I think the best thing an artist can do for themselves is to study artists whose art they admire. Taking a workshop or class if it is available is a great way to hone skills and develop as an artist.
This weekend I got to do that with a wonderful animal artist, Nancy Bass. Nancy’s art is beautifully expressive and has layer upon layer of color that makes the animal jump off the canvas. You can see her captivating work here on her website.
Each day of the workshop Nancy demonstrated her unique process with the eleven artists in the class and then helped us individually as we attempted her technique. Nancy works in layers so we had to work a drawing and under-painting the first day of the workshop. Then the second day she showed us how she begins laying paint onto the subject and explained that she sometimes lets it dry and layers 4 or 5 times. It is a process of patience.
It was an intensive weekend of painting…..and concentrating….and developing into better artists. It was interesting to see the style and work of each artist in attendance and getting to know some new artist friends from around the state.
Thanks Nancy for sharing your talent with us!






