Big Launch for a Little Newbie

by Barb Lehtiniemi

I’m a relative newbie to painting.  I took a short course on acrylic painting through Glengarry Encore last April, taught by The Collectif’s own Yvonne Callaway.  I’ve been painting regularly since then, but my paintings have only been seen by a select few.

The Collectif’s Big Show gave me the opportunity to show a few of my paintings to a broader audience.  Although this was the first time showing my paintings, I have been a member of The Collectif for eight years and had shown photographs at several earlier shows.  I know The Collectif’s members are friendly and welcoming, and I looked forward to having the more experienced artists provide feedback on my humble efforts.

I spent several hours at the Big Show on each of the two days and enjoyed conversations with artists and members of the public.  I also enjoyed the opportunity to spend time looking at all the other artworks in the show—the wealth of talent on display was really inspiring!  It’s interesting to learn what techniques and materials other artists have used.

Out of the five paintings I entered in the show, three of them sold.  That’s very gratifying!  Not just because it validates my painting efforts, but because it makes room for more paintings!  

Many thanks go to the fine folks at The Collectif for enabling and supporting my creative efforts for so many years.