A Different Kind of Painting Course

Do you have paintings that feel unfinished, uncertain, or just not quite right?
This course invites you to return to those paintings with fresh eyes — not to fix them, but to understand what they’re asking for.

Creative Reconstruction is not a paint-along or step-by-step class. It’s a thoughtful, exploratory approach to working with paintings that feel stuck.

A Personal Story

I know this feeling well.

One day in my studio, I found myself surrounded by older paintings. Some had promising beginnings but never went anywhere. Others no longer had reference photos. A few felt so unresolved that I seriously considered running water over them or covering them with gesso.

Instead, I tried something different.

I began applying loose, expressive approaches — letting go of expectations, inviting imagination, and responding to what was already on the paper.

What happened surprised me.

The paintings didn’t just improve — they transformed. They became something entirely new, full of energy, atmosphere, and life. The process wasn’t just productive; it was freeing, playful, and genuinely fun.

That experience became the foundation for this course.

From Frustration to Freedom

Creative Reconstruction is for:

• Artists with stacks of unfinished or “failed” watercolors
• Painters afraid of making mistakes or wasting materials
• Those who want to loosen up, play, and explore new approaches
• Anyone curious about turning frustration into opportunity

This course isn’t about fixing paintings — it’s about seeing them differently.

Learn How to Read a Painting

Before changing anything, you’ll learn how to:

• Observe a painting without judgment
• Identify what feels unresolved
• Understand what the painting truly needs

This foundation removes frustration and replaces it with clarity and confidence.

From Observation to Intentional Action

Rather than reacting emotionally or overworking a painting, you’ll learn how to:

• Pause before acting
• Choose a clear direction
• Make thoughtful, confident decisions

Small, intentional changes often create the biggest shifts.

Revisit and Repurpose Old Work

Older or unfinished paintings are often the best place to explore reconstruction. With distance and perspective, you’ll learn how to:

• Let go of the original intention
• See what still works
• Allow a painting to evolve into something new

No painting is wasted — every layer holds information.

Explore Beyond Watercolor

While watercolor is often the starting point, this course isn’t limited to one medium. When it serves the painting, we’ll explore:

• Acrylic or gouache
• Masking as a creative tool
• Unconventional tools and techniques

These are not used to cover mistakes, but to support clarity, structure, and expression.

Experiment, Explore, and Step Outside the Box

This course encourages curiosity and freedom. You’ll be invited to:

• Try new approaches
• Push beyond familiar habits
• Step away and return with fresh eyes
• See what develops through experimentation

Growth happens when you allow yourself to explore.

A Thoughtful, Supportive Learning Environment

Live sessions focus on discussion, observation, and shared learning. You’re welcome to:

• Participate actively
• Ask questions
• Or simply observe and reflect

All are meaningful ways to learn.

What You’ll Gain

By the end of this course, you’ll:

• See fresh possibilities in existing landscapes
• Work more intuitively and expressively
• Build confidence in decision-making
• Create paintings that reflect your own creative voice

You won’t just have reconstructed paintings — you’ll have a new way of working.

What Students Are Saying

“This style of painting is the exact direction that I want to go in. Seeing how you changed the marsh painting — how it progressed and evolved into the final piece — was so exciting and inspiring. Thank you.”
— Jo Wilkinson

The Core Philosophy

At the heart of this course is one simple idea:

Nothing is wrong — it’s just information.

Every painting is communicating something. This course helps you learn how to listen — and respond with confidence.

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal if you:

• Have paintings that feel stuck or unfinished
• Want to work more intuitively and expressively
• Are ready to experiment without pressure
• Want to build confidence in decision-making

Refresh Your Paintings. Refresh Your Perspective.

If you’re ready to revisit old or unfinished paintings and discover new ways to make your work more expressive, dynamic, and fun, Creative Reconstruction offers a calm, thoughtful path forward.