Colours are the first thing Shirley Markell notices when she views the new Studio 1010 Fall Art Show and Sale.
Whether it’s watercolours or acrylic, oils or pastels, Markell sees a wave of vibrant reds and greens and purples placed with precision on the more than two-dozen canvases spread out across the John V. Hicks Gallery.
For Markell, a longtime Studio 1010 member, it’s no surprise to see the quality of the artwork, given the commitment and camaraderie of the artists.
“I would say that we’re very open and receptive to new members and to different mediums,” Markell said during the studio’s opening reception on Saturday. “The members are very good at sharing new techniques and new methods.”
Saturday marked the beginning of Studio 1010’s final major exhibit of 2018. The works range from portraits of beloved family members to favourite outdoor places, using techniques often taught by other group members.
Markell is just one of several group members willing to teach what she knows to her fellow artists. In her case, it’s sharing expertise learned while taking a class from noted watercolour painter Lian Quan Zhen. Markell said the goal is to help each artist develop something that has been a life long interest.
“A lot of the ladies had to put (painting) aside for many years for career and family reasons,” she explained. “The majority of us are retired professionals who really enjoy getting together and working once a week.”
That enthusiasm is immediately obvious to the group’s newer members. Saturday’s opening marked the very first show for Helen Croissant, who just joined Studio 1010 a couple of months ago. Although Croissant has plenty of experience in the art world, both as a photographer and a painter, she said there’s something wonderful about learning with such a passionate group
“I think we have a great bunch of artists and I think Saskatchewan has a great bunch of artists,” she said. “I think there was a time when I was young that there wasn’t so much art. Everybody maybe did it as a hobby or at home. It’s nice to see so much art out there now.”
The 2018 Studio 1010 Fall Art Show is now open at the John V. Hicks Gallery in the Prince Albert Art Centre. The show runs until the end of October. All works are for sale through Studio 1010 members.
