FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2019 49
Mixed Media Arts Class
This is the perspective of the artist of the month,
Norm Schipske:
Theresa and I are close to celebrating two years of
attending the Mixed Media Art Class taught by Rob
Kelman.
Why has this class become our "light at the end of the tunnel"
every Wednesday evening? Multiple reasons, starting with the other
students.
If you take into account both the Monday morning 10-12 noon
class and the Wednesday evening 6-8 pm class, there are about 20
active students. We are all at different stages in our "art journey," but
the support and encouragement freely given by Rob and the other
participants is uplifting. Beginners are embraced from the moment
they arrive 'cause we've all been there' and eagerly anticipate what
they'll do with their first three assignments. The other students are
all engaged in different art media (watercolor/watercolor pencil/
charcoal/acrylic painting/pen & ink/scratch board/pastel chalk/
graphite pencil - hence the "Multi-Media" name). The pleasant
surprise is that all of these expressions require the same basic
principles Rob teaches. Class offers an environment where we can
visit with friends while stretching our creative muscles (our other
muscles might be a little old and stiff to get much stretching).
Another reason is at our age(s) we've had our eyes opened - clouds
and sky are more dramatic, the infinite amount of color in nature is
astounding, the importance of shade, perspective makes mundane
scenery special - all of this has become integrated in our "vision." As
Rob says frequently, "You can't draw it (or paint it) if you can't see it.".
One final reason (and one not so trivial) is that the classes are free.
Yes, we have a very professional artist sharing 50+ years of knowledge
with anyone who might be just a little interested to know if there's
something artistic hiding inside. Come join us; you'll be surprised at
the answer. - Norm Schipske
Classes are Mondays, 10 am to 12 noon, and/or Wednesdays, 6 to
8 pm. If you have any questions, call Rob Kelman at (951) 992-9156.
~ Rob Kelman
Work by Artist of the
Month Norm Schipske
