It can be hard to remain creative under the stress of every day life. Work, errands, housecleaning–they’re necessary, but they don’t fuel the spirit. If you miss the joy of artistic exploration, you can find it again at our monthly course, Creative Art with Olivia.
Olivia Garcia-Hassell is an entrepreneur and 2023 Amon Carter Community Artist who conducts personalized private art sessions, paints, draws, and enjoys subbing for FWISD teachers. She is self-taught in art and deeply committed to helping people explore their creativity.
In June, Garcia-Hassell will focus on mixed-media art with watercolor including the use of oil pastels, paper flowers and watercolor resist. In July, the class will turn its attention to altered books. These are books that an artist makes their own with paint, markers, collage and other techniques.
Creative Art with Olivia
Mixed Media with Watercolor
June 18, 6 – 8 pm
Register now!
Garcia-Hassell invites both experienced artists and complete beginners to the class. “I work with people at any ability level,” she says. “If you don’t know anything, I’ll help get you started. If you know a whole lot, I’ll help where you want it. I want art to be accessible to everyone.”
In fact, technique isn’t as important to Garcia-Hassell as self-care. “My expectation is not necessarily a finished product, but something that has alleviated stress,” she says. “If at the end you have a work you love, great. If not, tear it up and let it go.”
All supplies will be provided. Students will also be given a list of the supplies Garcia-Hassell recommends so they can continue to explore the medium at home if they desire. Students are invited to take multiple classes, but each session will stand alone.
For those unable to attend or eager to get started, Garcia-Hassell says one of the best exercises for artists at any level is to practice shading to create a sense of depth. “Start with something simple. A lemon is great. You’re likely to have one around, and it’s an interesting shape without being too complicated,” she advises. “You can use paints or even just a pencil and paper. Notice how the light falls on the lemon. Where is it brightest? Where is it darkest? Then try to recreate that on the page.”
She reminds students to regularly step back from their work. “If you stare too much at something, you can’t see it. It’s important to get up and look at the work from a distance. If you think you’ve made a mistake, leave it alone for a while and then come back to it,” she says.
Most importantly, let go of the idea that your work has to be perfect. “I believe a person’s style comes through the mistakes that they think they make,” says Garcia-Hassell. “I think that a lot of artists who become successful in having their own style have learned how to let go of perfection and embrace what they are capable of creating.”
Sign up today and let this be the summer you re-awaken your creative spirit.
