Creating Animated Paintings:
A 3-Part Online Workshop
Dates: 6 July, 9 July & 13 July
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM (BST)
Format: Online (3 sessions, 3 hours each) on Zoom, recordings available for one month after.
Learn how to transform a painted image into a looping animated artwork.
This workshop is designed for artists, animators and illustrators interested in exploring animation as an extension of painting. Across three sessions, you will create your own animated digital loop while learning the fundamentals of animation, composition, and visual storytelling. We will explore how a static image can become a moving artwork, an animated painting.
By the end of the workshop, you will have created your own short looping animated artwork.
Recordings of each session will be available for one month after the workshop, and personalised feedback will be provided following each session to support the development of your work.
Session 1: Planning Stage & Painting Backgrounds
In the first session, we'll focus on developing the artwork that will form the basis of your animation. We will begin by looking at examples and then working on our own ideas.
Topics covered:
What makes an effective animated loop
Key considerations before animating
Painting a background image
Colour, composition and lighting
Identifying opportunities for movement within a still image
Planning animation from the earliest stages of image-making
Session 2: Bringing the Painting to Life
In the second session, we will begin animating.
Topics covered:
How to create seamless loops
Essential animation principles and techniques
Creating multiple loops within a single image
Animation workflows and organisation
Developing movement that enhances the atmosphere of the animated loop.
Session 3: Colour, Compositing & Effects
In our final session, we'll bring all the elements together and refine the finished piece.
Topics covered:
Colouring animation
Compositing techniques
Adding visual effects (VFX)
Final adjustments and exporting your animated loop
Materials & Software
You will need:
Watercolours (or your preferred painting medium)
Pencils
Paper
Access to digital animation software
I will be demonstrating using TVPaint, but alternatives such as Procreate Dreams, Procreate, Photoshop, or other animation software are welcome.
If you do not have access to digital animation software, we will also discuss techniques for creating animation using paper. For this approach, you will need access to a lightbox.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the workshop, materials, or whether it is suitable for your level of experience, please feel free to email me at reevececilia@gmail.com.