Multiple Ways to Study
The Atelier Archive: Watch, Rewind, Return
In this atelier, time isn’t rationed. Once you step inside, the lessons are yours—always. Return whenever your hands are ready, rewind as often as your heart needs. Every tutorial is crafted with care and most are paired with the exact brushes I use, so you’re never painting alone, even when I’m not in the room.
LIMITED REGISTRATION - 4 Day Workshop 2025
Join Heather for four information packed days with hands on media including Golden gels, acrylics, Corel Painter, Adobe Photoshop and more! Registration is LIMITED!Â
NEW Sargent LIVE Webinar Feb 2025
90 minute webinar replay learning Corel Painter in the style of John Singer Sargent. Includes BRUSHES!Â
Classical Beginner Bundle
This bundle special includes Heather's Everyday brushes, Intro to Corel Painter 2021, Classical portrait tutorial, and Classical refresher tutorial all compatible with Painter 2021 and NEWER!
Webinar Replay Controlled Chaos with Animal Portraits
90 minute replay plus Chaos16 textures, full resolution guide images, and Heather's final painted file.Â
NEW Kelly Marie Dobson Curated Collection
This curated collection includes 387 high resolution textures and backgrounds
NEW Night Owl 41 Collection
Luminosity and texture collide in this new background collection with alluring midnights and cooler tones. 41 Beauties!
2024 Passages
2024 MASTER COLLECTION
Introducing new DUOS! Includes 2023 Passages for a grande total of 186 high resolution beauties!
Alla Prima 3 & 4 Texture Collection
58 new hand painted textures to load into your Texture/Pattern palettes and use as overlays! Exquisitely realistic as they originated from actual paint!
Original Traditionally Hand Painted Collection
LIMITED TIME 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OFER
117 organically created brushstroked textures!Â
INCLUDES BRUSHES!
60 min REPLAY
Learn how Heather incorporates watercolor and ink into sketching the head in this Corel Painter webinar! INCLUDES Beta set of brushes compatible with Painter 2021 (and newer)!
Alla Prima Brushes
NEW Brushes Pack
for Corel Painter 2021 and newer! Includes 17 beauties that aid in painting a heavy style not relying on the texture palette! As demo'd in the Alla Prima Refresher tutorial.
Alla Prima Style Face
REFRESHER COURSE
60 minute REPLAY! Let's paint the FACE in the heavier Alla Prima style! Includes Intro to Corel Painter 2021.
Tutorial Replay 60 minutes
REFRESHER COURSE
Enjoy this 60 minute REPLAY from Summer's Classical style webinar! Includes Intro to Corel Painter 2021 (compatible with newer versions of Painter)!
2023 Creating and Using Functional Backgrounds Masterclass
REPLAY
OVER 10 hours of video
41 Backgrounds
25 Brushes
22 Textures
Worksheets, PDFS, Reference Images, and more includes everything you need to create a painting with a subject from start to COMPLETION!
Intro to Corel Painter 2021
78 minutes streaming tutorial to get you set up in Corel Painter from the time you first open the program until you re-open a document and have to re-attach your clone source! Compatible with newer versions of Corel Painter (sans their new features).
Breaking Boundaries Replay Plus Brushes
Intermediate - Full Start to Finish
127 Minutes plus BRUSHES!
Breaking Boundaries The Not So Hyper Realistic Approach to Faces
Controlling Texture in Your Backgrounds REPLAY
Learn how to paint a background from scratch in the digital space using Corel Painter 2021 (which translates to other digital programs) using design principles with this background veteran in a 2 hour webinar replay from 2021.
Painting the Background Space from Scratch
BEGINNER
Downloadable extras are compatible with Corel Painter 2017 (techniques are transferable with any software that paints!) and newer. Recorded in March of 2018 from a live webinar. Includes color sets and reference images plus lots of bonus material!
Fractured Realism Tutorial
INTERMEDIATE
In this 90 minute webinar replay Heather shares her recently adopted abstract realism process that is unlike anything she's taught before! This greatly expands upon the Brayers and Wax technique.
