AI-Assisted Canvas Painting Workshop: Discovering Beauty
Published:
Jun 25, 2026
Updated:
Jun 25, 2026
This beginner-friendly workshop is open to absolutely everyone—including child/guardian pairs, retirees, neighbours, and friends from outside our parish. You won't believe how AI can transform our creative lives—believe in yourself, because anyone can create a beautiful canvas masterpiece with serious bragging rights!
You can turn your favourite puppy’s photo into a canvas like this, with a modern twist of VanGogh background.
A Message from Your Instructor: The Logic of Beauty
Years ago, a simple weekend painting workshop with my six-year-old son turned into a profound personal discovery. Standing before a canvas became a remarkably therapeutic escape from the high-pressure stress of a busy career. The true value hit home when my son moved out for university - the most important thing he packed was that very first painting we made together. It remains one of his most cherished childhood memories.
I never went to formal art school. I am entirely self-taught through online tutorials and modern AI tools on my own terms. I found immense joy, peace, and creative confidence in this process, and that is exactly what I want to share with you. This workshop isn't about professional perfection; it is about stepping away from our high-velocity lives to share a laugh and create a precious, lifelong memory that your family will cherish for decades.
Here are a couple of my paintings. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!
Visualising the Process: Puppy’s Photo Example
If you worry you don't have the artistic skills to create something beautiful. To show you exactly how easy and magical this process is, we will be using a puppy photo as our class blueprint.
As your instructor, I will guide you through how we turn a real-life image into a stunning piece of art:
The Original Photo: We start with a favourite photograph of yours.
AI-Assisted Vision: Using the free Google Gemini app on your smartphone, we will instantly simplify your photo into bold, clear, and paintable shapes. This completely removes the intimidation of the "blank canvas" and gives you an easy outline to trace onto your 8"x10" canvas board.
Bringing it to Life: Using your vibrant 12-color paint set, you will fill in the shapes and use fun, tactile brushwork to add texture, personality, and style.
Event Timeline & Structure
The workshop takes place over two consecutive Sunday afternoons to allow proper paint drying time between layering and detailed finishing work:
Session 1: Sunday, August 23, 2026 (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
We will run the AI transformation using Sissi's photo as our guide, transfer our custom layouts to the canvas boards, and map out the vibrant base colors.
Session 2: Sunday, August 30, 2026 (1:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
With the base layers dry, we will explore brush techniques to add texture, blending, and intricate details to give your final masterpiece its premium feel.
What is Included
The $200.00 registration fee covers entry for a pair of participants (e.g., a child and guardian, two friends, or a couple) and includes:
Guided, step-by-step instruction from an instructor who understands exactly how to learn from scratch.
Two premium 8"x10" cotton canvas boards (one per participant).
A complete 12-color premium acrylic paint and brush set for each participant to keep and take home!
100% of the proceeds go directly toward the Bell Tower Repair Fund.
What to Bring
A Smartphone: Required for the AI-assisted design portion during the first session.
Artist’s Gear: Please wear an old shirt or an apron. We will be using professional-grade studio acrylic paints which are permanent on clothing once dry!
Registration & Payment Information
To ensure we order enough premium canvas and paint kits in time, please register before Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Registration and payments can be processed through the parish office:
In Person or Phone: Pay via cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, or cheque by visiting the office or calling 613-722-7661.
By E-Transfer: Send your registration payment to info@fatimaparish.ca. Please remember to call or email the office with your full names and mailing address for registration tracking and tax donation receipt purposes.
We look forward to creating beautiful stories and lasting memories with you!
