Art Classes and Fine Art

Karla Pearce has been teaching painting and drawing since 1996. She studied at the Alberta College of Art and Design and the University of Calgary. Her main passion is painting but she also balances it with writing. Karla works a great deal with children and local schools.

As a professional artist Karla Pearce uses her unique perspective to share her knowledge of art with individuals, students and the community as a whole.

Click here for Up Coming Art Classes with Karla Pearce at the Karla Pearce Art Gallery

Introduction To Colour And Light
 (Watercolour and Acrylic)

This is an introductory painting class for the student interested in exploring acrylic or watercolor paints. No previous painting experience is necessary. The first half of the class focuses on discovering colour theory and application techniques. Students learn how to see color and gain a new under standing of optical effects and spatial differences simply with the use of color. The second half of the class focuses on applying that knowledge and the students create a finished painting of their choice.





How To Make Your Paintings Glow
 (Watercolour and Acrylic)

Learn how to see the bright and dark areas of painting in a brand new way. West Kootenay artist, Karla Pearce, will teach understanding of visual drama through the use of contrast and colour theory and how to employ it in painting. Some previous painting experience is an asset to this class, but is not necessary. The first half of the class focuses on perceiving light, shadows and learning to see colour in terms of value. In the second half of the class, students will create a finished painting of their choice. Students must bring their own supplies to class.

Drawing with A Paint Brush

How do professional artists paint so quickly? One of the short cuts is they will skip the pencil drawing. In this class students will learn how to do preliminary sketch work using a paintbrush. Visualization techniques will be taught that will aid students in finding form, shape, light and negative space. This is class is for the student that has some experience drawing and painting with either acrylic or watercolor paint.

Painting from Photographs  

Many professional artists use photography as a tool in creating a finished masterpiece. This class is for the student that is interested in translating a photograph into a painting. Any image can be used, ranging from landscape, floral, architectural or portraiture. The students will learn how to mix and create a full range of colors that will give them the tools to not only reproduce an image but to infuse it with their own creativity. No previous painting experience is necessary.

Painting Natural Elements
 
Learn how to paint nature. Students will get to explore the beauty of forests, mountains landscapes and water scenes all with paint. The class will learn how to manipulate brushstrokes creating various effects in blending and layering describing natural elements.  Supply list available upon registration.

Plein Air Painting     

This outdoor painting course will introduce you to the process of direct painting in nature. While painting basics will be discussed, instruction will deal more with interpreting what you see and feel in being a part of the environment. Painting on-location and from life hones your powers of observation and helps to create a very personal style of interpreting nature. Classes will consist of a short group discussion each morning, followed by a day of painting, with individual attention from the instructor. You are welcome to work in the medium of your choice. Please be prepared to work outdoors.

After School Art Classes  

The Creative Edge Gallery is now offering after school art classes. This class is for creative  young minds 7 to 19  that are interested in exploring art. Students will discover new and interesting ways to draw, paint, develop their creativity and pursue individual art projects. This is also a great opportunity for senior students that are looking for individual instruction and are interested in developing or improving their portfolios. These after school art classes have limited enrollment to ensure a high level of student / teacher interaction and parents are also welcome to attend.
 

 

 

INTRODUCTION TO COLOR AND LIGHT

 

 (Watercolor and Acrylic) Level 1

    

This is an introductory painting class for the student that is interested in exploring acrylic or watercolor paints. No previous painting experience is necessary.  The first half of the class will focus on discovering colour theory and application techniques. The students will learn how to see color and will gain a new understanding of optical effects and spatial differences simply with the use of color.  The second half of the class will focus on applying that knowledge and the student will create a finished painting of their choice. This class is open to all levels of students from beginner to advanced. Students must bring their own supplies to class.

 

PAINTING CONTRAST AND VISUAL DRAMA

 

 (Watercolor and Acrylic) Level 2   

 

Learn how to see and apply value and contrast effectively in a painting. Utilizing elements of colour theory, West Kootenay artist Karla Pearce will demonstrate how to achieve visual drama through the use of contrast, neutrals and pure colour. The first half of the class will focus on perceiving light, shadows and learning to see colour in terms of value, the second half the students will create a finished painting of their choice. This class is open to all levels of students from beginner to advanced.

 

 

PAINTING FROM PHOTOGRAPHS

 

(Watercolour and Acrylic)  Level 3

 

Artists have been intrigued with the use of photographic reference since its invention. In fact its oldest and simplest form Camera Obscura was an aid used almost exclusively by artists. The invention of the digital camera has brought about a renaissance in the use of photographic reference. Painting from Photographs is for the student that is interested in translating photographic reference into a painting. Students will learn to examine their photographs with a trained eye for elements of composition, shape and form. Any image can be used, ranging from landscape, floral, architectural, portraiture or even abstract. Students will learn how to mix and create a full range of colors that will give them the tools to not only reproduce an image but to infuse it with their own creativity. This class is open to all levels of students from beginner to advanced. Students are encouraged to bring their own photographs to class.

 

GESTURE DRAWING

 

 This class is for the student that has little or no drawing experience and the desire to learn how to capture what they see in a short period of time. A different still life will be set up each week and the students will complete several studies. The gesture drawing technique will be taught focusing on mass, line, spatial elements, value and perspective. A model will be brought in for one class and the students will have the opportunity to try their hand at figure drawing as well.