Hi folks, I’ve had a few requests for class offerings for the Spring, but have been focussing on my Vancouver show and will be taking a little time away from teaching. Thanks for your interest! I may teach a few in-person workshops this summer, so stay tuned.
PHANTOM DNA at VISUALSPACE GALLERY
I’m excited to announce my solo gallery exhibition April 7-May 7 at Visualspace Gallery in Vancouver. Now that things are opening up again in BC, it’s time to celebrate! I look forward to seeing my wonderful friends and supporters there, with their smiles. 🙂
Please join me for the OPENING RECEPTION on Saturday April 9, 2-4pm. There will also be an ARTIST GALLERY TOUR ON April 23 at 2 pm.
New! LOOSEN UP Painting Tips: Series of 6 x One-hour Lessons
Saturdays 2-3pm. Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 19
Do you feel a bit stuck in your painting process? Do you yearn to find your own “style” and get out of your own way in the studio so you can have more fun? Part of the solution lies in mindset, and part of it is technical. By working through a series of painterly problems, you will come away with a number of strategies that you can apply to your refresh your studio time beyond the lessons.
Some experience recommended. Oil or acrylic. Supply list provided upon registration.
Tuition: $145 incl GST
THE PAINTED PORTRAIT
I will be demonstrating a copy of a 16th century anonymous master for the Chemainus Art Group next week. I did this open acrylic study on cardboard to prep for that. I used a very limited palette: Titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium red, and raw umber, similar to the Zorn Palette but replacing black with the warmer umber. It’s fascinating to see how much range you can achieve with only four colours.
THE FAMILY DOG or: PAINT WHAT YOU LOVE
When I was about eleven years old, my Dad asked me to paint a simple image in poster paint of our family dog, Tia, as a prototype for a printmaking class he was preparing (he was an elementary school teacher). I had pretty much learned how to draw by making copies of images from cartoons, especially Walt Disney, and the Saturday morning comics that came as a supplement to the newspaper.
Those comics were delivered by a local paperboy, who would race down the driveway on his bike, shout “Here’s yer paper!” and dash off again. Our two dogs Jinx and Cocoa waited all day with evil anticipation for this very moment. With Olympian speed, they would race around the corner of the house to the front door. Jinx would seize the paper in her jaws and shake the paper into smithereens, after which Cocoa would pee…er…urinate… on the shreds. It was a race against time for us to interrupt these two partners in crime before they executed the dreadful deed.
But I digress.
This summer I had the opportunity to paint a different dog image, while teaching private classes to a 12-year old student.
I had met her parents when I was looking for a new home on Vancouver Island. Although I ended up not renting their suite, synchronicity was at play because they had meanwhile checked out my website and were excited to learn I teach art classes! Their eldest daughter has always loved to paint, and has been getting great results through her lessons with 4Cats. But her parents felt she was at the stage of needing some more detailed guidance, and they were eager to have her train with me.
I encouraged them to sign her up for introductory oil painting lessons, as she already had a nice facility with paint-handling using acrylics. The family would be traveling on their summer holidays, so I recommended a quick-drying oil-painting medium: Gamblin Galkyd Lite.
Over seven lessons, we covered the concept of value (the range of light to dark), how to pre-mix some of the main colours before diving into the painting part of a session, and how the best way to work with oil paint is to block in the dark values and mid-tones (on the value scale above, the mid-tone would be the “3”). It’s a good idea to hold back on painting the lightest passages to near the completion stage, to avoid muddy colours.
I remember, when I first learned to paint, that watching the instructor at work was probably the most exciting and important part of understanding how to use the materials. I still get a bit of a thrill watching other artists do their thing on Youtube! So with beginners I usually paint along with the student.
She chose several subjects, including a flower, a couple of landscapes, and her final project, a portrait of the family dog. Here is my version:
And here is the student’s version, which I think has a special sparkle.
Beautiful things happen when you paint what you love!
If you know of anyone who would really enjoy learning how to paint, or has some knowledge already and wants to go deeper, check out my Class Menu for several options I will be teaching this Fall. I also offer mentorships, critiques and demos.
You can tune in to a live demonstration, “Space and Light: Painting the Domestic Interior” I will be giving online with Opus Art Supplies on Saturday, October 9, 11am – 12:30. The announcement is not yet up on their website, but I will send a newsletter soon with the details. Meanwhile check out some of the other inspiring demos on offer with Opus in the next several weeks.
Talk soon!
Just Paint Already
I’ve been working on a 24 x 30″ canvas of Sans Souci Palace. Sans Souci means “without a care”.
I’m pretty stoked, because I got up at the crack of dawn yesterday and was at the easel by 8am, which was totally awesome.
What made yesterday’s session work? And how can I repeat that?
Hmmmmm, well maybe it’s helpful to look at what does not work? It seems that on days that I check my email before painting, it kind of scrambles the brain and gets me thinking about all the niggling things I feel obliged to do.
The golden rule: Paint first, admin later!
Maybe you painters out there have your “go-to” rituals that get the good stuff going in your studio, like lighting a candle, or a playing a certain song of music.
Here’s what works for me:
Up early after a solid sleep, a quiet breakfast of clean food with an excellent coffee avec oat milk, and while clear-headed, calm, relaxed, remaining playful and curious–
Bingo
That sweet-spot mode of non-attachment to outcome, focussed like a laser on colour-mixing nuances and paying attention to USING THE RIGHT BRUSH for the job at hand.
ergo: no teeny tiny brushes in the background!
it flattens the space!
and makes things too busy!
and no “trying”!
Kind of a zen thing–“try/not try”.
At the start of a painting session it takes a bit of time to switch into “painting mode”. First I take a few minutes to assess where this piece is at and get a glimmer of understanding of what I need to develop. You have to set some kind of intention, even if it ends up changing. No flailing desperately. Okay, sometimes flinging paint on randomly CAN jumpstart you, just make sure you are relaxed about it!
And through the doing, the brain becomes wordless and judgement-less and something magical starts to happen after I have put on enough wet paint with which to have a conversation. Now we’re in business.
There’s a method that is pretty effective called “Tomato” (it seems to have come out of someone using their kitchen cooking timer which was in the actual shape of a tomato).
I love when I remember to use this handy trick to get some sh*t done on my canvas. Set your timer for 30 minutes, and just go for it. Do not stop and check email. Do not go and eat chocolate. Do not sort your laundry or make phone calls or cut your toenails.
Just paint, already. Only for 30 minutes. You can do that, right?
Final Day: STUDIO MOVING SALE!
Hey folks,
Saturday May 22 is my last day at Parker.
Lots of things have been happily moving out to people’s homes, but there is some artwork left if you want to come in and grab some little treasures before I leave town. Discounts are to be had. 😉
I carried it in one of these nifty plein air carrying cases by Raymar. They are great for carrying slim 9 x 12″ wet painting panels. New these were $30 USD. Going for $15. I have 3 of them to sell.
I also have this cute little paint box made by Opus. $10.
More stuff, you have to come and look!
Text me to let me know when you are coming: 778-865-2650
I look forward to seeing you there!
xVal
Three Days Remaining: STUDIO MOVING SALE!
Yesterday was such a treat! I loved visiting with fellow artists, collectors, and even friendly neighbours from my beloved co-op. We had a wonderful time. Thanks everyone for buying some art and taking it home where you can enjoy it everyday. It allows me to keep going on this fab adventure of being an artist. Lucky me!
The sale continues through Saturday, so book now to make your appointment. Text 778-865-2650 🙂
Studio hours: 11am-6pm
Location: 1000 Parker Street, east entrance on George Street (glass door at the top of loading bay ramp). Parking is free, but be prepared to walk a block or two because of construction of the new office strata building on George.
For people’s comfort I am booking 30-minute appointment slots. At your time I will come and open the door for you at the east entrance of 1000 Parker Street (glass door at top of loading bay ramp).
SEE YOU THERE!
warmly,
Booking Appointments: STUDIO MOVING SALE
Hi everyone, following up on my announcement for next weeks’ STUDIO MOVING SALE May 19-22, 11am-6pm., I’ve had some questions around procedure.
For people’s comfort I am booking 30-minute appointment slots. At your time I will come and open the door for you at the east entrance of 1000 Parker Street (glass door at top of loading bay ramp).
By the way, you can for sure stay longer if no-one has alerted me that they are waiting outside! And if you want to just wing it, text me when you are on your way and let me know when you have arrived at the entrance. I can let you know if the studio is free. When I’m finished with my current guests, I will come down and escort you to my studio.
Please be patient if you have to wait. I want to make sure everyone is accommodated. 🙂
Also please note that some people (including myself) may not be wearing a mask because they have a medical mask exemption. Please respect this disability which is recognized by the BC Human Rights Commission. We can all just social distance and have a lovely time!
Also I am allowing only 4 guests at any one time in my space. Thanks for your understanding, and. I look forward to seeing you!
To book an appointment, please text me at 778-865-2650.
xVal
STUDIO MOVING SALE May 19 – 21, 2021
Hey folks, I’m moving to Vancouver Island!
And I need to consolidate things before I go.
What does this mean? It’s the big studio purge!
I will be selling some paintings and studies, works on paper, catalogs and a few posters. This will be a very rare occasion where you can discover some discounted prices and there will even be some random works for which you can MAKE ME AN OFFER.
Cash preferred, cheques welcome. I do have Square for credit card transactions, however quite frankly they ding me a percentage so let’s consider that a last resort. 🙂
Date and time: Wednesday May 19 – Saturday May 21, 11am-6pm
Location: 1000 Parker, 3rd floor #322b
Please note that the glass entry door on the east side (NOT the train track side) of the building at the top of the ramp will be locked, so you will need to text or call me to let you in: 778-865-2650
If you prefer, private views may be arranged: val@valnelson.ca
See you there!