When Kelly Yost looks at nature she sees the unexpected.
Whether it’s flowers or storm clouds or sunsets, Yost loves the unpredictable part of the great outdoors. It has provided inspiration as well as enjoyment for her contribution to Studio 1010’s latest exhibit, which opened on Saturday at the Grace Campbell Gallery.
“It’s just the vibrancy,” said Yost, who is one of 15 members of Studio 1010. “You know it’s coming, but you can’t always predict that it’s going to be exact and perfect.”
She isn’t alone in her appreciation. Take a glance at the latest offerings from Studio 1010 and you’ll see an artists group with a strong love for the outdoors. However, despite the similar subject matter, Yost said each artist brings their own unique perspective, along with a yearning for sunnier days.
“I think everybody’s really pushing to get spring here soon,” she chuckled.
For Yost and other artists, support from the Studio 1010 artists community is a big reason for their growth. Whether it’s with oils, acrylics, or watercolours, the community provides a way to get new ideas, receive feedback and encouragement, and debate ideas back and forth.
“I think our painting has progressed so much better since we’ve been together as a group because we can bounce ideas off of each other,” Studio 1010 exhibit organizer Judie Relitz said. “If there’s something that you’re stuck on you can say, well, we’ll try this or try and different colour or wash that out.”
For nearly a decade artists from around the Prince Albert area have gathered together on Monday afternoons to hone their craft. Improving their artistic abilities is the biggest priority, but more than anything, artists say, it’s the sense of community which keeps them coming back.
“Our Monday afternoons are a lot of fun,” Yost said. “We have a lot of laughs. We share a lot of techniques. We share ideas and we get different viewpoints.”
There’s also the artistic independence. Although many of the paintings focus on nature, Relitz said there’s no pressure to conform to a certain style or subject. For the most part, each artist goes where his or her brush leads, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Everybody just does what they like to do,” Relitz said with a laugh. “We have watercolours, oils, pastels (and) acrylics. We have a nice variety and people kind of do what they want.”
The Studio 1010 Gallery Spring Show runs from March 30 to April 24 at the Grace Campbell Gallery inside the John M. Cuelenaere Public Library. Their second yearly show is scheduled to be held in the Prince Albert Arts Centre in the fall.
Some paintings on display are available for purchase by contacting the individual artist.
@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca
