“Welcome everybody, and I am glad you
are here today. We are going to have fun!” And with that greeting,
I began the three hour session called, Palette Knife Painting.
The
class was offered at a four day art expo, occurring at a sprawling
resort and casino complex called Buffalo Thunder, on an Indian
reservation outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
 |
| Oil on canvasboard, 16 x 20 inches |
Twelve
people participated, and took chances exploring territory they had
never been before. I insisted that they not judge themselves, but let the
creativity flow and experiment. In front, elevated so all could see,
I put one of my paintings—a simple composition of a sunset, with a bit
of landscape at the bottom and the greater portion of the canvas,
swirling, flaming sky, in a sea of blue.
I demonstrated and talked as the class proceeded.
The
trick with palette knife painting is to be able to mix proper colors
and then apply them on a drawing, keeping fresh and not muddy. It is
a great way to show texture, and flare in handling of the paint.
Each
person had something in their work that warranted praise. I could see
sometimes that they were lost, and in some case the colors had been
muddied, but then, I could find some marks that showed resolve and
freshness. So I gave praise.
In some instances, the person was more
adept, and the creation was more pleasing and harmonious.
Everyone
deserved praise for stepping into the unknown with me, and learning.