Brayers and Wax, the Tutorial
Intermediate
151 minutes plus lots of goodies! This tutorial jumps off from the "Painting the Classical Realism" webinar replay sharing how Heather paints in her fractured, waxy style.
*Brushes not included
Painting the Contemporary Portrait in Corel Painter 2018
INTERMEDIATE
Discover the alla prima side of Corel Painter with this heavily painted, more free hand reliant 90 minute webinar replay that includes brushes! Compatible with Corel Painter 2017 and newer.
Painting Animals Set
BEGINNER
Includes Intro to Painter 2018
Compatible with Corel Painter X3 and newer. Shows both heavier and classical styles of painting! Includes tutorial brushes.
Intro to Corel Painter 2018
BEGINNER
This is a MUST HAVE for all new Corel Painter users!
Compatible with Corel Painter 2016- basic setup of 2020. Recorded in March of 2018 from a live webinar. Includes a thorough look at the setup from the first time you open up Corel Painter to the first time you lay down a brush stroke!
Modern Day Sargent Set
THE OG - INTERMEDIATE
An intermediate tutorial showing how to paint with heavier, chunkier brushwork reminiscent of John Singer Sargent. Includes brushes.
The Atelier Archive is your quiet place to return.
Timeless tutorials for artists who learn by heart, not haste.
Here, each lesson is crafted with care—pre-recorded, high resolution, and paired with the brushes I use myself. There are no deadlines. No clocks ticking down. Only the steady invitation to pause, study, and paint when your spirit is ready.
Come back as often as you need.
The art waits patiently.
Enjoy a glimpse of the ethereal October Fall Acids Backgrounds! Here are some details from this textural collection!
Pair your training with tools built for a smooth workflow
Hand-Painted Backgrounds & Textures for Elegant, Impactful Edits
Elegant. Usable. Crafted with photographers in mind.
Crafted with care and designed for fine portraiture, each high-resolution backdrop is created with the intention of print—built to hold its own on gallery walls, not just screens. Whether you're replacing a full background or adding painterly depth with an overlay, these designs offer both versatility and soul.
Heather began her career decades ago as a large-scale muralist, painting ceilings and walls with the trained eye of someone who understands how scale, lighting, and brushwork translate through the lens. A key differentiator in her work is that every background begins in the physical world—with organic paint, raw canvas, and real brushstrokes created by hand. These textures are then digitized with care, forming the foundation of her custom digital brushes and overlays. This grounding in tactile, analog mark-making gives her digital work an unmistakable warmth and authenticity that simply can’t be mimicked. These backdrops aren’t just beautiful—they’re engineered for photographic harmony.
Rooted in classical technique and digital mastery, her textures carry the influence of the Impressionists—never flat, rarely monotone, always tuned for color balance. Brushwork is thoughtfully layered, with softness or structure left to the artist’s hand. Apply as-is or blur gently (Photoshop’s Gaussian Blur pairs beautifully) to match your subject’s rhythm.
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NEW Donna Eaton Collection
Artist Donna Eaton's favorite backgrounds from various collections plus 8 NEW never before seen high resolution, hand painted beauties!Â
Classical Neutrals and Golds 2024
This new backgrounds and textures collection features 60 Classical Neutrals, 24 Classical Golds, and 23 bonus hand painted watercolors.Â
Blush Greige 50
The Greige got a makeover and it's insanely elegant! It's the perfect balance of edge and bokeh! 50 new hand painted, high resolution beauties!
Resilience Collection
52 bold high resolution beauties inspired by the outdoors in Spring
Michelle Parsley's Preferred Patinas
Available at a special offer this gorgeous patina'd inspired collection includes 52 high resolution backgrounds and textures for your digital edit! Please note this is not the Birthdays pack, nor is it the Curated Collection.
The Curated Collection 2019
(Includes the wildly popular Patinas and Acids!)
This Collection includes the Lavenders of Olde, Meet Me In The Garden, Exclusive Patinas and Acids, and BONUS materials totalling 80 high resolution, hand painted digital textures and overlays.Â
Released April 2019
Summer Gold Collection 31
A love for gold leaf combined with cold wax and imperfect textures, layered with portraiture in mind.
