Picasso would've gotten a kick out of this type of metaphorically out-of-the-box, but literally in-the-box art-making process.
At least that's what Carolyn Holmes, public programs manager at Two Rivers Gallery, likes to think about the iPad art classes starting at the art gallery Jan. 25.
"I think many experimental artists that were cutting edge in their time would be jumping on the iPad art bandwagon," said Holmes.
There's no mess, there's no limits and backing out of it when it's not working is absolutely doable. Welcome to the electronic age of art making.
"If you've ever played on an iPad before -- it's all done with your fingers -- so it's like finger painting," said Holmes. "I think it's not scary at all because if you try something -- and you can try something as drastic as oil paint, then if it doesn't work you can back it out, where as if you were to try the same thing on a canvass, you've got it there forever. So it's very forgiving."
Holmes said she's not sure who will be interested in the classes, if it's going to be those already making art or people who never tried it before and want to and this will be their introduction into it.
She was sure to add everyone is welcome to attend this class and no experience is necessary.
"This will be a more comfortable way to start for beginners and much less threatening than paint and canvass," said Holmes.
Kim Stewart, who teaches new media at the College of New Caledonia, will be the instructor.
"It's not going to be draw whatever you want," said Holmes. "We're going to have a still life set up or perhaps a model. Kim will teach students how people look at things and then instead of using a traditional canvass, your canvass will be the iPad," said Holmes. "Students will be learning so much."
The iPad is a form of accessible self-expression for her, said Stewart.
"It is as spontaneous as I am," she added.. "I use the iPad like a visual diary to record my creative thoughts and ideas as well as what I see in the world around me. It is the perfect tool for creative beginners and artists of life. Best of all there is no mess to clean up!"
Two Rivers Gallery is offering iPad art classes Wednesday evenings from January 25 to February 29. Visit to www.tworiversgallery.ca to sign up.
