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Wednesday, 02 April 2008 |
Boston painter teaches techniques in week’s workshop
 Visiting artist Craig Srebnik demonstrates painting techniques to a class of 13 students Monday at Botkins Local School. (Staff photo/ Andrea Poteet)
By ANDREA POTEET
Staff Writer
BOTKINS — Inside the art room of Botkins Local School, oil painter Craig Srebnik mashes his one of nearly dozen brushes spread out on his work table against the canvas of the portrait he is painting.
“I use the scribble technique, that’s advanced art — at least if you’re in kindergarten,” Srebnik tells the crowd with a smile.
Srebnik, a professional oil painter from Boston, began his week-long oil painting workshop at the school Monday night in front of 13 registered students.
Srebnik has taught workshops throughout the United States and abroad for the past 17 years and began traveling to major cities in the workshop circuit four years ago, until high school art teacher Dan Knepper invited him to Botkins.
“This is a nice place,” Srebnik said. “It’s an unusual situation that Dan has set up.”
Srebnik, who said this is his first time teaching at a public high school, also commended Knepper for bringing in national renowned artists to teach classes in a small rural community.
Srebnik is to teach the fundamentals of oil paintings to people of varying art backgrounds and varying ages.
Srebnik, who has won a multitude of awards, including two prestigious Oil Painter’s of America Awards of Excellence, said he enjoys showing beginners his craft.
“I find they do very well,” Srebnik said. “They listen. “
Srebnik’s passion for art was sparked by his interest in various other creative outlets, he said. While living in New York he worked as a ballet soloist and was employed with several advertising agencies. He was also involved in music and writing.
“I just got inspired then, and starting doing it,” Srebnick said of his painting career.
Srebnik paints portraits to landscapes, but he said he is most inspired by the body.
“The figure itself is an endless source of inspiration,” Srebnik said.
While he taught students to paint from a photograph, he said he begins his own work without consulting an outside source.
“First, I come up with a composition from my head and draw it up,” Srebnik said. “Once I have the composition worked out, then I bring in the model.”
Unlike many oil painters who rinse their brushes before dipping into another paint color, Srebnik says he teaches his students to use an array of different brushes.
“What I suggest they try is have a brush essentially for each color,” Srebnik said. “That’s why I use a lot of brushes.”
Teaching and interacting with new and established artists helps to drive his passion for his work, too, he said.
“It’s inspiring and enjoyable to be around other artists,” Srebnik said. “It provides a great balance with the time I spend in the studio. Their enthusiasm and interests help fuel mine.”
Attendee Marilyn Long, of Wapakoneta, said she enjoyed the first 5-hour class, which explored art history and basic techniques.
“It’s amazing to watch him,” Long said. “I took the class for fun, I like to always be learning something.”
Ruth Ann Sturgill, of Lima, said she was sure to sign up for this year’s class after missing a similar class with another artist offered last year.
“It’s amazing,” Sturgill said of the class. “I can’t believe we’re getting this caliber of artist in Botkins.”
She is looking forward to improving her skills and learning new techniques in the coming week, she said.
“When I heard it was oil painting, I thought ‘Let me sign up now,’” Sturgill said. “I can hardly wait.”
Srebnik is scheduled to recap key points of the workshop for the public at Botkins Local School’s Evening with the Arts 6 p.m. Friday. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 03 April 2008 )
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