"Painting Expressive Still-Lifes in Oils" with Eric Jacobsen

Ginger Jar and Alstromeria
11 x 14
oil on Ray Mar panel

left: my set up with dim overhead light
right: Eric Jacobsen demonstration

left: Eileen's tulips glow with light
right: 15 in the class felt crowded but wonderfully dynamic and exciting

Eric Jacobsen is a remarkable artist and an encouraging and nurturing instructor. I loved his "Painting Expressive Still-Lifes in Oils" workshop! His passion for art comes through in every word he says and every brushstroke he makes. He leads with genuine humility, which just serves to accentuate his greatness. Am I gushing? Well, I thoroughly enjoyed the Saturday workshop, held in the courtyard of Art on the Boulevard Gallery in Vancouver, Washington.

"I am not as concerned about the accuracy of your drawing as I am about the feeling you put into your painting." He urged us to continue to practice rendering objects and drawing accurately, but to allow our paintings to be joyful and exciting. "If you're not in the work, then what is the point?" he asked.

I left the workshop feeling energized about painting more, painting better, looking for big shapes, concentrating on the abstract shapes, leaving detail for the end, and mixing luscious grays to set off the pure colors and jewel tones of my set up.

I can hardly wait for the weather to improve for plein air work with oils! Special thanks to Eric for his time and care and positive regard for me and for all of his students.