Fearless oil painting

Pamela Carter hosts three-day workshop

The back room at Creekside Cafe in Wellington buzzed with colour last week as eight budding artists took part in “Fearless Oil Painting for Beginners,” a three-day workshop hosted by local artist Pamela Carter.

Carter, who holds a Fine Arts degree and a Master’s in Education in Fine Arts, has conducted workshops across Canada and abroad. She has explored a wide spectrum of painting genres—beginning with pastels and now working exclusively in oils—including landscapes, still life, figures, urban scenes, and portraiture.

On the first day, attendees, most of whom had little to no painting experience, were tasked with creating three 5×7-inch monochrome underpaintings.

“Everyone is afraid of oil painting,” says Carter. “So, we jumped right in to ensure the artists didn’t get hung up on their fears.”

Carter provided all supplies and reference materials, much of which were inspired by old masters—a time-honoured technique.

“Copying the masters is very old; students used to go to museums to study and paint. It’s a great way to learn,” she says.

By Friday, the students were ready to tackle 8×10-inch canvases. Carter demonstrated a technique in which she began painting upside down.

“Working upside down—or in a mirror— is a well-known principle because it prevents you from having preconceived ideas of what you’re looking at. It tricks your brain into focusing on shapes, lines, and colours so that you don’t make any assumptions.”

The workshop followed a relaxed schedule: mornings of focused painting, lunch provided by Creekside, and afternoons back at the easels.

“It was like being at summer camp again—it was great,” says Carter.

Carter hopes to host another workshop soon.

“I have quite a few people on a waiting list. I might even toy with holding an outdoor workshop,” she says.

Carter is donating the proceeds from her workshops to the Prince Edward Memorial Hospital Back the Build Fund. According to Briar Boyce, Senior Development Officer at PECMH Foundation, the funds will go to the area of greatest need, which allows them to be directed where they are needed most urgently at the hospital, ensuring the impact is immediate and meaningful.

“Every single donation makes a difference, and the creativity and heart behind this one makes it especially meaningful. We’re so grateful for Pamela’s continued support and for finding such a unique way to champion the hospital,” said Boyce.

The workshop was clearly a hit—and a colourful reminder that sometimes, the best way to learn is to dive in fearlessly.

Artist Pamela Carter (centre) poses in front of some of the completed works with workshop attendees Susie Barnett (L) and Lynn Gillingham(R).