Due to upcoming travel plans, Mark has no seminars scheduled at this time.
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Mark Heine's Oil and Water Seminars... 

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Mark Heine has been refining his approach to teaching art for more than 30 years. In his popular Oil and Water Seminars, he discusses and demonstrates his particular philosophies regarding concept, content, composition and technique. All presented in a casual, humorous and fun atmosphere.

The seminars include demonstrations in canvas texturing, ground colour application and digital material preparation, followed by a live painting demonstration. Other topics for discussions include materials, mediums, surfaces, finishes, promotion, promotional materials, galleries and the internet. You'll also receive his "Painting Bible"... a summary of his experience packed into a 43 points check list for creating a great painting.

Sign up for for one of his signature Oil and Water Seminars...


I just wanted to tell you how much we all loved your workshop. You've been voted "One of the Best We've Had" !  I've been getting emails all day saying what a great time everyone had, and also, talk of you coming back for more, longer... . Kerry Fleetwood, Artist / representative, Federation of Canadian Artists

A seminar painting demonstration...
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Workshop Summary...

  • Introduction to Mark Heine's art work and historical background, a review of painting and illustration work, using original and projected digital examples.
  • Presentation and discussion of recent work regarding content rational, composition, style and colour scheme. Background rational of style and content development,IE: Philosophy behind choosing an artistic direction, and how that philosophy can be applied as a guide to student work. Discussion regarding the process of creating a body of work, such as a cohesive show, and the development of an overriding concept.
  • Demonstration of canvas preparation. Application of base textures and ground. Discussion of  potential options of ground colour.
  • Mark will demonstrate his process of selecting, preparing and composing using digital reference material. He will apply this process, to the reference material selected for his painting demonstration. All  through real time digital projection, using a computer and Adobe Photoshop. Mark will also discuss his philosophy regarding composition, colour, lighting and subject.
  • Discussion of materials IE: surfaces, brush and paint brands, etc and the particulars of working with water soluble oil colour, palette, colour selection and studio setup.
  • Demonstration of painting technique on a prepared canvas and Mark's approach to working a paintings various stages. Students are encouraged to watch intermittently while they proceed with their own works. Mark will pause the demonstration on occasion and circulate through the room, available for one on one consultation, tailored to the particular needs of each student.
  • Students at work... canvas surface and grid preparation, drawing and paint application. One on one consultation on their work in progress.
  • Discussion regarding presentation of finished work... finishes, framing and written materials such as biographies, back labels etc.
  • Discussion regarding marketing, galleries and competitions from a jurors perspective. Discussion regarding documenting work, portfolio development and content. Discussion regarding personal web sites and working with the internet IE: web sites and marketing to galleries. Discussion regarding marketing philosophy.
  • Final group critique of student work done on location and previous works brought in for critique or problem solving.

Suggested Materials List...

Material list...
Photographic subject matter of their choosing, to be used as your in-class painting reference.
Providing quality photographic material with quality lighting is highly recommended. Mark will also make his own reference images available for those who prefer not to provide their own.

One 16" X 20" pre-stretched, canvas with base white gesso coat. Mark prefers 2" deep stretchers. Gesso primed canvas boards or wood panels can also be used, if you prefer.

Oil sampling palette, brushes, and mixing palettes (I use recycled styrofoam butcher trays). Mark prefers Windsor Newton brand "Galeria” and Opus brand “Mezzo” or “Legatto” flat brushes. Sizes 2, 4, 8 & 10 are good. Number 4 is his favorite. They're not too expensive and have the right spring and touch. In previous seminars Mark has taken note that many students brushes are far too stiff or old. Invest in a new brush or two. It's worth it!

Plus, white conte pencil and white blackboard chalk. Oil paint... traditional oil based or water soluble oils (preferred). Mark prefers Windsor Newton, “Artisan” brand or Talens “Cobra”. Don't forget thinners, if working in traditional oil colours.... preferably odorless. Suggested colours to have on hand... cadmium yellow pale hue, cadmium red light, permanent alizarin crimson, dioxazine purple, cobalt blue, cerulean blue hue, permanent green deep, yellow ochre, raw sienna, burnt  umber, burnt sienna, payne's gray, titanium white.

Students occasionally attempt to use acrylic instead of oil. In general, it is difficult to translate Marks approach to painting using traditional, fast drying acrylics. The acquisition water soluble paints is recommended.