-PAINTING WITH PERCEPTION-
Learn to see and create a poetic piece of art!
The key to "seeing" like an artist is to embrace simplicity and not overthink your subject.
With Mitch Baird as your instructor, mentoring you from the beginning stages all the way through to the end, you will finally discover the clarity youâve been seeking. Over the course of a year, youâll inevitably achieve the results you deserve.
Every chance you've taken, and every "so-called failure," has been preparing you for this moment. Your patience has been WELL worth it. Mitch is dedicated to helping you make up for any lost time in a big way, transforming your artistic journey.
Imagine finding joy in the process, and falling in love with your art all over again. With Mitch by your side, youâll learn to interpret whatâs in front of you with newfound confidence and skill
HOW THIS COURSE WORKS
Q&A
365 DAYS OF COURSE
ACCESS & MENTORING
WITH MITCH BAIRD
- A whole course designed around painting with perception with art videos and art lessons to put into practice. At each step, youâll receive feedback on your work and regular communication from Mitch Baird 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 savor each lesson. Full-length painting videos and supporting concept videos that share hands-on information every step of the way. Mitch will ensure that your time at the easel is spent painting something you are EXCITED to finish.
- Mitch 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!
- Mitch 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?
Watch as Mitch paints 4 demonstrations and supporting concepts from start to finish. Each one covers key techniques you'll be learning in each module. He gives a play-by-play of what heâs doing and why so you can apply this directly to your paintings.
The Perception of Seeing - The act of âseeingâ is an actual skill that artists need to comprehend to create successful representational works of art. I will begin by presenting several paramount concepts regarding visual perception. Before incorporating the fundamentals, learning to interpret what is in front of you is crucial. I aim to help you see (what I call) âopticallyâ and offer some inspiration with this concept to strengthen it. The art of visual communication depends on it.
Through the modules, youâll be invited to complete studies on references of your choosing (Mitch will supply a package of photos for you to use if you like). You can always ask Mitch for help or feedback on your painting inside his private-student Facebook group.
MODULE 1 | COMPOSITION
What is composition? It is design. How do you define design? Design is simply a thoughtful expression of your idea through arrangement. In this module, I will cover the importance of establishing a solid motif and what to consider within the facets of arrangement to keep the viewer's attention. I will cover the importance of format, dealing with masses, and balance to compile a strong painting. Our ideas must resonate in the art we create through composition.
MODULE 2 | DRAWING
Drawing is the concept of representing and applying the 2D and 3D elements of design onto a flat 2-dimensional surface. The kind of drawing I am talking about is not line, but the arrangement and proportions of masses, shapes, and forms. First, I will discuss the 2nd dimension, which is flat shape, proportion, and seeing in the abstract. Next, I will cover the importance of the 3rd dimension regarding space and perspective. Perspective is feared (and frankly avoided) by most, but it is of the highest importance if you want to give depth to your paintings. I will share with you some simple and unique principles for success.
MODULE 3 | VALUE
Value is not only the most pivotal part of painting but the most difficult to grasp. It is important because it is tied to all the other fundamentals and constitutes our perception of light, space, and form. I will discuss the concepts of luminance, comparative seeing, ambient light, and the cardinal ‘Form Principle’, which all deal with representing light. It is with these tools that we are able to exemplify the world around us.
MODULE 4 | COLOR
Color is the dazzling part of painting that we all love the most. However, before diving into those luscious pigments there are serious principles that must be adhered to if you want a harmonious work of art. I will break down how to truly ‘see’ color, harmony, and that elusive aerial perspective. Once you understand the core of how color works, you are then able to set yourself free, expressing with it.
Please note* {Although Mitch has a preference for oil paint, he is happy to help students explore and work with their preferred medium, whether it's acrylics, pastels, or watercolors.}
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 15 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 Mitch with each video and rewatch them as often as you need. You have all year with Mitch's course concepts, and it will be a good one!
