Aili Kurtis Workshop

       Sixteen eager artists listened avidly as workshop facilitator Aili Kurtis explained the context and development of abstract art on Saturday Nov 12. From the theory of evolution, to the invention of the microscope and telescope, Aili explained how scientific, religious, and philosophical advances prompted artists to explore new ways to express the revolutionary world view that was emerging. Next, Aili used her own and other paintings to help participants find the gesture, thrust and design of each work, striving to help us see the abstract structure that underlies all great art. Through a variety of exercises, participants learned to see a scene in a new way, and then went on to paint landscapes that differed considerably from their usual styles! By Sunday, it would have been very difficult to identify the artists behind the colourful and arresting works lining the wall of the Oakville Town Hall. All agreed that this workshop caused them to think and see in new ways, and that what they learned will strengthen their future paintings, whether or not they pursue purely abstract work in future. Thanks, Aili, for a great challenge!