Firstly, I hope you have all been well, surviving, and finding ways to cope well with these strange times.
Perhaps, like myself, you've been using some of this 'down time' to reconnect with what is really important in your life. I look forward to hearing your tales.
As you will have noticed, I decided not to go with the online video tutorial route, nor even the online coaching. There is already a plethora of online art content, and I strongly recommend anything by RIchard Robinson of New Zealand.
I have taken this down time to to a M A J O R redesign of the course materials, format and content, so watch this space for the next couple of weeks.
Here are some tiny hints of what you have to look forward to:
Higher quality paint
We will be using Derivan Artist series, up a grade from the Derivan Student:
Our Colours
Even higher quality paint
We will also be using Derivan Matisse Structure series, which is about the finest paint in the world! This will go on in the final texture and detail stage. BTW some of this paint runs to $571.00 per litre... compared to the $36.00 a litre Derivan Student we have been using quite successfully.
Inglis Academy Paint Kits
Basic palette and Advanced Palette
Higher quality canvas
Italian cotton, Belgian linen, New Zealand pine.
Larger sized canvas
The standard size for people in the course will be 450 x 600 x 38 mm, up from 350 x 450 x 18mm. (Note that folks already booked in for an audition will still be using the smaller size, with an option to upgrade at the session).
A longer session
Running 12-5 rather than 12-4. So you can relax a little more and add more detail.
French cuisine
Yes, in the spirit of "Monet and Friends", we will sample some of Monet's favourite cuisine. Monet was quite the gastronome, don't you know?
A mandatory afternoon tea break
Yes, I know some of you love to soldier on, (you know who you are!) But I am introducing a minimum 15 minute break at around 2 p.m. By that time the hardest work will have been done (analyses, sketching, blocking) and we will have just glazed the piece, so this also allows it to dry properly.
Higher quality brushes
From Germany and other countries. I am looking for manufacturers with a long tradition of brush making. Iit takes a lot of time to source and test all this stuff... but it's also fun!
Inglis Academy Brush Kits
New pricing structure
This will be finalised and announced once I have all my costs fixed. Existing bookings and packages will be honoured at no extra cost, as I stated a couple of months back (it seems longer!)
In the coming weeks I'll be posting more details about each of these features, so watch this space and see you soon!
As you will remember, about a month ago I started posting video content showing our painting process step by step through Monet: Meadow with Poplars, 1875.
I have been holding off on more content, awaiting the arrival of Derivan Artist Series paint, which will be our new standard paint, with Derivan Matisse used when needed. I've been in touch with Derivan' CEO and the paint is on the way.
3 stage rollout
I will roll the content out in 3 stages, by audience groups:
People who have passed the audition and received an invitation to join the Gallery Quality Painting programme.
General public
I am undecided about Stage 3: General Public. I already have 14 Art ebooks available to the public, and over 1,000 articles on the website. My first focus is focus on the needs of my valued Gallery Quality Painting clients.
If anyone has more questions or suggestions regarding this, please go to our private Facebook group or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
As of this week all classes are suspended as per the government guidelines on social distancing.
What do you need to do?
New clients who are booked into an audition:
You need to do nothing at the moment.
I will cancel your current booking.
You will have 12 months to reschedule by emailing me.
Wait until I start adding new sessions. There is no hurry, there will be enough sessions. There is no point me scheduling new sessions until the timelines become clearer.
Request a refund from Groupon or Lux. If you get a refund, please notify me by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gallery Quality Painting clients:
You need to do nothing at the moment.
I have extended your current package expiry date by 12 months.
I will cancel your current coaching sessions.
The credit will be reapplied to your packages.
If anyone has more questions or suggestions regarding this, please go to our private Facebook group or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
In light of the current flu situation, I'd like to spell out here the precautions I am taking in the coaching sessions.
You have 3 layers of protection here.
1: The default environment
Please bear in mind that:
Sessions are limited to just 5 students
I am the only person in the room the rest of the week, it is not a public place.
The studio is in the most low-traffic part of the building, at the very end of the last corridor, so there is no passing traffic.
... so the environment here is already safer than just about anywhere else.
I did study quite a bit of biology, and am an avid science geek, so I have always been proactive in maintaining a safe all-spectrum environment for myself and my treasured students!
2: Extra protocols
Extra measures I have taken since January 1st:
Providing disposable surgical gloves
Providing disposable cups
Providing individually wrapped biscuits
Disinfecting the restrooms and door handles.
Disinfecting all surfaces in the studio.
3: What you can do
Measures you can take if you feel the need:
Wear a disposable mask
Wash your hands before arrival, or in the restroom.
Microwave the water to boiling point when making a cup of tea or coffee.
If anyone has more questions or suggestions regarding this, please go to our private Facebook group or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
