MITCH BAIRD
PAINTING WITH
PERCEPTION
MITCH BAIRD
365 DAY ACCESS
MENTORING COURSE
$895 USD
COURSE REOPENS
MARCH 6, 2025
(Spaces will be limited)
WHAT’S INSIDE
INTRODUCTION
The Perception of Seeing
The act of ‘seeing’ is an actual skill that artists’ need to comprehend in order to create successful representational works of art. I will begin by presenting several paramount concepts regarding visual perception. It is crucial to learn how to interpret what is in front of you before incorporating the fundamentals. It is my goal to help you see (what I call) ‘optically’ and offer some inspiration with this concept to strengthen it. The art of visual communication depends on it.
MODULE 1 | COMPOSITION
What is composition? It is design. How do you define design? Design is simply a thoughtful expression of your idea through arrangement. In this module I will cover the importance of establishing a solid motif and what to consider within the facets of arrangement to keep the viewers attention. I will cover the importance of format, dealing with masses, and balance to compile a strong painting. Our ideas must resonate in the art we create through composition..
MODULE 2 | DRAWING
Drawing is the concept of representing and applying the 2D and 3D elements of design onto a flat 2-dimensional surface. The kind of drawing I am talking about, is not line, but the arrangement and proportions of masses, shapes, and forms. First, I will discuss the 2nd dimension, which is flat shape, proportion and seeing in the abstract. Next, I will cover the importance of the 3rd dimension regarding space and perspective. Perspective is feared (and frankly avoided) by most, but it is of the highest importance if you want to give depth to your paintings. I will share with you some simple and unique principles for success.
MODULE 3 | VALUE
Value is not only the most pivotal part of painting but the most difficult to grasp. It is important because it is tied to all the other fundamentals and constitutes our perception of light, space, and form. I will discuss the concepts of luminance, comparative seeing, ambient light and the cardinal ‘Form Principle’, which all deal with representing light. It is with these tools that we are able to exemplify the world around us.
MODULE 4 | COLOR
Color is the dazzling part of painting that we all love the most. However, before diving into those luscious pigments there are serious principles that must be adhered too if you want a harmonious work of art. I will break down how to truly ‘see’ color, harmony, and that illusive aerial perspective. Once you understand the core of how color works, you are then able to set yourself free, expressing with it.
SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST
{Although Mitch 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.}
BONUS | THE SCIENCE AND PLOTTING OF REFLECTIONS
Only students in this course receive this special bonus video - it’s not available for purchase anywhere.
In this 20-minute never-before-seen instructional video, Mitch shares, How to Paint Reflections.Have you ever looked at a body of water and wondered how or why reflections work the way they do? Have you ever wondered why some things seem to reflect differently than others? Many of us fear adding water to our scene because of our insecurities of understanding how to paint it correctly.
Mitch will explain the mechanics of reflections and how to plot them convincingly in your paintings to create strength and authenticity. With this knowledge, you can spice up your designs with confidence.
You can download and save this video in a safe place. It's yours to keep as a takeaway when your course access ends.
MEET YOUR MENTOR
~MITCH BAIRD
Mitch started first, supporting himself and his family as an illustrator, creating background animation for an educational software company based in Salt Lake City. But the allure of life as a painter eventually grew too strong to resist. His passion lies in realistic painting and drawing. He admires the painterly style of the Russian artists and learned early on that their keen eye painting from life always paid off in all the right ways – Value, Color, and especially the atmospheric feeling of the location!
Mitch has years of professional painting behind him and still takes every opportunity to travel and see amazing destinations. "They always offer new inspiration and stunning subject matter to influence my next piece of work." Many collectors appreciate this and admire his eye for interesting vantage points and light-filled landscapes, still-lifes, and figurative work.
Mitch also has a large following of students eager to learn from his knowledge. His contagious energy and thrill for the craft come through when he teaches. He has a method of breaking down the basic art fundamentals understandably and practically, so students see quick results.
Mitch says: "His long-term artistic quest is always to be eager to explore and change my approach as a painter. I want to push my work in a more abstract direction, to place shape and design much more at the forefront while keeping it realistic. I would describe it as “abstracted, impressionistic representation.” I want each piece to have a punch, stand out, and look different than others. I know I have my own voice as an artist, so I want to make sure my work sings my own song—and people recognize it."
Mitch is the President of the prestigious PAPA. (Plein-Air Painter's of America)
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“The amazing thing I realized while in Mitch’s course over the year was how much more aware of what I was doing and why in each finished painting. I used to wonder, “how do you do that” now I can comprehend these achievements based on the “Foundational Principles” that Mitch has been teaching. Plus, the enjoyment of seeing all the other classmates paintings and discussions, With Mitch mentoring us all has been more than I could have imagined. The format of Mitch’s courses allows you to prosper. Mitch shows the same principles applied to many many different cases again and again. I’ve learned so much from each variation it’s eye-opening.I definitely recommend this course if you
want to move to the next level”
“Being a new artist I was having trouble finding my way with my painting. I would have occasional small successes but more often than not my results were inconsistent and disappointing, to say the least. I had watched countless videos and read books but these online mentoring courses are amazing and well organized. Each course I’ve taken through TAAO has given me boundaries and structure to check my work against. Having these benchmarks have revolutionized my work. TAAO instructors are the best they come. My practice is much more fluid and I am stuck much less often. Their mentoring and feedback on my work is so rewarding. Truly, Thank you!
