brushes he uses. He’ll review some terminology so you’re both on the same page. From there, he begins his journey with you as he paints a study from start to finish with the play-by-play so you can understand the how and the why.

KENN TEACHES YOU HOW TO:

  • Develop an idea into a painted study.
  • Prevent overworking areas of your painting.
  • Select your subject matter to compose: strong design elements, shadows, lights, groupings, rhythm, line, and movement. This will help you create dynamics & interest for your viewers.
  • Choose your focal point and paint other elements as the “supporting actors”.
  • Develop good color harmony.

MODULE 2 | CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS

Now is the time for alternative examination, analysis, and taking chances. Kenn will tell you, “We will try to leave no rocks unturned. I very much enjoy this part of the painting process and I’m sure you will too. At this point, we still are not held down to any one approach. The chance to investigate all the options can be a very valuable experience. You will learn and benefit from exploring options you may have not thought of otherwise.”

KENN TEACHES YOU HOW TO:

  • Think outside that box and play with dynamics, color, formatting & techinques so you develop a better conversation that lets you understand what you want to try next. Maybe you’ll try adding or taking away things. Maybe you’ll try a vertical composition instead of horizontal. Get ready to think in new ways about your design and options!
  • Use your value key options (high, middle, low, normal) to create different moods.
  • Diversify your ideas to get the most out of your studies.
  • Continue to develop the conversation with your study. Those ideas will continue to serve you throughout your years of painting.
  • Embrace the power of comparison in your studies to build confidence and choose the study that you want to bring to the larger canvas.

MODULE 3 | IDEAS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILL

It’s SHOW TIME! By now, you’ve done quite a bit of experimentation - and loved some of your results. With the hard work done, you can now concentrate on good draftsmanship, good use of values, good color harmonies, & competent brushwork.

You don’t have to rethink or redesign as you paint the larger piece - and that makes for a more positive painting experience!

KENN TEACHES YOU HOW TO:

  • Prepare to bring your small study to the larger canvas with wash, a grid, & pencil sketching.
  • Select your starting point and think about value & paint consistency.
  • Develop a good working process.
  • Use contrast to shift your viewers’ attention to where you want it. You’ll be surprised how many ways you can achieve contrast!
  • Add the crucial “decorations” without adding so much that you lose the design & shapes.

MODULE 4 | BUILDING YOUR CONFIDENCE

“A true artist never arrives with one’s abilities, it is a lifelong journey… you can stumble around for years and occasionally strike gold or make it your goal to become a more competent artist by seeking the path to success. In this 4th core module the tools & ideas are reinforced so you can continue to develop your skills." - Kenn

KENN TEACHES YOU HOW TO:

  • Build shapes and values and how to draw with paint.
  • Command attention by sharpening some edges and softening others.
  • Build texture with thick and thin paint.
  • Decide where you need to spend your time rendering & where details aren’t needed.
  • Be the “director of your set”... you choose the lighting, the mood, who speaks loudly, who whispers, who your star is and who ends up in supporting roles.

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 20 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 Kenn with each video and rewatch them as often as you need. You have all year with Kenn's course concepts, and it will be a good one!

KENN'S HAND-SELECTED PHOTO REFERENCES, OR USE YOUR OWN

Inside the course, you will find photo reference packages of Kenn’s 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 - you’re always welcome to develop your own composition.

NEW VIDEO LESSONS ADDED TO THE COURSE EVERY MONTH 

In addition to the videos within the four core modules and their suggested assignments, Kenn will record NEW video lessons addressing different topics with tips & techniques to try in your paintings. If you think of a topic that you would like to have Kenn expand on, let him know! Students always mention how much they enjoy receiving each new artistic concept throughout the year. 

Here's a sneak peek inside this growing library since the course first opened. Gain access to these and many more while enrolled:

- Creating the Illusion of Depth
- Conservation of Brushwork
- Edges & Texture
- Photo Editing

PARTICIPATE IN GROUP OFFICE HOURS WITH KENN 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 Kenn 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 Kenn 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 Kenn's critique and see how to improve your original painting.

ACCESS TO KENN'S PRIVATE STUDENT FACEBOOK GROUP

Get ongoing support in Kenn’s private Facebook community, which is only available to enrolled students. When you post your painting inside the group, you'll receive guidance, feedback, and new ideas from Kenn. 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!

CLIP OF A VIDEO CRITIQUE KENN MADE OF A STUDENT'S WORK FROM WITHIN THE PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP

 

**A note about the Facebook community** Participation in the private FB group isn’t required, but it will accelerate your learning throughout the year as you connect with Kenn 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 Kenn 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 Kenn and the other students in the course.




