SKIP WHITCOMB
THE POWER OF
ORCHESTRATED COLOR
SKIP WHITCOMB
365 DAY ACCESS
MENTORING COURSE
$895 USD
COURSE REOPENS
MARCH 6, 2025
(Spaces will be limited)
WHAT’S INSIDE
INTRODUCTION
A Practical Approach to Understanding Color and Color Harmony
The goal of this course is to give the more seasoned artist a reliable foundation for making thoughtful color decisions in the studio, in other words to demystify color harmony in painting and empowering him or her with a deeper understanding of this important principle. And, to give the artist the tools to analyze painted solutions, meaning the masterworks of great painters of the past and present. This is certainly not intended to be the final word, rather a portal for refining personal expressions of color in your own studio paintings.
MODULE 1 | TRIADS
Probably the most commonly used plan, triads are basically an arrangement of 3 colors. We will discuss how to push beyond the common interpretation by selecting which colors and variations of a given color, warm and cool, mixed or pure, opaque or transparent, light or dark, will work for our painting. I will do a detailed demonstration of the selection process, making a color test panel, and proceed to a color study.
MODULE 2 | DOUBLE COMPLEMENTS
Double complements are an arrangement of 4 colors, 2 sets of compliments, this set will often give us one of the broadest range of color possibilities, yet still fit within the “limited” category, producing poetic harmony. Besides detailed demonstrations of each module, I will illustrate with examples from past and present master painters.
MODULE 3 | SPLIT COMPLEMENTS
A split complement set is one key color on the color wheel opposed by its complement plus the adjacent color on either side of this complement. Example: Orange opposed by Blue Green-Blue-Blue Violet. With the detailed demonstration we will see the tremendous potential of this plan. Throughout this course we will be using a standard 12 color wheel as a “color calculator” to help visualize the initial plan.
MODULE 4 | COMPLEMENTary ARRANGEMENTS
Complementary plans often initially seem to be the most challenging of all because of the apparent limits of our color selections, therein lies its beauty. This is a plan that emphasizes drawing, big shapes, value contrasts, and edge control. We will discuss the importance of selecting a subject that will loan itself to this plan and why this is critical to our plan, along with a demonstration illustrating this process.
SUGGESTED SUPPLY LIST
{Skip's personal preference lies with oil paint, although he occasionally uses pastels. However, he is willing to assist students in discovering and utilizing their chosen medium, whether it's acrylics, pastels, or watercolors.
Note* This course is intended for intermediate to advanced painters who want to expand their knowledge of color. There is an abundance of information to be gained from this course, and we are excited to share what Skip has prepared for you. Get ready for a remarkable and enlightening year filled with COLOR!}
BONUS | SUBJECT SELECTION AND COMPOSITION
Only students in this course receive this special bonus video - it’s not available for purchase anywhere.
In this 25-minute never-before-seen instructional video, Skip shares "How to" Combine Photos to Create a Strong Design!One of the most common mistakes we make as artists is thinking what we see in our photos is how we should exactly paint the scene. That is not always correct. If we only knew how to alter and combine photos to identify a stronger design, this would open up more opportunities for success.
In this video, Skip will show you how to use a couple of different photographs - a foreground from one and positioning it into the mid-ground & background of another. He will discuss different scales and positioning for composition purposes. Also, how the subject folds into a color plan, you can follow.
You will clearly see how important composition is to our concept and where to simplify subjects with our artistic eye. Creative use of our photographic reference allows us to be selective, paint what we know, and fit it into a harmonious color plan to create mood and emotion.
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
~ SKIP WHITCOMB
Growing up on his family’s ranch near Sterling, Colorado, where they raised American Quarter Horses, Skip knew early on he wanted to be an artist. Trained in figure study and illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California paved the path for him to dive into the world of Fine Art which he then pursed full-time as his career.
Now settled in Colorado where you often find him painting the landscape on location or at the very least exploring it with sketchbook in hand, Skip has over 40 years of professional painting and also teaches eager students around the world the knowledge he has gained from the craft. This has made him a sought-after artist by both collectors and students alike.
You will find numerous works of art that Skip has painted in both oils and pastels and each one has its own calm beauty with a story to tell. The way he seems to capture everyday scenes with textural detail and a pop of color make them go from expected to outstanding.
Skip says “Once you internalize the language of painting, you never see the world the same way. It never leaves you. The veil of rational order is lifted and what hangs in the air are sensations of painted possibilities. On good days, some would call it poetry.”
Skip is a Signature Member of the prestigious PAPA (Plein-air Painter's of America).
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“Skip’s course has been an amazing experience. I have grown as an artist so much in such a relatively short time. For anyone thinking of enrolling, do not hesitate. You have picked a wonderful mentor with Skip. The time and energy that Skip devotes to this course are immeasurable. Skip taught me to remember some of the smallest growths can be some of the biggest discoveries! I felt like I had blundered into a master class and was way out of my element. But in the long run, the extraordinary level of talent, combined with the acceptance and supportive attitude of Skip’s group, became a positive force encouraging me to work harder, and try new things. My progress has been more than I could have imagined. Having a year is just wonderful!”
“Before I looked into online art courses, I was on my own floundering. I didn’t know anything about the materials or technical aspects. I didn’t know where to start. I knew what I was producing was not what I wanted it to be, and that was intimidating... but the support now from TAAO instructors and the student community within the courses are amazing. You are never left alone. There’s so much positive feedback in the group. It’s such a supportive environment that it just raises you up to a different level. Now, I feel like I’m in the swing of it. I have enough tools now to keep expanding, growing, and learning... I know how to find answers within myself now thanks to TAAO courses and their “best of the best” artist instructors at your fingertips.”
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Whether you’re an intermediate artist working to improve your use of color or a more advanced student aiming to refine your color mastery, this course provides the tools and guidance you need to take your work to the next level. It’s focused, practical, and designed to help you achieve measurable progress in your artistic journey.
Access to Skip for a Full Year: This isn’t a workshop or a one-day class; it’s 365 days of personalized mentoring and guidance from Skip 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. Skip’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 Skip 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 Skip 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 Skip’s Leadership: Imagine being part of Skip’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 Skip, 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, Skip’s course has you covered with its exclusive AI-powered search feature. This cutting-edge tool acts as your personal guide through Skip’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 Skip’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 Skip’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 Skip’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 Skip Whitcomb as your mentor, you’ll never face challenges alone. Skip 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 an intermediate artist working to improve your use of color or a more advanced student aiming to refine your color mastery, this course provides the tools and guidance you need to take your work to the next level, Skip’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 Skip 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.
THE POWER OF
ORCHESTRATED COLOR
$895 USD
COURSE REOPENS
MARCH 6, 2025
(Spaces will be limited)