Since discovering decorative painting, I've had the chance to learn from many talented artists and designers in British Columbia.
This is still a work in progress but here are some places to check out for classes and supplies:
STORES/SCHOOLS:Through the Garden GateSurrey, B.C.
Unfortunately the shop is closed, the owners have retired.
Beyond Border PromotionsSurrey, B.C.
http://www.beyondborderpromotions.comLearn Donna Dewberry's One Stroke painting technique. Local classes, travel seminars and certifications. Taught by Barb Fortier, Canada's Certifying Elite Director.
Find more certified Instructors on the One Stroke web site:
http://www.onestroketeachers.com/FindATeacher.asp?Country=Canada&State=BC&Submit=Search&s=1TIGGY's at crescent, school of artSurrey, B.C.
http://www.tiggys.caJackie offers various art classes, decorative painting workshops, and drawing classes.
Michaels Arts and Craft Storeshttp://www.michaels.comCheck out your local Michaels stores for One Stroke, cake decorating, card making, scrapbooking, beading, knitting, and kids' classes etc... They have monthly class demos/previews so you can see what some of the classes are about and ask the teacher a few questions. Pick up a class calendar to see what other demos are being offered. Check your local newspapers for their flyer and 40% off coupon. New in 2008, you can also receive their coupons by email by signing up for their email newsletter.
HOME STUDIOS:Cactus StationCloverdale, B.C.
http://www.cactusstation.comArt classes are offered at Carolyn's home studio. Plus, she teaches the Jansen Art Traditions program and does custom work cutting.
Kanaka Creek ToleMaple Ridge, B.C.
http://www.kanakacreektole.comNot sure if this studio is still open. They offer decorative painting classes, acrylic, watercolour, pen and ink, oil rouging, one stroke painting and more.
Neadeen Masters, CDACountry Carousel Art Studio
Kelowna, B.C.
http://www.neadeenmasters.comhttp://www.artapprenticeonline.comNeadeen is one of the Heritage Artists for the DecoArt Traditions Education Program. This program is amazing and will take you on a journey to become an independent artist. This program creates the bridge to the fine art of decorative painting. The above teachers have taken the Teaching seminars from Neadeen and have completed the modules in order to teach them. Neadeen also offers art classes in her home studio and has started online classes at
Art Apprentice Online.
Rae PawlowskiMaple Ridge, B.C.
http://www.maryowensdesigns.com/HTML/rae_pawlowski.htmRae is a Mary Owens Certified Instructor and teaches oil roughing classes. She also teaches other classes at Kanaka Creek Tole and Cactus Station.
Bobbie CraneLac la hache, B.C.
http://www.afterfourdesigns.comBobbie offers art classes and retreats.
Linda Lock, CDACountry Wood Publishing Inc.
White Rock, B.C.
http://www.lindalock.comLinda uses different fine art and mix media techniques.
Other:Dogwood Artists Guild
http://www.dogwoodartists.comThey meet monthly at Queen's Park in New Westminster, B.C., every 3rd Tuesday, but not for the summer in July and August. Annual member dues are $25/year. They have an annual Christmas sale, Christmas dinner, picnic in June, demos, workshops at Cactus Station in Cloverdale, B.C., offer a selection of decorative painting books and videos to borrow and have a yearly retreat in April at Camp Squeah in Hope, B.C.
Online Classes:Art Apprentice Onlinehttp://www.artapprenticeonline.com - There is a great selection of high quality classes!
DecoArt Traditions Education Modules A,B,C,Dhttp://www.candjdesigns.comCindi Estes offers the education modules online and a yahoo support group.
DAIC - Decorative Artists in Canadahttp://www.daic.ca/Since CDAN (Canadian Decorative Artists Network) closed down, DAIC was started to continue inspiring and promoting decorative arts and artists in Canada. Membership is free. Meet others in the yahoo group, take online classes etc.
Society of Decorative Paintershttp://decorativepainters.org/There is a great annual conference offering classes each year. They have certifications for
CDA (Certified Decorative Artist),
MDA (Master Decorative Artist) or
TDA (Teacher of Decorative Art). The magazine is filled with tutorials, techniques patterns and articles. They also have an online version of the magazine in .pdf format. You can save the files to your computer, save paper and storage space too.
Click here for annual membership fees. They have new member referral contests throughout the year, let them know I referred you :)
Happy Painting!
