Mendocino Art Center

Brian Davis has always been the king of flower painters in my book, so when I saw he was teaching a workshop at Mendocino Art Center this past July, I enrolled in the class.  I loved it.  Brian's process of bringing a painting to life really resonated with me.  His practical ways of doing things make a lot of sense, and his willingness to share his knowledge of the art world was an extra bonus.   So I am happy to recommend his classes in my newsletter.

Sandy Delehanty

Sedona Art Center

"Brian Davis's luminous oil paintings are as pleasing to the eyes as mole sauce is pleasing to the taste buds. Thankfully Brian was humble and generous enough to share the key technical aspects that make his floral compositions glow. He did this with poise and an unwavering sense of humor. For this I am eternally grateful."

Thanks Brian.

Best,

Tade

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I just finished the Brian Davis painting workshop on "Luminous Oils" given at the Sedona Art Center from June 21-25, 2010, and I would say it was the best workshop/class I have taken (and I have taken many). It inspired me to believe that my art career dreams would become reality. During the workshop, I was impressed by Brian's style of teaching, the technical content of the workshop, and the expertise he shared on the business side of art. He also gave us some foundational ideas about the character traits necessary to become an artist of excellence.

Brian's friendly and down-to-earth style of teaching brought us together as a learning community. We started out as strangers and left as friends and colleagues. He has a real ability to communicate his ideas in concrete ways. He used effective organization in his presentations. First, he laid a groundwork by giving us principles and pointers; then, he demonstrated his techniques by working on his own painting, so we could gain a practical understanding of what he was saying. After that, he had us apply these ideas by working on our own paintings. Finally, he checked with each student to see if he/she had questions or needed help. He was available throughout each session to consult with each of us individually. 
  
I have followed the work of Brian Davis for years. I have not found a painter whose work I admired more. His gorgeous floral paintings are unique. I was so excited to take this workshop because I knew it was a chance to learn how he produced such beautiful luminous paintings. I was not disappointed. He generously shared his painting techniques with us, without reservation. His painting style is quite technical and time-consuming, yet he was able to impart the basic skills to each of us. As he pointed out, the techniques he uses could be applied equally well to portrait painting or other types of painting. The proof of his ability as an instructor was that each of us left with a beautiful painting. Completing the final details of the painting at home has given me the chance to internalize and process the instruction I received throughout the workshop. My friends and family are impressed with this new painting. They recognize, as I do, that my painting ability has reached a new level.
 
This Brian Davis workshop not only improved my technical painting skills, but provided invaluable real-life guidance in creating a successful career as a painter. Learning from an instructor who has been "in the trenches" as a working artist and who is now represented by over 60 galleries and has paintings hanging in 8 museums is completely different from taking a workshop from an academic instructor who may not be exhibiting at all. He shared with us the very instructive story of his own career, moving from working as an illustrator in Los Angeles to becoming a world-class fine artist whose work is sought after by galleries and individual patrons. He gave us numerous tips on dealing with galleries and gambits for networking.
  
Brian Davis shows you that it is not only innate talent but a strong work ethic that leads to the successful career that you envision for yourself. He dispels the notion that art is just fun. He reminds us that creating world-class art involves hard work, yet you are left with the understanding that if you have some basic artistic skills and are willing to put in the work, you can reach that high standard of excellence. Yet, even though he emphasized the need for hard work to produce outstanding art, this workshop was, in fact, fun, and we bonded as fellow artists and emerged as friends.
  
During the workshop, Brian Davis was constantly available for individual consultations and questions, even during lunch, and before and after the sessions. He was incredibly giving of his time and knowledge. He was more than willing to share the knowledge gained from his decades in the art world. After a workshop with Brian Davis, you are from that time on his student; incredibly, he offers himself as a mentor-a teacher with whom you can share future successes.  
  
On a personal note, I have taught English as a lecturer at Arizona State University for several decades. During that time, I have served on committees evaluating the teaching skills of our teachers and participated in annual peer evaluations of the teaching skills on colleagues in our program. Coming from this background, I can state that Brian Davis is an extremely effective instructor. His workshop sessions are very well-organized. Most importantly, he is able to establish rapport with the students, so his instruction is meaningful. I strongly recommend that if you are considering taking one of his workshop that you take the plunge. You will not regret it.

For years, I have had a desire to take my painting beyond being just a hobby. I have wanted to have a successful professional career as a fine artist. I now see how to follow a path to reach that destination. I left this workshop with a new perspective. I felt as if I had experienced art as therapy, and, in fact, I gained a new image of myself. This workshop turned my dreams of a successful art career into achievable goals. It was a breakthrough for me.

Yours Truly,

Elaine Dehghanpisheh

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I changed to oil painting about a year ago from colored pencil after seeing Brian Davis’ paintings in a gallery.   In the past, it had been my experience that your best results come from studying under an artist working in your medium with a style similar to that which you desire to attain.

Having taken workshops before, I have experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly.  One of my oddest experiences was with a well-known artist who was adamant that it’s impossible to really make a living at art!

Brian is thorough, encouraging and willing to share readily from his vast body of experience.  Any nerves I might have had quickly melted away as he is a delight to be around.

I feel as if I have jumped forward many years in my painting.  I can’t wait to attend another one of Brian’s workshops.  One of the unique things about Brian is that he has years of professional experience in the real art world.  Many can give advice; however, Brian comes from a vast body of experience and a heart-felt desire to give back what knowledge he has amassed.

I can truly say that I am ruined for any other teacher!  Brian’s workshop didn’t meet my expectations—it EXCEEDED them one-hundred fold! 

Anyone who is desirous of improving their painting skills would do well to take Brian’s workshop.  His down-to-earth insight and fantastic work ethic will truly change your painting experience from that time forward.

April Robbins-Hughes
Idaho

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Brian,

I can’t thank you enough for an incredible week of art. This feels like it changed my life and my art. I am looking at all of this with new eyes and a new attitude. You’ve made me a believer in possibilities and abilities that I have never seriously considered. Words can’t begin to describe this evolution. I hope some day to share with the world some wonderful art of my creation! I know I’ll be hack for another class. I wish you all the best in your endeavors and never doubt that you’re a GREAT teacher. 

Eleanor Sullivan

Sierra Nevada College

Brian,

Again Joan and I want to thank you for the week of instruction in your class. It was a real pleasure to watch a real artist work his magic and to be willing to share it with beginners like us. We are so lucky. You are an excellent teacher and we all learned a lot in a short time. I myself want to thank you for your kindness and encouragement in my drawings. I can honestly say that what ever drawing that I do from here on will be influenced by you.

Again from Joan and I thank you.