Many thanks to our Georgia Color artists who are generously volunteering their time to share insights and demonstrate their creative process throughout the week.
Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a professional seeking fresh perspectives, a seasoned or first-time collector, or simply an art lover who enjoys learning—you’ll find these sessions inspiring and enriching.
All Talks & Demonstrations are FREE and open to the public.
Wednesday, October 15 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Presenting: Mimi Diamond “Tonality & Atmosphere in Painting”
Tonality—the sense of atmosphere in a painting—is never static. It shifts constantly with the moisture in the air, the angle of the sun, drifting clouds, and other natural conditions.
In this session, attendees will explore (or be reminded of) techniques for rendering atmospheric perspective in their own work. We will also review key design principles that contribute to successfully capturing changing atmospheric effects on canvas.
Wednesday, October 15 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Presenting: Michael Mills “Harmonic Composition: Beyond the Visual”
Discover a step-by-step process for creating a painting with true harmony, guided by the timeless structure of the Fibonacci Spiral. Learn how to move beyond surface appearances to build a composition that feels balanced, intentional, and complete.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, October 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Presenting: Lori Keith Robinson “What Works for Me: Finding My Beauty in Plein Air Painting”
Discover a few simple “rules” to help you confidently begin your plein air painting—and then learn how to break away from them to create something uniquely your own.
Thursday, October 16 1:30 pm-3:00 pm
Presenting: Lydia Ellis “Creating Grand Spaces on a Small Canvas”
Linear and atmospheric perspective are powerful tools for creating the illusion of depth in painting. They immediately draw the viewer into the scene and guide attention to the points of interest you want to highlight.
Although perspective can seem complex, Lydia will break it down into clear, accessible basics you can confidently apply to your own work. This engaging talk and demo will show how even a small canvas can hold a grand sense of space.
Thursday, October 16 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Presenting: Adam Houston “Loosening Up: Painting Architecture Expressively”
In this demo, Adam demonstrates how to approach architectural subjects with both confidence and spontaneity. Discover techniques for softening edges, simplifying forms, and infusing your paintings with freshness and expressive energy.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, October 17 10:00 am-11:30 am
Presenting: Paul Batch “Seeing in Value First”
Before color comes value—and getting those relationships right is the key to making any painting sing. In this demo, you’ll see how to begin with a clear tonal hierarchy, then let color naturally fall into place.
We’ll keep it casual and fun while focusing on practical tips you can use right away: simplifying shapes, judging relative light and dark, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective for approaching your next canvas.
Friday, October 17 12:00 pm-1:30 pm
Presenting: Berkland, Adrienne “Painting with Limited Palettes”
A limited palette can simplify the painting process while unifying color and atmosphere. In this demo, you’ll discover how a small selection of colors can produce surprising range, depth, and harmony—proving that less can truly be more.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, October 18 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Presenting: Matthew Peterson “Even the Unlikeliest Can Make a Big Change”
In this talk, I’ll share my journey as a self-taught, colorblind, autistic artist from a small town with no art scene. My story is one of persistence, passion, and finding beauty against the odds. I hope to inspire others to believe that if I can make it as an artist, then anyone can pursue what their heart is set on—and in doing so, create change and build hope.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, October 19 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Presenting: Kathy Rennell Forbes “Watercolor Talk and Demonstration”