MATT SMITH
SIMPLIFYING
THE LANDSCAPE


MATT SMITH
365 DAY ACCESS
MENTORING COURSE
$895 USD

COURSE REOPENS
MARCH 6, 2025
(Spaces will be limited)


WHAT’S INSIDE

MODULE 1 | INTRO

I will begin this course with a brief description on how it is laid out. This will aid students in anticipating what is to come. I will then review my choice of preferred supplies and equipment for both field and studio work. There are so many products out there that even the most seasoned professional can end up confused over what really works. A strong understanding of these products will allow us to focus on the more important principles to come. I will also spend time on how my studio is laid out including lighting, ventilation, organization and much more. Then, I’ll discuss my field kit, and how to slim down what I take outdoors so that I am not burdened or limited by excessive weight.

MODULE 2 | DRAWING

It all starts with drawing. Without believable, accurate drawing your painting won't work. In this module I will discuss the two basic properties of drawing, and how to use them to analyze your subject in an effort to better understand the painting at hand. I will then illustrate these points with a detailed demonstration that reinforces these all important properties.

MODULE 3 | VALUE

People often times overlook value in favor of color. That's a big mistake. If your values aren't accurate, color will not save the painting. In this module, I will discuss the importance of value, what to look for, and how to simplify your value range to reinforce design. I will also cover the use of value to create a strong sense of light, atmospheric perspective, mood, and impact. I will then support these points with a demonstration that illustrates these concepts and also showcase strong value contrast, and large, simple masses with a very close value range.

MODULE 4 | DESIGN

Design is nothing more that the arrangement of elements in space. Not just physical things, but shape, value, line, color, texture, edges and much more. Elements that make art rather than paintings. I will discuss these points and what to consider when analyzing and selecting a solid,  paintable motif. A motif with a strong yet simple presence. A motif that puts you closer to a successful work of art. From format to finish, I will then illustrate these points with a demonstration that clearly shows balance form left to right, top to bottom, and foreground to background. I will do so with a subject that clearly supports many of the elements discussed.

MODULE 5 | COLOR

Color . . . that almighty, exciting fundamental that we all respond to differently. The most personal of the basics. One that evokes emotion in a unique way for each of us. But wait, if color is so important, why is it the only fundamental that we can do without? In module five, I will discuss this. I will cover the four properties of color, and how to use them to select your palette, in an effort to maximize range. In addition, I’ll cover the importance of these four properties when it comes to analyzing your subject. I’ll then spend time on mixing with complements, the use of broken color, and why earth colors can be so significant and at the same time dangerous when painting the landscape. All these points will be illustrated in a demonstration that showcases a subject with a strong color temperature contrast.

SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST

{Although Matt 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.}


"


I wanted to express a big THANK YOU to Matt and my classmates. I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for this class, but it exceeded expectations by a mile. Especially this FB group, where Matt thoughtfully critiques every single post. I was initially concerned about the number of students in class, but it turned out to be an asset. Yes, I’ve learned maybe more from other students than from my own posts. I’ve learned more about design, perspective, values, massing, reflected light, counter angles, brushwork, texture, shadows, and - most importantly, documenting or celebrating a place. Matt is always spot-on with his critiques. His support, warmth, consistency, humor, generosity - and superhuman ability to work with everyone at once! You’re the BEST mentor.
— KATE
On this journey with Matt, I have learned a lot. I learned important techniques and composition criteria showing me how to get up after failures and continue. Matt, your FB group also contributed to this. I learned so much from studying your critiques and your comments. Your detailed explanations, which even beginners could understand, encouraged me greatly. You have a great way of teaching others. The course videos are great, didactically thoughtful, and educational, and I have watched some more than once to better understand the lessons and internalize the principles. Thank you very much, Matt, it was an honor to be mentored by you.
— ALLEN
The format of the course is really great.  With Matt keeping the foundational principles at the core of his mentoring and allowing us to refer back to these really reinforces our learning.  It’s so interesting how varied our paintings are within this course yet the lessons help everyone advance.  The course is also such a supportive environment; everyone is encouraging and helpful.  An artist’s life is often spent in the enjoyable self-imposed isolation of our studios or solo Plein air painting outings, but this online format has been a creative lifeline for us all. Thank you Matt for all you do to make us better!
— JULIE ANN

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  1. You have access to Matt for a FULL YEAR. This is not a class or a workshop; it’s 365 days of study and mentoring with Matt Smith.

    We want you to enjoy the learning experience and not feel pressured by time constraints. We understand that life can be unpredictable at times. That is why everything is pre-recorded, granting you time to learn at your own pace and from any corner of the world! Our website is accessible round-the-clock across all devices with internet, so you can log in, participate, and receive feedback from Matt anytime!

  2. There are more than 20 hours of finely crafted over-the-shoulder pre-recorded video oil demonstrations. Each module has suggested assignments and photo references to help you apply what you learn. You can watch, rewind and paint as many times as you like for a more comprehensive understanding. We are confident you will have a new 'aha' moment with each viewing!

    {Additionally, you will gain immediate access to a comprehensive archive of Matt’s previous critiques of student work, along with each monthly video lesson that spans the entire duration of the course}.


  3. Every month, new video lessons are added, keeping the course ever-growing! Matt dives into specific topics with tips and techniques that you can apply to your paintings. Students rave about these lessons because they inspire them to try new things.


  4. If having Matt and a community of students as your support team sounds like a great asset to your art journey, you will want to join Matt’s private student Facebook group while enrolled. You'll be part of a community of students, with Matt leading the way. Get your burning questions answered and receive feedback on your paintings from Matt himself. With tailored guidance, you'll never feel like you're going at it alone, and accelerate your progress!


  5. Apart from a private student Facebook group, Matt holds group sessions every other month, where he offers invaluable feedback and critiques on student submissions. These sessions are recorded, and you can log in to watch him digitally color-correcting the students' work. This process fosters growth and learning with even more actionable tips you can apply to your paintings.

  6. You can ask Matt anything if you're struggling with a problem and need help. The course has an ‘AI-powered search feature' designed to be your personal guide through Matt's extensive knowledge and expertise. This feature is exclusively built using only Matt's words and video content that expands over six years of rich, educational content at the academy. Imagine how much progress you could make if you didn't have to search for solutions in the course by yourself. Just ask Matt’s AI. It instantly delves into hundreds of hours of Matt's course videos, pinpointing the exact moment your question is answered. Plus, with the automatic transcription, you can choose to read or watch the solution – it's learning tailored to your preference. Get specific and get a response right away so you can get back to painting. Come experience the future of course mentoring. Get further, faster, and accelerate your progress with Matt’s personal AI at your fingertips!


  7. The best thing about this course is the knowledge that keeps on working and working, whether you’re just starting or a well-established artist. Matt's Online course works for EVERY artist who puts in the effort.



HERE’S A BENEFIT FOR YOU

As an art student, you know the value of in-person workshops and classes for gaining new skills. But once you return home, you might feel lost and unsupported. We understand the importance of ongoing connections and feedback, so we've created our mentoring course with 365-day access so you can have support every day for a full year.

Our course is designed to provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed in your artistic journey. With your mentor and a community of like-minded students by your side, you'll never have to face challenges alone. Your mentor is dedicated to helping you overcome any obstacles and keep you motivated when self-doubt creeps in. We welcome you to join us and experience why numerous students keep coming back for more.


 SIMPLIFYING
THE LANDSCAPE
$895 USD

COURSE REOPENS
MARCH 6, 2025
(Spaces will be limited)