The Modern Palette
March 5 - 26
April 2 - 23
Mixed media could be the key to your next creative breakthrough.
This dynamic class invites painters of all levels to explore fresh techniques and re-energize their creative process. Join Vancouver-based artist and educator Kerry Vaughn Erikson as he guides you through the rich intersection of abstraction and realism, using a diverse range of media and methods to expand your artistic vocabulary.
Through demonstrations and hands-on exploration, students will discover new approaches to surface preparation, mark-making, and layering, from drawing and palette knife work to sgraffito and beyond. You’ll experiment with mixed media of your choice, learning how to combine materials to achieve expressive effects and depth impossible with a single medium alone.
Whether you’re feeling creatively stuck or simply curious to explore new directions, The Modern Palette offers a supportive, inclusive space to take risks, loosen up, and rediscover the joy of painting.
“When I decided to embrace total freedom in my painting, I realized that all the art materials I’d been using for the last 30+ years as an illustrator, graphic designer, painter, and teacher could be combined to create effects I could never achieve with a single medium alone.”
— Kerry Vaughn Erikson
Kerry Vaughn Erickson is a painter and art instructor currently living and working in Vancouver, BC.
Kerry has worked as a draughtsman, graphic designer, illustrator, and art director. These experiences in the commercial art world, combined with a deep love for travel and the works of the great old masters, influence his work.
Kerry began teaching in Ottawa in 2001 and has since continued teaching at various schools and art institutions across the country.
Materials Overview
Kerry will demonstrate using a variety of tools and materials. You’re encouraged to bring what you already have and experiment with new options. A full supply list will be provided upon registration. Here’s a preview:
Pre-primed canvas (e.g., 24″ x 18″)
Acrylics & oils (basic palette + fun accent colours)
Modelling Paste
Neocolor II (or similar) water-soluble crayons (Van Dyke Brown, Black, White + accent colours)
Acrylic Matte Gel Medium
Masking tape (various widths)
Odourless solvent
White cotton rags
Wide range of brushes (hog hair + synthetic, various sizes/qualities)
Gamblin Cold Wax + Galkyd (50/50 mix)
Large Palette Paper pad (12″x16″)
