Kelowna Artist Inspires Local Painters in South Cariboo Workshop

Kelowna-based artist Jonn Einerssen shared his expertise with local artists during a two-day workshop at the Parkside Art Gallery in 100 Mile House from August 19 to August 20, 2023. The event attracted a dozen participants eager to enhance their landscape painting skills. Einerssen emphasized the importance of enjoyment in the creative process, stating that success in art often comes from having fun while painting.

Einerssen, who has been painting professionally for over 54 years, is largely self-taught and has participated in workshops led by other artists. His artistic journey began in his hometown in Saskatchewan, where he found inspiration in the expansive skies of his youth. After spending years in Vancouver and the Shuswap, he settled in Kelowna, where he has operated various galleries for the past 37 years.

During the workshop, Einerssen focused on teaching techniques rather than promoting his own style. “I don’t want to teach people how to paint like me,” he explained. “I want to teach them how to paint and use colours scientifically.” This approach allowed each participant to create unique pieces that reflected their individual artistic visions.

Einerssen’s philosophy extends beyond technique. He encourages artists to “get out of your own way” and let the painting evolve naturally. He believes that the act of creation can be a spiritual experience, likening painting to “music made visible.” His passion for art is not limited to personal expression; he aims to foster a deeper connection between artists and the natural world.

The workshop was facilitated by Bobbie Crane, a member of the South Cariboo Artist Guild, who collaborated with Vance Theoret, a local soapstone carver and gallery owner. Einerssen’s friendship with Theoret played a significant role in bringing him to 100 Mile House, where he expressed satisfaction with the turnout and engagement of the participating artists.

Among the attendees was Michelle Spence, a resident of 108 Mile Ranch. Spence, who has a background in photography, sought to explore oil painting under Einerssen’s guidance. She noted that the workshop dispelled her fears regarding oil paints, highlighting their versatility and the depth they can bring to artwork. “He described it really well,” Spence said, comparing oil painting to the difference between homemade and store-bought pasta sauce.

The workshop provided an opportunity for artists of varying experience levels to learn and grow. Spence remarked that everyone in the room, regardless of skill, walked away with new insights. “Everybody did something different,” she said. “They took what they needed from his teachings and translated them into their own styles.”

Einerssen has observed that painting nature profoundly alters how artists interact with their environment. He has noted that many students report seeing the world differently after engaging with the artistic process. “I think it binds people a little more to the planet,” he commented, emphasizing the respect that comes from a deeper appreciation of nature’s colours and forms.

In summary, Jonn Einerssen’s workshop in 100 Mile House provided local artists with valuable skills and a renewed understanding of their creative potential. By fostering an atmosphere of fun and exploration, he not only shared his knowledge but also encouraged a lasting bond between artists and the natural world they seek to depict.