Art in Dialogue: Monthly Encounters | Practice, Critique, Community

APPROACH

• A live Zoom art class (synchronous) with in-depth human interaction.
• A blend of art history, art theory, group discussions.
• The medium of your choice.
• Before the session, you will have the chance to send by email your current work in production to be commented on by the instructor and your collegues.

 ALSO INCLUDED

A full web page on Walk the Arts website (1 year).

 AWARENESS

For any artist, awareness and conscious engagement with the creative process are essential to producing a meaningful work of art. In our class, we emphasize this principle through various exercises, such as writing an artist statement or, for advanced students, simulating a  radio interview (below). We thank Julia for graciously agreeing to take on this challenge.

YVES M. LAROCQUE, YOUR MODERATOR

Your facilitator or moderator Yves M. Larocque holds a B.F.A. from the University of Ottawa, and a Doctorate in Art History from La Sorbonne (Paris) and has been teaching painting and art history-theory-philosophy in Ottawa (Canada) for more than 35 years. He has exhibited widely and today, his art teaching takes most of his time. He was a guest professor for Canadian and American colleges and various radio interviews such as the CBC and Radio-Canada. He gave many conferences mostly in France and the United States. He has published in peer review art periodicals in France and Canada; he is fluently bilingual (English and French). His strength is listening, making him one of the most sought-painting instructors in the Canadian national capital. Many of his students have become accomplished artists and show in reputable galleries.

Many of our classes and workshops have been accredited by colleges, universities, and art schools, the Singapore National University, Université de Sherbrooke, and Minnesota College, to name a few.

THE WAY WE WILL WORK AS A GROUP

For 4 weeks starting January 28^th, this class serves as a positive critical evaluation of your studio work completed over the past four weeks, and submitted via email, encompassing all media forms. Acting as moderator, Professor Yves Larocque will guide a thoughtful and constructive dialogue around your practice — offering insightful suggestions and showing possible directions to pursue in preparation for the next gathering.

When registered, please send your works by January 15^th ; but the class starts on January 28th.

Following meetings > March 4th, April 1th and May 6th

Testimonials

“Thank you very much for a wonderful lab course . You are inspirational and exciting to listen to. I appreciate your candor and forthrightness. I have learned many many lessons from you.” (R. Wallin, Kamloops, B.C. ONline art classs 2025)

“[…] I have grown from being a beginner to being a professional painter under Yves’s critique. […] This is really a “Masterclass” that prepares you to go as far as you want as a painter […]   I truly understand how this class is a laboratory in art — you have to try, try and try again and then something wonderful will happen. […]  It will be difficult to find someone who cares as much about the growth and success of each student. […]” J. Takahashi, Santa Fe, NM (Online art class 2024)

“Yves knows how to individualize his support and his precious, respectful and sincere advice. This allowed me to get out of my “comfort zone” for my greatest joy. I questioned myself, I explored, I doubted, I started again and I painted… In short, I opened myself to new avenues for the pursuit of my art. ” S. Michaud, Montreal, QC (Online art class 2024)

“Yves, I learned so much in this class. You pushed me and it was a big challenge, in a good way! I greatly improved my skills, pulled out ideas I didn’t know even existed within me and learned so much about the influence of psychology and philosophy on art. Thank you.” (K.  Scott, Ottawa, ON, Online art class 2024).

“After attending this class, I feel so relieved and liberated to not be tied to tradition anymore. Hearing what and how the artists in the class have created their art was so inspiring. It is time for me to create and express myself with new ideas. Thanks for being an amazing facilitator/guide/stimulator/pusher!” (J. Mann, Ottawa, ON, Online painting class 2022)

“This online painting course has been so amazing, I feel I have improved above all my expectations. It has been stimulating, inspiring, educational and above all exciting and fun! Thank you for all the time and energy you invest in all your students, for challenging us to extend ourselves and become better and more professional artists.” D. Lombard, Sydney, Australia (Online painting class 2021)

“I liked your critical eye, which doesn’t hesitate to offer an opinion. Thank you for your frankness, and for sharing your expertise with us.” L. Mantha, Ottawa, ON (Online art class 2022)

“Thanks again for your great interest in art — and in all that your students do…..We are all fortunate to have you in our lives…” J. Hayney, Ottawa, Canada (Online art class 2022)

“I am very grateful Yves for your enthusiastic teachings, your positivity and insights from your international artistic vision.” C. Poirier, Ottawa, ON (Online art class 2021)

Yves you are ever evolving. This last term was excellent and you can only make it better. I find the class a very important push for me with goals and incentives, and the teaching elements always stimulating. G. Giuliani, Ottawa Canada (Online art class 2020)

“I have taken their unique and very popular Painting Resource class multiple times. I have found it to be inspiring, motivating and truly a gem in my career as an artist.” N. Brandsma, Ottawa ON (OSA painting class 2019)

“Yves has really artistically influenced me to be the conceptual visual artist that I’am today. He has taught me to always look for new imaginative avenues of the unexpected for my art.” JD. Powell (OSA painting class 2019)