Local artist Valerie Allen held a free demonstration for Golden Artist Colors products at SVSU on Thursday, Sept. 7.
Allen, who works at Studio 23 in Bay City, first discovered these paints in the early 2000s. The appreciated the paint’s high pigment load and has been partnered with them since 2005.
University Art Gallery Coordinator Tisch Lewis planned the demo. Since the student gallery was under construction, she wanted to plan an event that would draw in SVSU students and faculty as well as the public. She contacted Allen at Studio 23, where many SVSU alumni have worked.
Allen was happy to come in and share her passion for art.
“I love being able to visualize a story, color, texture, dream or memory, and letting that process in my mind to become a painting,” Allen said.
In this demo, Allen showcased a variety of acrylic paints including standard, heavy body and fluid. However, her favorite paint to use is the encaustic effect with acrylic.
Allen gave attendees a board to test out these paints. She also gave them sample works done in the paints at the demo and a sample bag of Golden Artist Colors products.
In addition to demonstrating how to best use Golden Artist Colors, Allen recommended different painting techniques. One such technique is underpainting, which is covering the canvas with a base color instead of leaving it white before starting a painting.
Art majors were not the only students in attendance. Sprinkled throughout the room were casual listeners such as Kayley Jozefiak, a third-year double major in theatre and professional technical writing. Jozefiak said she came to the event because she has been interested in painting since she was a child.
“I thought it would be cool to see all the different techniques when it comes to acrylic,” Jozefiak said. “There’s always more to find out.”
For those interested in finding out more about Allen’s art, visit her new art show opening Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Muskegon Art Museum.