DISCOVER THE POWER OF KENN'S AI TOOL


This exclusive AI library is a treasure trove of years' worth of Kenn's amazing course content with TAAO. Got a question? Just ask, and the AI will instantly pinpoint exactly where Kenn 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 KENN'S STUDENTS

"Kenn’s mentoring has been a fantastic experience. I have grown as an artist so much in such a relatively short time. For anyone considering enrolling in the course who is reading this, you have picked a wonderful teacher. The time and energy that Kenn devotes to each student is immeasurable. He has been a wonderful mentor. Kenn taught me to remember some of the smallest growths can be some of the most significant discoveries! Thanks for everything Kenn."

Testimonial
David

"I love everything about the course! The lesson plans, videos, critiques, interaction with other students, the course Facebook community, the style of painting, the minimal ongoing costs and the endless hours that Kenn devotes to feedback and critiques. Online learning has hooked me. Kenn's one-on-one personal help has made my art grow. I've excelled further and faster than I would have ever expected. I'm not distracted or frustrated anymore. Thank you Kenn!"

Testimonial
Sue

"I can’t say enough about Kenn Backhaus’s course. I learned to see like an artist and not like a camera. Kenn was so helpful, positive and honest that I now see a huge improvement in my paintings. The critiques were such a huge bonus to the whole course. Thank you TAAO for making these online courses. They are limitless, just like you say!"

Testimonial
Cindy

"My year of mentoring with Kenn has been a huge success, but it never would have happened nor would I have started selling paintings so soon if I had not enrolled when I did last year. I had just retired and this course made it very easy to put animation in the rearview mirror and begin a whole new journey. What I have learned and will continue to learn from Kenn is staggering. Best dollar spent ever. This course rocks!"

Testimonial
Michael

"Working with Kenn, you feel so supported. You’ll feel confident about what you have to do and what your next steps are… so you can keep moving forward no matter what! Kenn’s online mentoring course has well exceeded my expectations. I enjoy not being pressured for time and learning like I am in a 4-day workshop or weekly class. Kenn shares so many great tips. His suggestions and feedback on your work are easy to follow. You see your work change, and it is so uplifting. I am beyond grateful for all the wisdom he has shared and how supportive he is with every student he works with. I LOVE seeing everyone’s progress."

Testimonial
Kaitlan

"I saw that every time I was painting I knew I wanted to do more correctly. With Kenn I could feel the learning curve and the acceleration of learning more than any other educational thing I’ve ever done.  This course took me back to my roots and now I fully understand how to move forward successfully and with joy! This course has been unlike anything else. Never have I had an instructor who has been so generous and authentic.  The amount of information in this course is profound, with nothing left unturned."

Testimonial
Marcus

"This Online course allows me to practice new concepts and get feedback for real growth within a timeframe I can manage. It is very convenient. I can vary my engagement rate to suit my life. I am working full time so this is very important to me. As for the cost, it is well worth it for such a sustained course with personal critiques. Really beats workshops where you are on the receiving end of information, and have very little help from the teacher since he rushed to help everyone. Can't say enough about Kenn's personal feedback on everyone's work. I can generalize Kenn's comments to my own painting. Love that it is an integrated approach. We are painting scenes we choose and Kenn comments on all elements from colour to rhythm. We don't have to do multiple tedious projects that aren't rewarding. And the detail and depth provided in each module videos are fantastic!. Kenn gives such thorough critiques and extra little videos with tips that are generated from what he sees happening with his students' work. It is recursive teaching where the student needs become apparent and then inform the instruction. This is the most useful, productive and successful kind of instruction. Loving Online learning with Kenn and will be taking others! "

Testimonial
Tina

ABOUT KENN BACKHAUS

KENN BACKHAUS

Kenn, born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and spent much of his childhood on the family farm near Burnett, Wisconsin. His fondness for nature became the catalyst for his art. Kenn’s parents encouraged his artistic education and following High School, he attended Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a commercial designer and illustrator Kenn received many awards at both local and national levels, which included acceptance in the 30th Annual Society of Illustrators Show in New York City. Although Kenn took pride in his commercial successes, his heart always belonged to the fine art of outdoor painting.

With his developing interest in the historic traditions of plein air painting, Kenn decided in 1984, to devote more time to his passion for painting and the love of the outdoors. His works have been honored with numerous awards and distinctions. He regularly serves as an acceptance juror and awards judge for many national shows.

Kenn was part of a PBS series entitled, “Plein Air, Painting the American Landscape”. Kenn is now one of the host artists of a new 13-part series, Passport & Palette™ represents the next generation of art education on public television.

Kenn is a Signature Artist Member of the California Art Club, a Master Signature Member of both the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society, a Signature member of the Plein-Air Painters of America. He also served as President of the Plein-Air Painters of America.

Kenn was one of the Master Artists at the first Plein Air Convention hosted by the Plein Air Magazine. Kenn was also invited as one of the Master Artists at the Weekend With the Masters Workshop and Conference in California.

Kenn, a major talent in American art, is humble and well-loved. He is honored to help you achieve quicker results in your own work. He enjoys giving back and has been an instructor for over twenty years.

"My education days have not ended; today's experience is the best teacher for me. I continue to learn every day. The day that the learning stops will be the day I stop." - Kenn Backhaus 

 

ABOUT TUCSON ART ACADEMY ONLINE
(TAAO)

FOUNDED BY GÁBOR & 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.

→They end way too fast.

→ They require travel, extra expenses, and lugging your materials with you.

→ The dates and times often conflict with your availability.

→ If you can’t make sense of your notes or quite remember how the instructor did something, you’re 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, ”How can we make world-class art instruction available to EVERYONE who wants it?”

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. 

We couldn’t be more thrilled to make esteemed artist Kenn Backhaus available to you.
You'll get his guidance, support, teaching, and mentorship for a full year.

You won’t find Kenn Backhaus’s course, Study to Studio, anywhere else.

Exclusive content available ONLY inside Tucson Art Academy Online.

And while this 365-day course access with mentorship is worth thousands,
we’re only asking for one payment of $895 USD.

 

(The best value anywhere for MENTORSHIP with Kenn Backhaus!)

 

Kenn's entire course with all the benefits is open to you when you enroll.

 

You’ll be on a path towards continued growth and success for your art.
Come join Kenn today.

ENROLL HERE - $895 USD
CHOOSE PAYMENT OPTION

ONCE ENROLLED KEEP THESE
EXCLUSIVE BONUSES
 FROM KENN

- BONUS 1 -
REFLECTIONS
(VALUE $70)

A start-to-finish video demonstration (160 min.) You’ll learn Kenn's step-by-step technique for painting atmosphere, light, and water reflections. Watch and learn as he shows you how he captures the genuine feel of this calming wilderness scene. A great addition to this course.

Only students in Study to Studio get these special bonuses - they aren’t available for purchase anywhere.

They’re yours to download and KEEP in your library forever. Even after your course is over!

- BONUS 2 -
GUIDELINES AND WORDS TO PAINT BY E-BOOK
(VALUE $70)

An excellent resource to help guide you when you need it most. Downloadable and ready to read anytime on a computer or mobile device. You can even print it if you wish. (27 pages)

Only students in Study to Studio get these special bonuses - they aren’t available for purchase anywhere.

They’re yours to download and KEEP in your library forever. Even after your course is over!

THE ESSENTIALS:

  • Kenn Backhaus's course "Study to Studio" with mentorship and guidance from Kenn for 365 days.
  • Plus: BONUS - Reflections - Painting Demo
  • Plus: BONUS - E-Book - Guidelines and Words To Paint By
  • Plus: Ask Kenn to help you find what you need! Access Kenn'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:  A photo package of Kenn's own hand-selected images to use as you wish
  • Plus: Kenn'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 isn’t required, but it will accelerate your learning as you connect with Kenn and other students. If you post a painting or comment, no one but the students and Kenn in the group will see what you have posted. The general public never sees inside.

GET STARTED TODAY

365 DAYS WITH KENN BACKHAUS

Get past the starting line & onto RESULTS.
This isn’t just a course. It’s a community. And it’s awesome.

ENROLL HERE - $895 USD
CHOOSE PAYMENT OPTION

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 Kenn. If you join Kenn's private student Facebook community, you’ll be able to ask Kenn questions, get feedback from Kenn on your work, and connect with your classmates. Everyone can read and see Kenn's responses throughout the year. Kenn can fine-tune areas of interest specifically for you when you post inside the group. You will also be invited to submit work & questions to Kenn during his in-depth group critique every other month throughout the year. These are longer video recorded sessions where you not only hear but 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. Kenn 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?

Kenn's course will prepare you with the skills needed to advance and experiment with art beyond the basics you already know. Many​ ​artists 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 of that. Being mentored by a professional artist that 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 Kenn 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 “play." 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; you’re 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. Kenn designed this course to meet artists in their art journeys at all levels. He covers the basics 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. Kenn is a passionate teacher, and 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, and that means you can slow things down to 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 Kenn, and invest in the process so you see significant changes in your work.

ENROLL HERE - $895 USD
CHOOSE PAYMENT OPTION
Close

50% Complete

Two Step

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.