People, product, and projects

I've just finished the second week of my residency at Red Deer College. I am really pleased with my productivity so far. It's amazing what a comfortable room and positive atmosphere can do. I've gotten some great support and feed back from the instructors, students and random passers by. It's really nice to be back in a community of creative people.

16" x 20" ~ Oil and Acrylic on canvas

There are two other artists in residence at RDC; Michele Dupas from Proctor, BC who is a ceramic artist, and Andy Davies, from Lethbridge, AB who is a sculptor and performance artist. We are all RDC alumni. On Wednesday, we did studio tours with a group of third year students to talk about our art practices and the work we are creating during our stay at RDC. My studio visit ended up being a bit of a critique, which is great since I haven't had one since art school many moons ago. It gave me lots of ideas to consider, in terms of content, technique and efficiency.

Out of the visit, also came a project to work on for the rest of the residency, thanks to my friend Robin, who is one of the instructors/sharers/artists at the college. I have started one hour portrait sessions, where willing volunteers sit with me for an hour while I paint them. In return they get one of my yummy home made cookies. So far I have done two portraits and have about 6 other people signed up.

sign up sheet

Robin ~ one hour portrait

Layla ~ one hour portrait

I've given myself a couple guidelines: 

-All the portraits are done in oil on a 12" x 16" panel.

-All portraits must be done in one hour.

That's about it...