Art thou interested?
Kickstart or revive your creative side this year with a choice of up to five creative multi-day courses led by working artists Carol Shenk and Jordan Essoe at the Newport Visual Arts Center.
Shenk is a mixed-media artist and illustrator currently living on the Oregon Coast. She has a BA in Fine Art from the University of Oregon and her artwork was recently featured at the center. She will lead three classes for students ages 16 and older.
“Beginning Drawing: Drawing from Life”
This class is suitable for those who are new to drawing from life, those who believe they “can’t” draw and those who already draw, but are seeking a fresh perspective.
Thursdays, Jan. 26 to March 2 • 5 to 8 pm.
“Continued Beginning Drawing”
This course is better suited to those who have had some experience drawing with pencil and charcoal, but who still feel like beginners, as well as for experienced artists wanting to further develop their ability to draw what they see.
Thursdays, March 9 to April 6 • 5 to 8 pm.
“Storytelling with Images: Bringing Narrative into Art”
In this course, students will explore building a visual language based on personal memories, dreams and/or written works — experimenting with different ways to represent ideas and events using collage and various media. No previous experience is required.
Saturdays May 6 and 13 • 10 am to 4 pm.
Essoe is an award-winning artist and writer who has exhibited and published internationally. His career began as a painter, but his practice broadened to include film, performance art, playwriting and journalism. He will lead two classes for students ages 18 and older.
“Watercolor Portrait Painting”
Participants will explore unique effects possible only with cumulative transparent glazes or broad, bold washes. Course time will be divided between quick studies and one finished painting. Those of any skill level are encouraged to participate.
Saturdays, March 25 and April 1 • noon to 5 pm.
“Oil Painting as Meditation”
This in-depth series of guided exercises will help students of all skill levels learn how to use meditative painting to quiet the chaos and focus the senses – the goal being to become more centered and observant, reduce stress and support physical, mental, and artistic well-being. Emphasis in this course will be placed on the process of seeing and painting, not the finished product.
Tuesdays, April 25 to May 9 • 5:30 to 8 pm.
Tuition ranges from $125 to $215, materials are included, and scholarships are available. Those interested are encouraged to register early, as class sizes are limited. The Newport Visual Arts Center is located at 777 NW Beach Drive. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-6540.