John Mlacak Fine Art

32 people braved the threat of a fierce winter storm on March 9 to attend my demonstration for the Kanata Art Club at March Central School in Dunrobin…a very good turnout indeed. After a brief business meeting, Mary Stewart introduced me and I got to work. I gave the audience a choice between 2 pencil sketches on 24 x 30 stretched canvases: one of buildings based on some I’ve seen in Montreal and the Toronto Spadina Chinatown area backyards , or the other of woods, rocks, snow and trees. They chose the buildings. I proceeded to show how I go over my sketch with India Ink, how I clean my brushes, the various colours I use, the use of transparent paints, my disposable paper palette, my favouring of Windsor Newton oil paints, and my choice of technicolour fences. I mentioned preferring synthetic brushes for their strength as I find sable too soft for me. I used Barriere Art Guard on my hands. I told them about my final coat of medium to make the entire reflection the same. I provided 3 handouts, a list of my 2011 exhibitions, an article on the Lucille Broadbent Award for Artistic Achievement I received in October 2010 and an article about my solo show at the Gallery on the Lake last September with two colour images of paintings. Colour photos of finished paintings of houses were passed around. Questions were asked as we went along.

After a break, the group decided they wanted me to carry on with my other sketch of woods. It was said that I looked like Pope John with my flat black circular hat on. I also wore my haute couture home-sewn painting apron. Everyone, including me, seemed to have a good time. Beth and I packed up, loaded the car, brushed a lot of snow off and drove home very slowly in the heavy snow.

Photo credit: Yvan Delisle

I worked with a local Cub troop to teach them about painting. I provided a wide variety of materials and supplies, and some basic instruction. The cubs had a great time making their drawings.

Keegan, Helena, Martha and Sophia enjoyed a painting class with John.  After donning their smocks, they started with sketches.  They built their palettes of acrylics, and worked on their paintings.

After the paintings had dried, they presented their works to the audience, and answered questions. They all did a great job!

Julie, Jessica, Sophia and Helena enjoyed a painting session with John on Monday afternoon.  They worked with acrylics on small canvas boards, and then moved to other media.  A good time was had by all.

West End Learning Unlimited…

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