Since moving to Tillsonburg, Ontario, I have more time to do my art. I’m a member of the Bridge Street Artists at the Station Arts Centre and generally attend the Monday afternoon drop-in painting studio.
Painting is a relatively new endeavour for me. I took two series of art classes in acrylic painting from Lori Sokoluk, a Vancouver artist. I liked the way that Lori taught — a little bit of technique at the beginning of the session followed by just picking up a paint brush and diving in! And at the end of 6 sessions, I had a completed painting — that was pretty impressive to me. So of course I went back for another series of classes and through this, Lori and I became friends.
I’ve now picked up watercolour painting. The group of people I paint with on Monday afternoons, all do watercolour, so I thought I should give it a try. Then I took a course to learn some technique. I must admit I was surprised by watercolor – it’s not as difficult as I expected, once you learn how.
A community arts centre is a great place for new artists as it offers support, instruction and an opportunity to exhibit your work. There are two galleries at Station Arts: The Changing Exhibit Gallery, which is for established artists and The Bridge Street Gallery, which I like to refer to as the members’ gallery. Even a newbie like me can exhibit artwork.
It’s been quite thrilling to see my art up on the walls in the members’ gallery. I even had four pieces on show in the annual Potters and Painters Exhibit in the main gallery. And the biggest thrill is when something sells! Here are a few of my paintings — note: I’m still working on taking good photographs of my artwork.
My first painting dedicated to my Mom
First paintings I exhibited in 2013.
Heron (acrylic) – sold at the Painters & Potters Exhibit in summer of 2014
Picture of a tobacco kiln – gift for my Dad.
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