© 2011 Galerie Synesthésie

Have you ever wondered how some artists are able to create the most incredible art in such little time? They have artistic vision, technique and speed. And they make it seem effortless!

While pursuing my master’s in psychology and organizing a local figure drawing workshop, I was wondering the same thing. Even though I was constantly drawing models, my skills were mediocre at best. Then I learned about how new teaching methods in art education had been inspired by recent research in psychology. I was instantly fascinated as this blended my two main interests. Soon after, I found  teachers who taught with these techniques and in 2007, opened Galerie Synesthésie - Syn Studio. An art school that blends traditional art education with modern teaching methods and focuses on figurative and entertainment industry art for all levels from total beginners to professional artists.

Our innovative teaching methods have been recognized by the English Montreal School Board and we have trained dozens of their high school art teachers. We also provide artistic training services for local game, film, T.V., and advertising companies. Our students have developed their skills and portfolios here to the point of getting into the university programs and companies of their choice and landing major industry contracts.

We have eleven amazing art teachers, including legendary comic book artists, award winning fine artists, Oscar winning artists in the film industry and top video game artists who have worked for such companies as Marvel and DC Comics, Lucasfilm, Ubisoft and EA on franchises and titles as Spiderman, Thor, Sin City, Indiana Jones, Need for Speed, Lord of the Rings online, Baldur’s Gate, Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed.  

I am happy to report that after taking the classes here, I made fantastic progress and became confident in my artistic ability. Not only did my skills develop rapidly but I had a great experience and met lots of wonderful people. What’s more, I now understand how the top masters create the most incredible art and how others learn to do the same. I see it every day.

Sincerely,

Anthony Walsh

“The classes I took with Charles Vinh and Geof Isherwood helped me considerably in my work. Not only at the level of my drawing but also at the professional level. They are active in their domains and don’t hesitate to share their experiences. I recommend the classes at Syn Studio just as much to professionals in visual arts as to amateurs.” (translated from French)

Francois Brisson (www.francoisbrisson.com). Illustrator, designer, 3D artist and student at Syn Studio since January 2011.

“As a working professional, this class was a perfect way for me to maintain and pursue my interest in art. Classes usually kick-off with technique demonstrations or presentations by our instructor, Kelly, who is never short of entertaining stories of the industry. It's also a great way to meet like-minded individuals and make new friends!”

Alice Tai Ke-Ying, Game designer at EA Montreal and student at Syn Studio since September 2011.

"Artists should never stop learning. Syn Studio helped me further develop my skills by studying with some of the best masters of their fields, like Charles Vinh and Geof Isherwood; real veterans who, themselves, keep learning through the teaching of their art."

Simon Chartrand Labadie (www.simonchartrand.com). Illustrator and student at Syn Studio since January 2010.

“As a total beginner in drawing, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for last winter but I was attracted to drawing people, expressions, the human form and maybe one day, people who are dear to me. I looked at several galleries and schools on the internet for one month or two... Never really satisfied. Too many courses/sessions before starting to draw people and live models, an overly academic process and school schedules that did not suit me, location, price... Nothing special that inspired me, it was the worst! And then I came across the Web site of Syn Studio... It had that something special! First the pictures of the artwork inspired me, spoke to me, even if they were for a wide audience, both professionals, comics, video games and artists of all kind... and course descriptions, simple and concise, good values. They had what   I was looking for: observation, shapes, movement, detail.. All this seemed to work well together and in a good atmosphere. I do not speak here of the other criteria that suited me because it is specific to my work and my lifestyle.
 

I was truly satisfied with my experience at Syn Studio. I don’t think I missed a single class and it was a real treat every time. The level of the teachers is breathtaking yet they make everything so simple. I like their approach to art and education (in fact they really seem at ease teaching)

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I stopped the following summer because I do a lot of activities and preferred to be outside... but I promised myself to repeat the experience. And here I am again, on board this Fall, in the deepening of this new pleasure... The levels are mixed, the origins and motivations of each look different but the atmosphere is serene, studious and pleasant:-p.

A great experience that is part of my life now and that I am pleased to share with everyone I meet.” (translated from French)

Nicolas Tranchant, student at Syn Studio since January 2011.

“Charles is a great teacher.  He's patient and skillful in mentoring digital inspiration with hands-on insight and speed painting techniques. Kelly is very encouraging and amiable. More than just open the door for the beginner in comics, he shows detailed, step-by-step techniques and gives a lot of useful information.”

Yu Xiao, student at Syn Studio since September 2011.