WORKSHOPS
"Darrell is a talented artist and gifted educator. His portraits are incredible and his art workshops are worth every penny."
-Larry Lourcey
TOMORROW’S MASTERS WORKSHOPS & MENTORING
Darrell has been creating art in one form or another for 43 years. Initially he worked as a school photographer working with school systems in north Louisiana doing everything from providing school pictures, sports, special events and high school senior portraits. While this profession was very rewarding financially, his love of art drove him to sell the business and carve out a new path with the goal to become among the nation’s best photographers and ultimately towards traditional artistry thus leaving his camera and picking up brushes. Today, Darrell is a Master Artist having been selected twice as the top portrait artist in Louisiana. He also has an Masters of Business Administration.
Teaching has always been a love and Darrell taught on the college level for nearly 15 years and has taught many professionals over the years in his workshops and extended mentoring programs. At this time he focused more on his own personal development as an artist, which never ends, and on teaching 4-day workshops at his “Cajun Shack” studio located on a beautiful lake in northwest Louisiana.
Photography remains one of his loves thus he enjoys teaching professional photographers how they can take their skills to an even higher and more gratifying level.
BECOME TOMORROW’S NEW/OLD MASTER,
THE ANATOMY OF A 4-DAY WORKSHOP
The workshop begins with a deep dive into the techniques of the great Masters, both from the past and those still creating today. It's crucial to have a solid understanding of these foundational methods before starting the workshop, as they provide the basis for all learning here.
The focus is heavily on LIGHT and COMPOSITION, which are fundamental to all forms of art. Accomplished photographers, like Ansel Adams and George Murrell, excel in these areas and could have been exceptional painters because of their understanding of how to visually capture their subjects. Darrell leverages this knowledge in his teaching, offering a unique advantage by explaining these concepts in a clear and efficient way.
Before the workshop, Darrell will guide you through creating preparatory studies using a combination of camera, computer, and Corel Painter. Yes, a computer is involved. Darrell has over thirty years of experience with digital tools, using them not to replace traditional painting but to enhance the planning and conceptual phases. While some purists might see this as unconventional, it's a modern approach that aligns with the techniques used by historical masters like Sargent and Wyeth, adapted for the digital age.
Participants are encouraged to submit images they're interested in painting to Darrell before the workshop. He will help select the most suitable ones and demonstrate how to create a preliminary draft using Corel Painter. Upon arrival, these drafts are printed on professional-grade canvas or watercolor paper. Darrell is proficient in various mediums, including traditional oils, watercolor, and pastels, depending on the project at hand.
The bulk of the workshop, spanning three days, is dedicated to traditional painting techniques. You'll leave with a beautiful piece of art you've created with your own hands.
To maintain a high quality of instruction and individual attention, each workshop is capped at six participants.
TOMORROW’S NEW/OLD MASTER 4-DAY
WORKSHOP COST
The workshop costs only $1,000 for four days of immersive learning with Darrell.
We recommend staying at a State Park, which is conveniently located just a few minutes from the Cajun Shack studio.
Meals will be affordable and available nearby. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy grilling at Darrell's home. On the final evening, we'll dine at Darrell's favorite restaurant, catered by one of Louisiana’s premier chefs. Please note, this dining experience goes beyond the ordinary, so budget accordingly.
It's unlikely you'll need to rent a car. Transportation to and from the airport, or between the workshop and your accommodation at the State Park, will be provided by Darrell or an associate.
Since your finished painting will still be wet, you might need to leave it at the studio for drying. Darrell can arrange to ship it to you later, so please be ready to cover the shipping costs.
BECOME A WORKSHOP AMBASSADOR
Many students find themselves eager to return for a second or third workshop, drawn back by the enriching experience. To welcome back returnees, we offer a $200 discount for each subsequent workshop they attend. Additionally, if you bring along a new participant to the workshop, your next visit will be at the special rate of only $500. This is our way of saying thank you for being part of our community and helping it grow.