Foundations Collection 27
Fractured layers, perfect for direct painting bases (alla prima style) inspired by cold wax and the heavier interpretations of today's portrait painters.
Alla Prima ll Collection
They look like real paint because they started as real paint on large canvases!
Over 100 high resolution beauties ideal as texture overlays and backgrounds.
Original Alla Prima Backgrounds
The original 28 high resolution masterpieces migrated from the legacy store! These organic lovelies were created with physical paint on board and canvas.
Veils 2021 Expansion Pack
44 Veils that dance and skip packaged in high resolution, transparent, editable PSD layered files. Each veil comes as a multiple layered file providing thousands of combinations!
Summer Greige 32
Palette knifed, alla prima, textural perfection. 32 backgrounds in the greige color schemes that complement every skin tone!Â
Chocolates Remixed 2020
Calorie free and oh, so decadent this pack of 20 high resolution backgrounds is a must have for every digital toolbox!
Heather's Everyday Brushes Pack
Heather's Everyday Set for Corel Painter 2017 & newer
Watermelon & Iced Tea Backgrounds
This luxurious collection features 49 new, hand painted variations of "Humidity Rolls In," "Iced Tea," and "Watermelon" backgrounds. The texture and color combinations are exquisitely paired!
Hand Painted Wings
Heather's hand painted set consists of 40 transparent layers of fluttery wings!
Brayers and Wax Brushes
This Corel Painter 2020 brush set (19 new brushes!) is a must have for the intermediate user looking to achieve texture or merge Heather's existing painted backgrounds. In fact, it's the brush collection she uses to create her recent backgrounds!
Compatible with Corel Painter 2020, and newer.
Painterly Falsies
Digital Eyelashes (transparent layers) are easy to use in digital programs that use layers such as Adobe Photoshop! Simply drag and drop these highly editable layers!
Artist Words Pack
This hand painted calligraphic layered set is perfect for those that are designing their brands as artists.
What Makes These Unique
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Each background begins with real paint on raw canvas before entering the digital space
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Created by an experienced muralist who understands large-scale photographic needs
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Custom digital brushes built from organically hand-painted textures
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Digitized with care to preserve authentic brushwork, texture, and color nuance
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Designed for high-resolution printing and seamless editing
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Rooted in Impressionist influence, balanced for light, depth, and harmony
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Train Your Way with a Personalized Approach
Customize Your Private Training
Private Training Options on Site or Remotely via Your Computer
In Studio Mentoring
Join Heather in studio (or in your own studio) for thorough, hands on training in oil painting (over the printed canvas), Golden gel contouring, post print enhancement, Golden acrylic or oil, or Corel Painter training.Â
Customized Livestream Webinar
Personalize your one on one training via livestream webinar. You only need high speed internet and a your fuzzy slippers.
Hot coffee optional.Â
Webex training includes the recording of your live session, all high resolution painted stages (provided you supply the image), and more!
Livestream Video From Heather's Easel
Coming Soon
"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
Training Materials and Tools
There is something for every learning style! Click on the icon to see availability and dates for live training!
Why Artists Trust Heather Michelle Chinn as Their Painter Guide
 Methodical
Easy to follow
Efficient
Effective Troubleshooting
Chronologically & Concisely Presented
Explained from start to finish with potential pitfalls discussed (and how "not to paint")
Teaching grounded in craftsmanship, intuition, and quiet purpose
Trusted by artists who crave depth, clarity, and a safe space to grow
Designed to replace overwhelm with confidence, clarity, and creative joy
Brushes are included with most pre-recorded tutorial sets
High quality audio and screen capture
Guided support available to help you through stuck points, even in self-study
Seasoned & award winning instructor
PPA Master Craftsman (education)
PPA Master Photographer & Master Artist
Corel Approved Painted Educator
Former Trained 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
Find your flow. Learn with Heather.Subscribe 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!
See What Students Are Saying
"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.
Fast track your education with a seasoned expertHeather's Blog - Pigment & Pixels
Click here to read.
Clarity in Education and Excellence in Execution
