“In 2004 I was invited by International Artist magazine to submit an
article for a book: “100 ways to paint still life and florals”. This made
me realise that I had something to offer other aspiring artists and
began by offering workshops, firstly in Nottingham Road, and then, for
many years after that, at Sunnyside Guest Farm just outside Clarens,
in the Free State. All these workshops were well received, mostly
oversubscribed with artists coming back time and time again.
Last year, having, I think reached my sell-by date and finding
it challenging to be available from 8am to 9pm daily for a week, I
decided to no longer continue. By January this year, I had received
many emails from past participants asking for the dates of this year’s
workshops, all of whom responded with dismay when I gave them the
news that there would be no more.
At about the same time I was approached by two young men, one a
cinematographer, who presented the idea of an online painting course.
Over the years I, myself, have bought DVDs and online courses, by
well-known overseas artists, all of which were both inspiring and
informative, however, also frustrating because none of the artists’
demos showed the complete work – there was a beginning, a middle
and an end with significant gaps in between. Obviously, most artists
do not want to give away trade secrets, but one of my stipulations
when negotiating the filming of my online course was that it should be
recorded in its entirety: including mistakes and problems, methods of
reconciling, fixing and even discarding.
The course consists of just over six hours of painting tuition, beginning
with the preparation of the canvas, to the finished work, with subject
matter ranging from a still life done with a palette (painting) knife,
through figurative work, a landscape, a mini floral and a portrait.The workshop experience is unique, one paints in the company of
other artists, you have the demonstrator at your beck and call and, for
those artists who do not have access to a teacher, it is a great boost.
Well, I think this online course goes one step further – there is no need
to leave the comfort of your home, travel long distances or take frantic
notes while trying to watch the demo. If you miss something you can
simply scroll back and re-watch, time and time again. You will have
me as a permanent fixture in your studio, whether that be a corner
somewhere in your house or a big well-equipped space.”- Shirley Howells
ABOUT THIS COURSE:
Sign up for Shirley’s online course or purchase
the dvd, and put yourself in line to win a
Rembrandt hamper.value
R1,50 0