a guest blog post by my mom, Irene Tatariw Trindle

Lauren Kindle, an artist, and my daughter, teaches plein air painting workshops. As much as I was curious about trying one, I did not plan to sign up because the medium was oil paint and that scared me. I figured at this stage of my life, oil painting was just too complicated and expensive. For example, one tube of oil paint can cost between $5 and $25. (Editor’s Note: a tube of oil paint can cost even more than $25.)

Lauren said the workshop was just about full and she suggested I consider signing up. It was a group of women that were friends and Lauren felt that I would fit right in. She then added that she would need to ask them if it was ok if I joined the group.

Another daughter, Susan, said "you should try it".

I glumly said "It's oil paint".

Susan said I might be missing something if I didn't try it.

Lauren said "You're in if you want."

I told her I didn't know how to draw sheep.

I told her I didn't know how to paint sheep.

She said, "You will do fine."

I drove to Pipersville and I found the workshop. Everyone was there. Lauren showed us paintings of sheep by famous artists and that was inspiring. She held up books and we admired what others had accomplished, for example some paintings by Louisa Matthiasdottir.

*“Icelandic Sheep” painting by Louisa Matthiasdottir, oil on canvas, 31x26 inches, 1977*

After introductions were made, I found myself standing under an umbrella next to the sheep corral. Lauren set me up with an easel and everything I needed. Although sheep look very much alike at first glance, they are very different. These were a rare breed of sheep and they were called Shetland Sheep. Each sheep had a name and they were different colors and different sizes.

Then we were given pieces of paper to make 3 quick sketches of the sheep. It was a good thing to do because sheep do not stay in one position very long. I actually made more sketches because I didn't like any of my 3 sketches. I stopped when I found one that I thought would work.

*pencil sketch by Irene Tatariw Trindle*

I was surprised that basically we were painting from our sketches, but also looking at the sheep to get the right colors and features. Since I didn't know how to paint a sheep, Lauren suggested we make rectangles for the sheep bodies and triangles or smaller rectangles for their legs. I can definitely make rectangles and triangles.

Each of us was given a palette of colors and Lauren's assistant, my 11 year old grandson, Morgan, would replenish our palettes if we needed more. Lauren talked about mixing color and creating color and how we could make any color we wanted from the colors on our palette.

I was also surprised that we didn't draw on the white panels Lauren gave us. I could not believe the process. The old me would have drawn the sheep on the panel before painting them. Lauren said to look at the sketch if we needed to and start off painting the sheep right on the panel. Lauren said we could draw on the panels if we wanted but it was "fresher" if we painted directly on the panels. Also, painting on the panel was more immediate.

I found that I liked painting directly on the panel. It "flowed" out of the brush and there were no mistakes as it was all just happening. I was not filling in a drawing.

The brush was my friend and I was excited to see what was going to happen.

We painted on the panels. I painted rectangles and triangles and other shapes. I was pleasantly surprised with the oil paint; it was very forgiving and it had a texture, and with just a swish of the brush the sheep could be looking sideways or looking down or looking at me. I also liked that I could paint things whatever color I wanted. I could change things, too.

It was a very powerful feeling.

*oil painting by Bonnie Tobin, workshop participant*

After several hours, we were all invited to take a break and have a tea party! Tea was served in beautiful porcelain cups that had images of sheep on them! There were homemade cookies and a delicious bread.

Finally, I excused myself from the tea party saying "My painting is calling me..." I still had things to accomplish in the next hour of the workshop. We all thanked and complimented the hostess and excused ourselves. We took up our paintbrushes again.

*oil painting by Tina Bruzas, workshop participant*

*oil painting by Paula Williams, workshop participant*

*oil painting by Nancy Lukomski, workshop participant*

All of us completed our paintings. Lauren had each of us present our paintings. The workshop attendees and Lauren made comments on each painting. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to try out oils and on such a perfect autumn day and with such cool people. It was wonderful to see how the 8 different attendees could produce 8 different paintings that were unique in their own way. Some focused on the barn, or on one or two sheep, or on the stone wall. Some enjoyed the greens of the foliage in the background. Different things were important to the different "artists".

Of course, the painting that I liked best was Lauren's demonstration painting; it was just one sheep and it was beautiful. (Editor’s Note: “Thanks Mom xoxo.”)

*“One beautiful sheep” Demo-painting by Lauren Kindle, oil on board, 5x7 inches*

Generous Permission

a guest blog post by my mom, Irene Tatariw Trindle

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