You're Excited.
You just bought Corel Painter.
You open it.
You look at the hundreds of preloaded brushes, try to customize your setup, annnnnddd....
threaten your laptop.
Like most elaborate software there is a steep learning curve. Creatives, especially, hate to be hindered by mere mechanics and simply want to DIVE INTO a program. To be denied the pleasure to create, to get into flow, is hard to overcome.
Sure, you could watch some Youtube videos.
But somehow the confusion is mounting.
Wait! How did this speaker get HERE? Am I missing a step, or a few dozen? Why doesn't my screen look like THAT?
Where is the nearest electronic recycle center?
Wouldn't it be nice if there was a cohesive method to learn Corel Painter?
Imagine consistent results. Efficient Delivery. Support. Brushes that actually work.
It's possible.
While there are fabulous free training (you could watch for YEARS and still be screaming at your computer), after using Corel Painter for 20 years, I've found the the biggest problem can be broken down into:
- Not thoroughly explaining the entire setup for new users from the time you install
- Not effectively walking the user through setup to match the instructors' method of teaching
- Not teaching the HOW NOTs as they are equally important as the HOW TOs
- Keeping the material concise and efficient
Doesn't it make sense to learn it correctly and concisely straight out of the "box" according to your goal?
Wouldn't that time saved, frustration saved, and commission earned be worth something?
If that's the case, welcome!
My name is Heather and I'm a complete hybrid painting geek who loves to teach.
To achieve FLOW you must learn mechanics AND technique!
Or Maybe You're Looking to Grow Yourself in Corel Painter
Maybe you've had years with Painter and are looking to transition into a less "digital" signature. Whether you're looking to work with smooth realism, or expressive alla prima, there are products for you!
I can help there, too!
"Heather is one of the most incredible artists I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only is she exceptionally talented, she is a gifted instructor. Methodical, well organized instruction almost guarantees student success. Her patient, caring demeanor shines through in every course she gives. She truly desires success for each and every student! You won’t regret studying Corel with Heather!"
Michelle Parsley
M.Photog., M.Artist, Cr., CPP www.ElevateYourArt.com
"Anything produced by Heather Michelle will help you as an artist - Anything!"
Helen Yancy
M.Photog, M.Artist, MEI, Cr. Hon.M.Photog. F--ASP, Hon.F-ASP, EA-ASP, Hon.EA-ASP, CPP, AP Past President, Professional Photographers of America PPA www.HelenYancy.com
"Heather is a master instructor. When I wanted to learn Painter, she made it so easy. With very few workshops near me and the expense of traveling just too much to take on, learning Painter with Heather over the internet was the ticket! Amazing that I can watch her paint from 3000 miles away, then we can turn the tables and she can help me brush stroke by brush stroke to master the techniques I so desperately wanted to learn! One-on-one learning is how I get the most out of my education and Heather was there for me all the way. Using the internet, Webex screen sharing and Heather’s wonderful ability to communicate artistic techniques from afar were truly the best way for me to learn Painter. Not only did I save money by not traveling to expensive workshops, I got to learn on my schedule, I had Heather all to myself in one-on-one instruction that was custom tailored to my learning ability and my information needs. It launched my use of Painter into the stratosphere and now I’m creating art I never dreamed I could imagine!"
Julia Kelleher
M. Photog., M. Artist., CR., CPP www.jewel-images.com
"You have the best explanations for the brush settings (in Painter) that I’ve ever heard, and they help make sense of how to use the brushes."
Audrey Wancket
M.Photog.Cr., CPP www.wancketstudios.com
"I discovered Heather’s work over 2 years ago as I was drawn to her beautiful brushstrokes and paintings of children. Each painting had emotion and depth but was unique in so many elements from tonality, flow and impact, When I found out that she also offered private online painting classes for professional portrait photographers, I was hooked. I fell in love with her personality instantly! Her attention to detail and exquisite teaching manner helped me as I was just a beginner in Corel Painter when we started working together over 18 months ago. Heather is patient but instantly began to show me how to enhance my own work. I have studied Corel Painter for over 3 years and I could not be at the level i am today, without Heather. I continue to work with her, 18 months later because I love challenging myself as an artist. Her love and talent shines through as she has taught me about Art theory and utilizing tones within my paintings. She is NOT about the quick fix! She has taught me to see and breakdown all of the colours in skin, fabric and how to apply the appropriate brushwork to accent each detail. I love this about her! Heather is not only a painter but she is also a professional photographer. This is a tremendous asset because we can talk on the same level with regards to posing a subject and the use of props and lighting with intension to further paint the image. I live in Canada and I look forward to our Webex sessions. It’s crazy to think we are half a continent away from each other. It’s as if she is in the next room! The sessions are recorded which is so helpful because I can watch them over and over again as I practise. Heather is always willing to help me when I’m struggling and I’ve never asked her a question that she couldn’t answer. Thank you Heather, for your wisdom, your elegance but for inspiring me as a Portrait Artist with your ability to open my level of creativity to levels I didn't’ think I could achieve just a few years ago! Your forever student…if you will have me!"
Jocelyne Hebert
Artist, www.ReflectionsByJocelyne.com
"...improving with every painting and I thank you for showing me how to 'let go' and be more painterly! My work has improved a million times over!"
