Learning Adventure
I sit in amazement watching the brushstrokes weave in and out of the trees. First a log, then a few branches until an emerald forest emerges. A picture begins to form of a heavily wooded forest. Then a stream gently meandering through the snow covered undergrowth. It is said a picture paints a thousand words. However this picture is worth so much more because it is being painted by my six year old son. He is having a painting lesson with a famous artist in Whistler.
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Educational Insights
Picture Perfect
My son enjoys art but he isn’t an accomplished painter. So how did he manage to paint such a picture-perfect first scene? For any child interested in art this bucket list experience is not to be missed. The opportunity to have a painting lesson with a famous local artist in Whistler is a unique experience. It will certainly leave them feeling completely inspired.
We are staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Whistler. Their resident artist Murray Phillips is kind enough to take time out to give our son a valuable art lesson. He is teaching him to paint with perspective, how trees take shape and techniques to make water look like it is flowing and reflecting. The is certainly a crash course worthy of several months of painting classes.
About Murray
This tall white-bearded renowned Canadian artist, who many say resembles Santa, is best known for his stunning paintings of the western Canadian wilderness. With over 40 years experience, his love of nature is evident in all his work. He would spend four months of the year in the wilderness, much of it in very isolated locations. His aim was to be one with nature and capture it on canvas. He would often say that “sometimes the soul’s only instruments are brush, canvas and paint.” His paintings tell only part of the story, images captured in time. The rest is up to the observer to continue the narrative in their own minds.
The Magic Begins
With a warm greeting from Murray, the session starts with our son selecting the photo he wants to paint from images that Murray has taken himself. One after the other breathtaking images of the Canadian wilderness appear in front of our eyes. Our son contemplates how he will be able to paint such complex pictures. Murray consistently reassures him that it is all about technique and practice and happily prepares a photo my son has selected. Firstly the photo is taped above the canvas on the easel. Murray discusses the positioning of the trees and stream while breaking down the objects in the photo into simple shapes. According to Murray, everything starts as a simple shape and grows into the object we observe. He has our son name the different shapes he can identify and has him start making the layout on the canvas.
Secondly, once they have formulated a plan of action together, Murray shows the different methods of painting trees and gently encourages our son to start using these techniques. Before I know it, to my amazement a tree starts to form on the canvas which turns into an entire shimmering forest with just a few brushstrokes.
The Experience
In the brief hour our son spends with Murray, we witness Murray’s deep passion for the wilderness. His enthusiasm is infectious and I an honestly say I have never seen our son more focused on completing an activity. We were struck with Murray’s patience and gentle manner with our son. He takes the time to ensure brush strokes are correct and giving our son so much opportunity to work on the painting independently.
Update
We recently discovered that Murray sadly passed away at the age of 74. I think about what a kind-hearted and diligent teacher he was. Our son fondly remembers the painting lesson with Murray. I am certain his legacy lives on, inspiring children like my son to continue painting and appreciate the wilderness. It was a real privilege to paint with one off the local greats. Looking at the numerous drawings in my son’s room we realise the impact this lesson had on his imagination. Every time we look at the painting our son completed with Murray we fondly remember Murray’s magic.
Details
The Four Seasons in Whistler continues to offer painting lessons for children with various local artists at different times throughout the year. It is a wonderful way to introduce children to art, leave them with a feeling of accomplishment and have a frame-worthy painting to proudly hang on your wall.
Looking to do more in Whistler with your children?
Check out our Top 10 Educational Whistler Experiences.