Jean Dudley

Painting involves so much more than just looking at the scene and reproducing it. There is the emotional reaction to the scene. Then, there is the wind on your skin, the sun on your face, the smells around you and the sounds of nature interrupting your thoughts. It involves all your senses and creates an experience like no other.

Sometimes printmaking intrigues me.  Recently, I have been delving into abstraction and learning a lot about myself. The focus for abstraction comes from within, a very different experience from En Plein Air. 

I continue to teach, which I enjoy immensely. Being able to be part of the process of others finding joy in creating is an energy-producing experience. It enriches all our lives.

How did you first become interested in art? I only started paying attention to art once I was an adult. I have taken many classes locally and in the prairie provinces. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching? Working in a group creates energy. I get energy back from the class as we progress and move forward.

What can a new student expect in your class? I give clear instructions, laugh a lot and cover the necessary basics.

What advice would you give someone taking their first art class? Be gentle with yourself. You wouldn’t be expected to be able to rebuild a car engine after one class.