Easton Studio & School has been attracting some pretty big names from the fine art world these days. This past weekend, award-winning Colorado based painter Kim English conducted a 3-day oil painting workshop for more than fifteen enthusiastic students not only from the surrounding area, but from across the country.
Known for his quick, confident brushstrokes, Kim is a master at creating paintings full of beautiful light, depth and texture while maintaining a feeling of spontaneity. He accomplishes this by completing each painting in one sitting – or “alla prima”. Alla prima is a style of painting that is done in a direct, expressive manner with minimal preparation, requiring keen observation along with the ability to paint quickly and accurately. It is this invaluable skill and approach to painting that students are drawn to.
“Kim’s work is so inspirational,” says one student from North Carolina. “The minute I learned he would be doing a workshop on the East Coast, I contacted the school to reserve a spot! It’s not often one gets to paint with an artist like that.”
Kim begins the workshop with a demonstration, talking through exactly what he is doing and why. After some shared discussion the class gets to work, challenged by a blank canvas awaiting its first stroke. The students do several small studies while Kim meanders throughout the easels, providing constructive criticism and encouragement. His style is low key, yet direct. Each day ends with an invaluable group critique of the student’s paintings.
“I find great joy in sharing what I love through my workshops, hoping to engage my students so that they can’t wait to put brush to canvas,” explains English. “At the end of the day, I want them to learn to loosen up, enjoy the process, and walk away with the tools they need to take their painting to the next level.”
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Kim grew up in the rural areas of Colorado Springs. After graduation from the Rocky Mountain School of Art he joined the faculty and later began teaching at the prestigious Scottsdale Artists School and the Art Students League of Denver. He has since expanded his teaching to Europe and South America. Having won numerous awards for his work, Kim is represented in galleries throughout the United States and has been published in Plein Air Magazine, Southwest Art, Art Talk, Focus Santa Fe, and Artists Magazine.
Workshops with professional artists of such top quality continue to be offered at Easton Studio & School throughout the year. With talent like this coming to the area, there’s no stopping Easton and Talbot County from becoming an East Coast art mecca.
307 E. Dover
Easton, MD 21601
410-770-4421
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