Full Course Curriculum

Module 1: Speaking the Language of Art

Before diving deep into composition, it's crucial that we're all on the same page. In this module, we'll define essential artistic terms, ensuring clear communication and a solid foundation for the lessons ahead.

Module 2: Mastering Colour Theory

Colour isn't just about picking pleasing hues; it's about understanding relationships and harnessing them effectively. Here, you'll delve into the dynamics of colours, learning how to mix and choose palettes that bring your paintings to life and evoke the desired emotions in your audience.

Module 3: Harnessing the Power of Shapes

Shapes are the building blocks of composition. Whether positive or negative, directional or static, each shape plays a role in guiding the viewer's eye. This module explores the myriad ways shapes can be defined—through value, colour, line, or texture—and how their edges, whether hard, soft, or lost, influence the overall impact of your work.

Module 4: Integrating Key Artistic Concepts

Great art isn't just about individual elements but how they come together harmoniously. In this module, we'll delve into pivotal concepts such as:​

• Unity​

• Harmony​

• Contrast​

• Gradation​

• Relativity​

• Balance​

• Repetition​

• Edges​

• Dominance

Understanding and applying these principles will elevate your compositions, making them more compelling and engaging.

Module 5: Creating Depth with Perspective

Transforming a flat canvas into a window to another world requires a firm grasp of perspective. This module breaks down both geometric and atmospheric perspective, equipping you with the tools to depict three-dimensional spaces that draw viewers into your scenes.

Module 6: Illuminating Shadows and Reflections

Light plays a pivotal role in how we perceive art. Shadows and reflections, governed by the properties of light, can add depth and realism when executed correctly. In this module, you'll learn the distinct principles that dictate their behavior, allowing you to render them authentically and enhance the believability of your compositions.

Module 7: Hierarchy of Marks and Value Sketches

Before you even touch a brush, you need a roadmap — and this is it.

In this module, I’ll show you which types of marks grab the viewer’s attention first, and how to use that knowledge to lead the eye exactly where you want it to go. You’ll learn the hierarchy of marks — from bold shapes to subtle edges — so your compositions don’t just sit there… they communicate.

You’ll also discover how to create powerful value sketches — the low-cost, high-impact tool that lets you solve big compositional problems before you commit to a full painting. This is where smart planning meets creative freedom, and it’s one of the fastest ways to level up your work.

Module 8: Creating Compositional Plans That Work

Winging it is not a strategy.

In this module, you’ll learn how to create a clear compositional plan before you ever dip your brush in paint — so you're not guessing, second-guessing, or hoping things will “just work out.”

I’ll show you exactly how I design my compositions to guide the viewer’s eye, create balance and tension, and evoke that I have to have it feeling. You’ll see how to plan for impact — using shape placement, dominance, and value contrast — so every mark has a purpose and every painting starts with confidence.

This is the behind-the-scenes work that most struggling artists skip… and it’s a big reason their paintings don’t sell. Get this right, and the rest of the process gets a whole lot easier.

Module 9: Compositional Plans Part 2 — Proven Layouts That Sell

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel — you just need to use it better.

In this module, I’ll walk you through the classic compositional plans that top artists have used for centuries to create powerful, engaging paintings. These are the go-to frameworks that work — whether you’re painting landscapes, still life, or abstracts.

You’ll learn how to use:

✔ S-Shape
✔ Cross
✔ Spiral
✔ Vignette
✔ Wheel
✔ Pattern
✔ Gradation

These aren’t just theory — I've used each of these in my own paintings to create that “stop them in their tracks” effect.

If your compositions feel random or flat, this is where it all clicks. With these tools, you’ll never stare at a blank canvas wondering where to start.

Module 10: The Most Common Composition Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

This is where most artists go wrong — and no, it’s not about talent. It’s about making poor decisions in the first five minutes of a painting that doom it from the start. I’ll show you the exact mistakes I see over and over again in student work, and more importantly, how to fix them.

If you’ve ever finished a painting and thought “something’s off,” this module will show you why — and what to do differently next time.

Module 11: Critique Session — Real Paintings, Real Fixes

You’ll get to watch me critique some of my past paintings — pointing out what works, what doesn’t, and why. This is where the theory becomes real. These lessons are gold, because you’ll start to see your own work through a more refined lens. You’ll leave this module with a toolkit you can apply immediately to your next painting.

Bonus Module: Turn Ho-Hum Reference Photos Into Painting-Worthy Gold (Using Photoshop)

Ever looked at a photo you took and thought, “It just doesn’t capture what I felt in the moment”? You're not alone — and the good news is, you can fix that.

In this bonus module, I’ll walk you through my simple, repeatable Photoshop workflow to transform flat, uninspiring reference photos into dynamic, paint-ready compositions. You’ll learn how to adjust value, colour, and contrast to bring back the magic — so your painting starts from a place of wow, not meh.

Because if your reference photo doesn’t make you excited to paint it… it’s not going to make them want to buy it.

This is how you bridge the gap between what the camera saw — and what you felt. And that’s where great paintings begin.

Live Group Q&A + Critique Session

Included FREE with your purchase

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

With your enrollment in The Unstoppable Artist, you’ll get access to one live group Q&A and critique session with Tim, where you can ask your burning questions, get personalized feedback on your work, and gain clarity on your next steps.

Whether you’re stuck on a specific painting, unsure where to focus next, or just want expert eyes on your progress — this is your chance to get real, actionable advice directly from someone who’s done it.

• Get live feedback on your art from Tim

• Ask questions about technique, business, or mindset

• See real critiques that help you learn from others

• Leave with clear direction and renewed motivation

You will be contacted directly by email when it's time for your Live Zoom Meeting

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