MITCH'S HAND-SELECTED PHOTO REFERENCES, OR USE YOUR OWN
Inside you will find photo reference packages of Mitchâs 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 five core modules and their suggested assignments, Mitch will record a NEW video lesson addressing a topic with tips & techniques to try in your paintings. If you think of a topic you would like Mitch to expand on, let him know! Students mention all the time how much they enjoy receiving each new artistic concept throughout the year.Â
Here's a sneak peek inside this growing library since the course first opened. Gain access to these and many more while enrolled:
- Local Color Light Shadow
- Motif Ideas
- Color Spectrum
- Keying a Painting
PARTICIPATE IN GROUP OFFICE HOURS WITH MITCH 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 Mitch 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 Mitch 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 Mitch's critique and see how to improve your original painting. {Additionally, you will gain immediate access to a comprehensive archive of Mitchâs previous critiques of student work that spans the entire duration of the course}.
ACCESS TO MITCH'S PRIVATE STUDENT FACEBOOK GROUP
Get ongoing support in Mitchâs private Facebook community, which is only available to enrolled students. When you post your painting inside the group, you'll receive guidance, feedback from Mitch, 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!
CLIP OF A VIDEO CRITIQUE MITCH MADE OF A STUDENT'S WORK FROM WITHIN THE PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP
**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 Mitch 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 Mitch 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 Mitch and the other students in the course.
DISCOVER THE POWER OF MITCHâS AI TOOL
This exclusive AI library is a treasure trove of years' worth of Mitchâs amazing course content with TAAO. Got a question? Just ask, and the AI will instantly pinpoint exactly where Mitch 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 SPEAK OUT
HEAR FROM MITCH'S STUDENTS
"Mitch's teaching is clear, concise, and he is able to identify with impressive speed the deficiencies in a painting. He has helped me grow as a painter, and I am extremely thankful for the instruction, critique, and encouragement I have received from him."
Testimonial
Jackson
"I've been quietly enjoying my online lessons and painting alongside Mitch. But when I was more confident, I absolutely loved is private student FB community for help, support, and all the sharing. It is the best because thereâs always something new to look forward to. I can't say enough Mitch âŚyou are a great teacher. Painting is a new world for me, and as a beginner, your lessons bring a daily smile to my face and my life. I've learned so much online in this course, and on my limited schedule, I donât know if I would have continued or kept at it all on my own. I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge and being there as a caring mentor for all your students."
Testimonial
Julie Ann
"Mitch you have succeeded in opening me up and helping me through my journey. Every time I was painting, I knew I wanted to do more correctly. Mitch you've helped me through the learning curve so much and have accelerated the learning more than any other educational teacher has ever done. Somehow, you just know how to say it with the right words or show us with a video correction. 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
Jonathan
"I thought I was buying information and instruction and I definitely got those, but I also got so much more. I will never forget Mitch and how your mentoring has made me feel!!! You have the ability to make everyone feel cared for and supported no matter what their skill level. You listen, correct and move us forward with guidance that gives us results. Your sincere desire to help each person in this program shone through time and time again. I will be continuing as an alumni. Online learning has been so enjoyable and this year long format keeps me from feeling rushed and pressed for time."
Testimonial
Katlyn
"I am so glad I tried online art mentoring! I cannot begin to tell you how truly unique this course has been for me. It is EVERYTHING I ever wanted to know⌠and MORE! Mitch leaves no stone unturned. All you need to know is in this course, Mitch's feedback and monthly new video lessons are priceless. Thank you, TAAO, for offering this online learning experience and access to these great instructors. I feel connected and supported by participating all the way from Europe. "
Testimonial
Roark
"Working with Mitch, you feel so supported. Youâll feel confident about what you have to do and what your next steps are⌠so you can keep moving forward no matter what. This online course has exceeded my expectations. I enjoy not being pressured for time and can paint on my schedule and then ask Mitch for help in his private FB community. His new lessons that are added monthly seem to address issues I'm having constantly. With all of this, taking a 4-day workshop or weekly class seems so expensive now without many benefits. I would highly recommend this online format to all my art friends."