Beverly Walden
M.Photog. Cr., http://www.waldensphotography.com/
"Fellow Corel Painter Master Heather is a wonderful artist and teacher. I've had the pleasure of seeing Heather painting and teaching. I can attest from first hand experience to her combination of both artistic and technical skills, plus energy and enthusiasm, all of which makes her a great speaker and teacher. Heather is passionate about art and people. She explores painting in the traditional as well as digital world. She communicates clearly and is patient and encouraging of her students. She knows Painter very deeply and is always open to learning and growing - qualities that enhance what she has to offer as a teacher. I highly recommend Heather as a platform speaker as well as a Painter instructor."
Jeremy Sutton
Artist, www.jeremysutton.com
"Heather is phenomenal! I have her teaching tutorials and have taken both her week long and private classes. If you are ready to take your photography to the next level, Heather can help you do it. Her teaching style is easy going and completely understandable. Heather both a true talent and gifted teacher."
Susan Michal
M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI www.susanmichal.com
"Heather Michelle isn't just an accomplished painter - she's a gifted teacher. Her tutorials and webinars are well designed and presented in such a way that the material is easy to grasp. She starts at the beginning and takes you step by step through the process, showing you all the little tricks along the way. I've taken several Painter courses and many are aimed at the advanced beginner or intermediate level, skipping over things like the Preferences panel and setting up the color space. I purchased her Breaking Out of the Box Portrait Set tutorial when I first started out with Painter, and to this day I refer back to it when setting up a new computer or installation of Painter. You can't go wrong with any of Heather's classes, tutorials, webinars, or brush sets whether you're a beginner or a trained artist in your own right. She knows the software, she knows art and photography, and she understands the differences and challenges of painting digitally as opposed to painting with traditional media. I can't recommend her enough!"
Jennifer Crowder
"Due to the excitement of all my goodies today that I have managed to get I decided to start over with the painting I was working on. I used Michelle Parsley's tutorial for masking, Heather Michelle's old school PS prep. One of Heather's gorgeous backgrounds changed the color so I had color harmony and pretty much changed all the colors on the girl and dress that I wasn't happy with and this is all BEFORE I ever go into painter. The moral of this little tale is PREP your work! It's a must to have a fantastic base for your painting. I'm finally off to Painter. I've been prepping all morning. It's SOOOOOOOOOO worth it... Heather Michelle's old school prep is so easy and makes such a big difference. It's night and day compared to my previous paintings. Just thought I'd share!"
Tara Richardson
www.soulofapainter.com
"Mentoring with Heather was one of the best investments I have made in a very long time! I was nervous with my complete lack of previous painting experience but felt 100% comfortable and assured throughout the entire process. Heather catered her method of teaching to my learning style and made the process easy for me to understand and so much fun. I left feeling inspired and confident that I could take home the skills I learned and improve on my newly acquired painting skills at home! "
Erin L
Artist
Save Time with Heather's Training and Tools
All backgrounds may be used cross platform in other software that accept jpeg and tiff. Most techniques and approaches are compatible in Adobe Photoshop. You'll not only learn how to use the tools, but how to customize them to you.
Self Study At Your Own Pace
Hours of high resolution, pre-recorded tutorials offer you the luxury to study at your own leisure, and "rewind" as often as needed. Tutorial "sets" include accompanying brushes. Please note that we are still migrating from the old store, so some of the older tutorials are still housed on the older store, and are only available as digital downloads.
Brushes that Just Work
Complement your training with tools built for a smooth workflow designed by an artist that pairs beauty and function. Heather's heart for designing practical brushes that consistently deliver is why brush building cycles can take up to 16 months.
Hand Painted Backgrounds & Overlays
Bring efficiency to your workflow without sacrificing perfection in your polish! Decades of designing true to life backgrounds, murals and digital backdrops as well as understanding how not to overpower the subject are why Heather's backgrounds are consistently found in publications such as the prestigious Loan Collection.
Webinars and Classes
Do you enjoy a live environment? Heather is a seasoned educator who prefers working with intimate sized groups.
Hand Lettering
Calligraphy by a painter, custom tailored to your brand.
"But I love Adobe Photoshop"
That's fine! Stay in Photoshop! But have you seen the pre-painted backgrounds, texture overlays, and PSDs compatible with Photoshop?
All of the backgrounds and overlays are designed to be used in software that accept jpg and tiff! Some products are packaged as transparently layered PSDs! Imagine the time you could save to have a library of high end, pre-painted, artisanal backdrops?
If you'd like to learn from a master at painting in Adobe Photoshop I highly recommend this artist! (Click HERE)
Why Artists Choose To Study with Heather
Methodical
Easy to follow
Efficient
Effective Troubleshooting
Chronologically & Concisely Presented
Explained from start to finish with potential pitfalls discussed (and how "not to paint")
Brushes are included with most pre-recorded tutorial sets
High quality audio and screen capture
Seasoned & award winning instructor
PPA Master Craftsman (education)
PPA Master Photographer & Master Artist
Corel Approved Painted Educator
Golden Artist Educator
Pre-Recorded training and tools are available for immediate use in your digital "library"
Heather's teaching concepts are transferable across all painted subject matter and genres
Make Your Education Work For YouSubscribe to Our Newsletter
YOUR INFORMATION WILL NEVER BE SOLD OR SHARED. HEATHER ANNOUNCES WORKSHOP, WEBINAR, NEW TUTORIAL AND BRUSH PACKS IN HER NEWSLETTERS FIRST! IT'S BENEFICIAL TO SUBSCRIBE AS SOME OF THESE ARE TIME SENSITIVE!
Heather's Blog - Pigment & Pixels
Click here to read.
Clarity in Education and Excellence in Execution
