Take Your Painting to the Next Level : Explore Colors with Alai Ganuza

Whether you're a fan of traditional canvas works or digital painting on a screen, it's no secret that painting is a beloved art form. Twinimation Studios is well aware of this fact, which is why we created a list of our top recommended painting supplies, so it now it only makes sense to spotlight a painting instructor who can help you level up your skills!

Learn Oil Painting with Alai Ganuza

Alai Ganuza is a digital and traditional oil painter, known for her unique approach regarding color. You can find numerous paintings on her Instagram; with subjects ranging from adorable characters to delicious foods. Alai is known for her frequent painting challenges which she encourages her audience to participate in on her social media. The collaborative element is great motivating her audience to participate.

The most notable element to Alai's work is definitely her unique use of color. She is able to use various bright and saturated colors for highlights and shadows which most people would likely never consider at first thought. For example, incorporating pastel pinks, yellows, and blues into a cat's fur. Or adding splashes of purple and pink onto fried eggs. Take a look at any of her works, and you'll find yourself noticing the most unique combinations.

(an example of one of Alai's cat portraits)

Twinimation Studios' Dria reached out to Alai's team for some comments regarding her unique painting process, so I'll be sharing these insights.

Q: How did Alai come up with her unique color palette for her paintings?

A: Alai’s distinctive color palette is deeply influenced by her background in both art and science, particularly her studies in physics and optics. Her fascination with how light works shaped her artistic approach, leading her to use color as a tool to evoke joy and enhance the beauty in everyday scenes. Her palettes are crafted to echo the full spectrum of visible light—and sometimes what lies beyond—translating not just what we see, but what we feel when light touches the world. She paints domestic and mundane objects like sinks, fruits, and plates, often imbuing them with bright, fresh tones to reframe the ordinary as something beautiful and emotionally resonant. Her mission to “spread joy” through color comes from a personal place: having overcome a difficult upbringing and a long caregiving role, Alai sees her home and art practice as a reclaimed space of healing and happiness. Color is both a visual signature and an emotional language in her work.

(a gorgeous painting from Alai's Still/Home Life series)

Looking at these beautiful paintings, I'm sure you're eager to learn how Alai makes these. Perhaps you'd like to paint one yourself. Well, as mentioned before Alai is a painting instructor and has her own educational materials, including a full painting course. I also asked her about that course.

Q: What inspired Alai to create her painting course?

A: Alai’s courses were born from a desire to break down the barriers that often intimidate people from painting, whether it's the myth of “natural talent,” expensive materials, or overly perfectionist mindsets. After finding refuge in painting, she wanted to offer others that same safe and joyful space. Her teaching style blends her artistic skills with a scientific, step-by-step approach that demystifies painting and makes it fun and accessible to everyone. Starting with short tutorials on social media, she expanded into workshops, Patreon, and retreats, building a community centered on creativity, self- expression, and support. Alai believes that anyone can paint, and her courses are designed to prove just that.

Twinimation Studios extends a warm thanks to Alai Ganuza for participating in this special spotlight post. If you want to enter the field of traditional painting, don't forget to check out our top recommended high quality painting supplies here. For our digital painters, we have a list of recommended products for you to begin your artistic journey as well. Be on the lookout for more art tips from Twinimation Studios!