Diane Fliehler

I didn't label the following work by fellow classmate Diane Fliehler as student work. Although she hasn't shown her work professionally I have had the privilege of viewing a large part of her collection and she is one of the best oil pastelist around. Diane is on the brink that talented artists get to when they are ready to burst on the scene and start professionally showing their work. She originally was a student of George Shipperley. Under his tutelage she learned how to use oil pastel in an expressive, immediate way. I have been painting beside her in three classes taught by Carol Zack, who has been one of her biggest fans. Using bold color and scraping techniques she has been known to create quite a stir, attacking the canvas in an aggressive manner. She has contributed a paragraph or two on how she first became interested in OP that I posted below her work. Thanks Diane! Please enjoy the works by this fresh abstract colorist.

My husband and I were attending an art event and we both greatly admired George Shipperley's work in oil pastel. We were surprised to discover that he was teaching at a local art school. I signed up immediately and since then have considered myself fortunate to study with a very talented artist as well as, a gifted teacher. I have grown much as an artist with George's constant encouragement for which I am truly grateful.

I feel I am just now on the brink of discovery. I'm not sure what I will discover and hope that I will always feel this way.

I apply Holbein Oil Pastels to the surface (usually matt board) and use Liquin and Tupenoid mediums. With a razor blade, I scrape through many layers of oil pastel and find myself surprised by the results. I react to what I see before me, sometimes adding more oil pastel or more medium. I paint with the razor blade as though it is a palette knife. I enjoy my interaction with the oil pastels letting them take the lead. Sometimes, this dance is serendipity.

Diane Fliehler

Student Artwork by Susan Bell

I have coerced my fellow classmate Susan Bell to let me post a few of her paintings from our OP class together. I think I will try and get more student work on this blog. I think its beneficial to see progress and get a little insight into how each individual approaches Oil Pastel. What better way to learn, through the journey of others. Susan's work in OP is getting better all the time and its fun too see how we progress together. I also asked her to write a little about her experience. I have posted it below. Thanks Susan!



















River














Apostle Island Sheds














Flowers


Several years ago I had a couple of surgeries close to one another and was cooped up in the house. I started to paint with oils and acrylics on canvas, very large and abstract works. After a couple of years of experimenting, I decided that I needed some instruction. There was an oil pastel class offered at a school near my home, so I signed up. I've learned quite a bit in the last six months in this medium. I'm still trying to find my way with the materials. I'm trying every kind of paper that I can lay my hands on, and finding myself grabbing the Holbein pastels over the others right now, they seem to layer on really well. What I enjoy the most is seeing what the other students in the class are doing with their pastels, it is a real learning experience! I've seen people do amazing work with oil pastels. I'm inspired and motivated by what I see, so I believe that I'll continue to work in this medium for some time to come.
Susan B