I taught an oil sampler this fine and toasty Sunday. I always hope that this little introduction to the glories of my favorite painting medium doesn't scare people off. Instead, I hope it inspires people to delve deeper and keep at it because it can very rewarding. It has its ups and downs, limitations, toxicity, chemistry, history and traditions. That being said, when you are first starting out it can also be intimidating, expensive, challenging and confusing, not to mention messy. But if you stick with it, you will get stuck on it.
I had a great group with diverse and dynamic backgrounds. My friend Sylwia, who I haven't seen in ages, attended. I even had a little girl, so I had to curb my usual rants and positive and passionate use of swearing.
One lady used a palette knife to put it on thick, I love the richness and creaminess of oil paint, thouh I've never been brave enough to slather it on like she did. I am always amazed at what people come up with. I love seeing what colours they mix and how they apply paint. The possibilities are endless and I learn a surprising amount when I'm teaching.
This participant to work quick and loose and in doing so she put my demo piece to shame. As a quick demo, I often do an homage to Bob Ross and then scrub it off before anyone can take a picture of it leading to my embarrassment. But I do it quick so it seems less intimidating. Making art should be fun, playful and easy, so about halfway through, I remind them to smile. Eventually they hit a wall as is one of the main challenges when making art, that's when one has to know to take a break, a real art form in itself.
This quick alla prima of a harbor turned out great for a first time oil user. Any more and the colours would become muddy and the whole thing would become frustrating. We don't have time to allow layers to dry in the short few hours of this class to really show off what makes oil so diverse and wonderful. You never know, somebody in that class could become and artist in the future!
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I am always making something. I put up a few new things on you You tube for you to check out.
Here is a teaser for the Blackfoot Graphic Novel.
And a quick motion graphic for the USAY Backback giveaway event this summer.
I work my ass off. I have been hiding away, working up to 5 jobs and pretty much everyday since the new year. All for my goal of getting to Italy for the remainder of this month. To see the sights, hear the sounds and eat as much food as I can. I leave in a day and return at the end of May. I have been hard at word as the Artistic Director on a Blackfoot graphic novel publication. I finally send off the final 80 page indesign master document plus a 2 page cover design to be checked, edited and okayed before being sent off to Rhino Solutions, our printer.
I am so proud of all the contributors who worked on the publication.
Randy Bottle, our elder and story teller, you'll be able to hear him tell the story in the traditional blackfoot language on the DVD that comes in the back with the free publication.
My artist Mitchell Poundmaker has been killing it since Nisoo the first of these publications done by USAY, the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth.
Chris Boulet, a past AYAP participant, added his creativity before he heads off to BC for a degree in Fashion. I managed as well as did all the layout, text and animation for the project. It will be printed by the End of June.
Extra special thanks to the Staff at USAY who make the whole challenge enjoyable:
LeeAnne Ireland,
Executive Director
Jessica Hawryluk,
Financial Officer
Levi First Charger,
Community Outreach Support Worker
If you are interested in obtaining your free copy in the future contact USAY 403.233.8225. or on their website: www.usay.ca.
