Demo and Mini-Workshop
by
Chris Stillians
NOTE OF MINOR LOCATION CHANGE! This meeting will be held upstairs in the sanctuary.
Lichen or Not by Chris Stillians
During our general meeting, Chris will give a brief description about abstract painting. He will then demonstrate one of many approaches to creating an abstract work of art. During the painting process Chris will reveal some of the techniques he uses.
We hope you will join us! Come early at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments and socializing.
If you live out of the area, we will also be connecting our members via Zoom.
Mini-Workshop
Following the general meeting, Chris Stillians will be our mini-workshop instructor where students will learn how to paint abstractly. We will begin with a discussion about abstract painting, followed by a demonstration showing two different approaches to the painting process. You will realize how simple it is to create an abstract painting even if you have never done one before!
The first design will originate from whichever reference image you choose. The second design will originate from the first design. The third design (if time permits) will come from your head. This workshop includes learning how to transfer your design to your working surface.
Painting in the abstract is a very freeing and rewarding. You don’t have to be a master painter to enjoy the process.
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. following the general meeting.
Cost: $45
Registration will open soon.
If the workshop fills and you would like to be added to the waitlist, send an email to our workshops chairs.
Hooked by Chris Stillians
About Chris…
Christopher Stillians grew up in Manhattan Beach, California. After taking art classes in high school, he considered venturing into commercial art before discovering photography. Photography started as a serious hobby and eventually became his career. He earned an AA degree in Photography from El Camino Junior College and a B.A. degree in both Illustration and Portraiture from Brook’s Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, graduating in 1974 with an “Outstanding Achievement Award.” Since then, he has worked as a carriage trade portrait photographer.
In 2005, he discovered a program called “Painter” by Corel, which allowed him to transform his photographs into paintings. He extended this technique to landscape images and various other subjects.
His journey into pastel painting began about seven years ago when he stumbled upon a copy of Plein Air Magazine. He was captivated by the featured paintings and the emphasis on painting outdoors, reminiscent of his high school days. As one of five kids, his love for landscape painting grew from his childhood experiences of camping vacations with his family. He feels a deep connection to the landscapes of the West and continues to visit national parks and other places annually, often with his own kids.
At the invitation of his friend, Lynn Attig, co-founder and president emerita of the Pastel Society of Southern California (PSSC), he started photographing some of her paintings in exchange for pastel painting lessons. He never looked back. Since then, he joined PSSC and IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) and has participated in numerous workshops with many renowned pastel artists.
Chris’ professional titles include “M.Photog.Cr.,” bestowed upon him by the Professional Photographers of America, where he is a lifetime member. Currently, Chris serves as president of the PSSC, and he previously held the position of PSSC Exhibition Chair for two years. Chris is currently a member of Yucaipa Valley Arts Association, Redlands Art Association, Art Alliance of Idyllwild, and Desert Plein Air Painters.
Out to Lunch by Chris Stillians