Students learn from guest artists

Art students at Whitefish High School are going past the traditional mediums of charcoal, watercolor and oil paint this coming month. Aspiring artists will have a chance to try their hands at encaustic painting — painting with pigmented beeswax.

Local Whitefish resident and artist Shawna Moore is currently leading a four-week artist workshop for 12 Whitefish art students who will learn basic and advanced techniques of encaustic painting during weekly evening classes.

Guest artist "experiences' or "adventures' are fairly new at the high school. Art teacher Lonnie Collinsworth began the yearly artist experiences two years ago when he wanted to provide more instruction for some students who wanted more in the field of art.

"It's been a great addition to the high school's art program," Collinsworth said. "There are so many ways to create art, and it's an incredible learning experience for young artists to discover how professionals use new techniques."

In the past, students have participated in an oil painting and landscape workshop with local artist Rob Akey and an abstract art workshop with artist Paula Humphreys. Although only a few students can attend these workshops — Collinsworth randomly draws names from his art classes — the annual experience provides opportunities for many.

Moore is an established, professional artist whose work is exhibited in galleries across Montana, New York, Oregon and New Mexico. Previously an architect, Moore brings an incredible background to the table, along with her cans of beeswax and pigment. Her art can be viewed online at www.shawnamoore.com.

Encaustic painting is an ancient artistic technique that involves pigmented beeswax that is heated, etched, re-worked and scuffed to create dimensional depth and unique pieces of art. Layers cool quickly, allowing pieces to achieve complex textures and colors.

Students have already attended one of the four two-hour workshops, and it has been well-received.

"My favorite part of encaustic painting so far is the freedom that you feel when you burn the wax into its ever-changing form," Brianna Heser said. "It's a pure feeling, a liberating feeling. I know I'm going to want to experience it over and over again."

"The class is amazing, and I have fallen in love with a new painting medium," Shayna Witheril said. "I think that it's really amazing that Mr. Collinsworth asks people to come in, take time away from their day and teach us new techniques."

Indeed, Collinsworth stressed his appreciation for the time guest artists have donated to these workshops.

"It's difficult to find instructors who will donate time for free, and it's incredible how enthusiastic, helpful and willing these guest artists have been," he said. "Even though often it takes twice as much time for them to prepare for the workshop, they're still willing to spend a lot of extra hours for aspiring artists. I cannot stress how grateful I am for that."

Collinsworth also discussed the benefits of receiving instruction from working artists who successfully sell art as professionals.

"Student are able to learn not only about different styles of art, but of the business aspect of it," he said. "They also can learn about the historical aspects. The more students can surround themselves with other professional artists, the more it will help them in their art."

As for next year's guest artist, Collinsworth says the art department is always looking for local artists.

"If other artists would like to come in and contribute their techniques and knowledge, we're always open," he said. "It does take time, but it's worth it."