Two accomplished Aldergrove painters are combining their talents and desire to inspire others in a program that will help aspiring artists gain the confidence and technique they need to put their ideas on canvas.
Two Painters, One Goal: To Get You Painting is an introduction to oil painting that will see contemporary realist painters Robin Bandenieks and Vivian Harder teach the fundamental skills necessary to start students on their painting journey.
With more than 20 years of experience between them, the two painters will share their approach to painting and use practical advice, instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises to help students develop a style of their own style.
“We want to eliminate the ‘fear factor’ and assure students who have yet to try oil painting that it is not as difficult or as expensive or as messy to work with as they may think,” Bandenieks said. “We want to share our passion of oil painting with others and get them passionate about it too.”
Having two teachers conducting the class is a unique approach, Harder said, and both she and Bandenieks were pleased to get on board.
“Not only will students receive lots of individual attention, they will reap the benefits of our combined experience and knowledge,” said Harder. “As well, participants will be encouraged to create individually expressive works as opposed to the same cookie-cutter paintings. No one style is to be forced upon students.”
“Our two distinctive styles demonstrate the flexibility of working with oils,” added Bandenieks. “We both agree that all successful paintings start with a firm knowledge of fundamental skills. We want to show that there is a process to oil painting, but that each artist can creatively bend or adjust the process when creating their works.”
Presented by the Langley Centennial Museum, Two Painters, One Goal will run Wednesday mornings, from September 24 to November 12, at the lelәm’ arts and culture café in Fort Langley.
During the class, students aged 16 and over will learn everything from how to prepare their canvases and take care of their brushes, to how to plan, draw, and simplify objects to shapes that anyone can paint. Use of perspective and scale will be explored, and students will be shown how to use a limited palette of oil paints. Once they know how to start, they will go on to finish a painting, using a step-by-step process.
“We are excited to be offering a beginner’s course in oil painting because this is our medium of choice and we want to share its special properties with others,” said Harder. “We both are comfortable painting in front of people, speaking with the public, sharing our ideas, and helping those that are interesting in painting.”
The two painters believe the location of the class will also prove to be inspiring.
“Fort Langley is a cultural centre of the Township and offers many art galleries that students can visit before and after classes,” Bandenieks said. “Viewing the works of several artists can help augment the student’s lessons.”
The lelәm Café itself will add to the experience for budding artists, Harder added, as it offers a “bright, cheerful, and relaxing environment conducive to getting the creative juices heightened to begin painting.”
“In the end, our goal is for participants to achieve the skills and confidence required to pursue oil painting on their own,” she said.
To register for Two Painters, One Goal: To Get You Painting, visit Recexpress.ca and use barcode 454417, or call the Langley Centennial Museum at 604-532-3536. The course will be offered again in January of 2015.
For more information, contact artists Vivian Harder at vivian@thunderfootstudio.com or Robin Bandenieks at artrobin@shaw.ca, or Hannah Bennett, Township of Langley Arts and Culture Recreation Leader at hbennett@tol.ca or 604-533-6090, ext. 5005.
Aldergrove artists Robin Bandenieks (above) and Vivian Harder will share their passion for oil painting and provide step-by-step instructions during a class that will give new artists the fundamental skills and confidence they need to create their own paintings.