”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Whether you’re just starting out or an established artist, this course is packed with everything you need to elevate your work and achieve your artistic goals.
Access to Mitch for a Full Year: This isn’t a workshop or a one-day class; it’s 365 days of personalized mentoring and guidance from Mitch himself.
Learn at Your Own Pace: All the content is pre-recorded, so you can study whenever and wherever you want. The course is accessible 24/7 on any device with internet access, ensuring your art journey fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Over-the-Shoulder Demonstrations: Gain insights from more than 15 hours of finely crafted video oil demonstrations. Each module includes assignments and photo references to help you apply what you’ve learned. Rewatch as often as you like, discovering new insights with every viewing.
Fresh Content Every Month: Stay inspired with monthly video lessons covering specific topics, tips, and techniques. Mitch’s insights will keep your creative spark alive while encouraging you to try new approaches in your work. As an enrolled student, you’ll also gain access to all the monthly content from previous years, housed in an ever-growing archived library of lessons. If there’s a subject you’d like Mitch to expand on, let him know! Students often share how these lessons help them push boundaries and develop new skills.
Access a Private, Secure Community—No Social Media Required!
We’ve taken a bold step forward by leaving Facebook groups behind and creating a brand-new, purpose-built community platform just for you. Imagine a distraction-free, social-media-free space designed exclusively for artists like you—seamlessly integrated into your account library.
This is more than just a platform; it’s your creative hub. Here, you’ll connect with Mitch and a supportive group of like-minded students, share your work, ask your burning questions, and receive personalized guidance tailored to your artistic journey.
Welcome to a space where your focus stays on what truly matters: your growth, creativity, and connection with a mentor and community who genuinely care about your success.
Supportive Community with Mitch’s Leadership: Imagine being part of Mitch’s inner circle—a collaborative environment where you’ll receive personalized feedback on your paintings and exclusive insights into his art life, stories, and travels. As a member of this close-knit community, you’ll gain access to a deeper connection with Mitch, seeing firsthand how a professional working artist approaches their craft and creative journey. It’s no wonder many students have said, “There is nothing else as personal available online! For a full year, you’ll experience mentorship that accelerates your progress and helps you grow in ways you never imagined.”
If you’re ever struggling with a problem or need help, Mitch’s course has you covered with its exclusive AI-powered search feature. This cutting-edge tool acts as your personal guide through Mitch’s extensive knowledge and expertise, built entirely using his own words and video content. Simply ask a question, and the AI instantly searches through hours of course material, pinpointing the exact moment where your topic is addressed. Whether you prefer to watch the video or read the automatic transcription, the choice is yours—learning tailored to your style. This feature saves you valuable time and keeps you focused on what matters most: painting!!! Experience the future of course mentoring and see how Mitch’s personal AI can help you get further, faster, and elevate your art!
Access to an Extensive Archive: Gain immediate access to a comprehensive library of Mitch’s past critiques, spanning years of invaluable insights. These recorded sessions, available in the Bi-Monthly Office Hours module, feature real student submissions with detailed feedback and step-by-step guidance. They include digitally color-correcting their work right before your eyes and practical solutions to common painting challenges. Watching Mitch’s process provides actionable advice and a deeper understanding of techniques, making this archive a powerful resource to refine your skills, solve problems, and elevate your work—at your own pace.
DISCOVER WHY THIS COURSE IS DIFFERENT!
As an art student, you know the immense value of in-person workshops and classes for developing new skills. They provide inspiration, new techniques, and a burst of motivation. But when the workshop ends, and you return home, it’s easy to feel lost and unsupported, unsure of how to keep progressing on your own.
That’s exactly why we created this mentoring course. With 365 days of access, you’ll have the guidance and support you need for an entire year—every step of the way.
This course is more than just a set of lessons; it’s a supportive and collaborative journey. With Mitch Baird as your mentor, you’ll never face challenges alone. Mitch is dedicated to helping you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and push through moments of self-doubt, ensuring you keep growing as an artist.
Here’s what makes this course different:
Knowledge That Keeps Giving: This course lays a foundation that will continue to benefit you long after the year is over. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced techniques, Mitch’s mentorship meets you where you are and helps you polish your skills.
A Community Like No Other: This isn’t just a course—it’s a collaborative experience with Mitch and a group of like-minded students. Together, you’ll inspire, challenge, and support one another’s growth in an encouraging and creative environment.
We invite you to join us and see why so many students return for more. Many continue as alumni for years. This mentoring course gives you the tools, guidance, and community to thrive in your artistic journey.
PAINTING WITH
PERCEPTION
$895 USD
COURSE REOPENS
MARCH 6, 2025
(Spaces will be limited)