Painter Alan Wylie (AWS df, SFCA, NWWS, CIPA, CWA) who is also the Juror of Awards for this year’s annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, Wylie will be leading the workshop Creative Texture with Watercolor that will run Sunday, June 27 through Wednesday, June 30 from 9am to 4pm at the Arts Center/Old Forge.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland Wylie graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a degree in Murals and Mosaics. Later immigrating to Nova Scotia he went on to pursue a career as a teacher and full time artist. Currently preparing for his 73rd solo show, Wylie divulges, “I’m just happy to be above the grass at the moment!” During his 58 years as an artist Wylie has won several awards and medals including the Beechmont First and Gold Medallion at the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors as well as the Federation of Canadian Artists’ Grand Prize. Continually inspired by the work around him, Wylie looks forward to seeing the pieces in this year’s show. When asked how he will go about the monumental task of selecting the recipients of the awards he describes his process: “It takes a few hours – what stops you and makes you look... Something with very strong visual impact is going to be definitely in the running. But I take my time.”
An artist all his life, Wylie did not get into watercolor until 1986 when a friend introduced him to the medium. In explaining why he had never pursued watercolor before he recalls, “In Britain watercolors [were] always wimpy and washed out, I never liked the look of them.” However, encouraged by his friend he began to explore watercolors. Having never sought formal training, Wylie says, “I just do it my way.” Decades of experience have evolved into a distinctive contemporary style which the artist terms, ‘representational’.
His four day workshop, Creative Texture with Watercolor at the Arts Center/Old Forge, will offer watercolorists a chance to learn his methods. Wylie will demonstrate his techniques in creating texture to help students achieve a mixed-media look. “This is a workshop for anybody that has a love for the medium…” says Wylie. Whether you are just beginning to explore watercolor or are looking to develop and expand your skill set, Wylie just desires you “come with a lot of enthusiasm.” This workshop a fabulous chance to learn from an acclaimed artist and talented teacher.
The fee for Alan Wylies workshop is $475/$400 members. If you would like to register contact the Arts Center/Old Forge by calling 315-369-6411 or email Workshop Coordinator Barbara Getty at Bgetty@artscenteroldforge.org. To learn about other workshops offered at the Arts Center/Old Forge visit www.ArtsCenterOldForge.org.