Testimonial
Sharon
ABOUT MITCH BAIRD
MITCH BAIRD
He started first, supporting himself and his family as an illustrator, creating background â¨animation for an educational software company based in Salt Lake City. But the allure of life as a painter eventually grew too strong to resist. His passion lies in realistic painting and drawing. He admires the painterly style of the Russian artists and learned early on that their keen eye painting from life always paid off in all the right ways â Value, Color, and especially the atmospheric feeling of the location!
Mitch has years of professional painting behind him and still takes every opportunity to travel and see amazing destinations. "They always offer new inspiration and stunning subject matter to influence my next piece of work." Many collectors appreciate this and admire his eye for interesting vantage points and light-filled landscapes, still-lifes, and figurative work.
Mitch also has a large following of students eager to learn from his knowledge. His contagious energy and thrill for the craft come through when he teaches. He has a method of breaking down the basic art fundamentals understandably and practically, so students see quick results.
Mitch says: "His long-term artistic quest is always to be eager to explore and change my approach as a painter. I want to push my work in a more abstract direction, to place shape and design much more at the forefront while keeping it realistic. I would describe it as âabstracted, impressionistic representation.â I want each piece to have a punch, stand out, and look different than others. I know I have my own voice as an artist, so I want to make sure my work sings my own songâand people recognize it."
Mitch is the President of the prestigious PAPA. (Plein-Air Painter's of America)
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 couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Mitch Baird to your studio.
You'll get his guidance, support, teaching, and mentorship for a full year.
You won’t find Mitch's course, Painting with Perception 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 Mitch Baird!)
Mitch's entire course with all the benefits is open to you when you enroll.
You’ll be on a path toward continued growth and success for your art.
Join Mitch today.
ONCE ENROLLED KEEP THIS
EXCLUSIVE BONUS
FROM MITCH
- BONUS -
THE SCIENCE AND PLOTTING OF REFLECTIONS
In this 20-minute never-before-seen instructional video, Mitch shares, How to Paint Reflections.
Have you ever looked at a body of water and wondered how or why reflections work the way they do? Have you ever wondered why some things seem to reflect differently than others? Many of us fear adding water to our scene because of our insecurities of understanding how to paint it correctly.
In this bonus video, Mitch will explain the mechanics of reflections and how to plot them convincingly in your paintings to create strength and authenticity. With this knowledge, you can spice up your designs with confidence.
Only students that enroll in the course get this special bonus video - itâs not available for purchase anywhere.
It's yours to download and KEEP for further learning after your year ends.
THE ESSENTIALS:
- Mitchâs course "Painting with Perception" with mentorship and guidance from Mitch for 365 days.
- Plus: BONUS VIDEO - "The Science and Plotting of Reflections"Â (20-minute video)
- Plus: Ask Mitch to help you find what you need! Access Mitch'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 Mitch's own hand-selected images to use as you wish.
- Plus: Mitch's student-only private Facebook community to connect with him about questions or help with a painting. This way he can fine- tune areas of interest for you.
**A note about the Facebook community** Participation in the private FB group isnât required. However, connecting with Mitch 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 Mitch 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 Mitch and the other students in the course.
GET STARTED TODAY
365 DAYS WITH MITCH BAIRD
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 Mitch. If you join Mitch's private student Facebook community, youâll be able to ask Mitch questions, get feedback from Mitch on your work, and connect with your classmates. Everyone can read and see Mitch's responses throughout the year. When you post inside the group, Mitch can fine-tune areas of interest specifically for you. Also, you will be invited to submit work & questions to Mitch during his in-depth group critique that happens 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. Mitch 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 right 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?
Mitch'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 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 Mitch 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. Mitch designed this course to meet artists at all levels in their art journeys. 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. Mitch 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, 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 Mitch, and invest in the process to see significant changes in your work.