Castlegar artist Mirja Vahala specializes in teaching painting to true beginners.
After a flood of requests from her students, the internationally-acclaimed artist and instructor, who was once the artist-in-residence for Holland America Cruises, decided to create an instructional DVD. The end result, entitled “Acrylics for True Beginners” was directed and edited by Miriam Needoba of Small Town Films.
It was Needoba who suggested sending a copy of the finished DVD to Jerry Yarnell, a 30-year veteran of a prevailing painting show on PBS. The Yarnell family was so impressed with the product that they agreed to list it on their popular website at www.yarnellart.com.
“I am incredibly excited to have my DVD listed on the Yarnell Art website, alongside other artists seen on PBS, such as Buck Paulson and Bob Ross,” said Vahala. “I was originally inspired by Yarnell’s clear instruction to create a DVD to guide aspiring artists. It’s an amazing feeling to be associated with an instructor of his caliber.”
Mirja Vahala’s DVD offers over 2.5 hours of content focusing on basic instruction for new artists. Starting with brush handling, tinting and shading, through to the basics of the colour wheel, gradations, blending, glazing and painting a landscape, this DVD is offered for sale at www.MirjaVahalaArtStudio.com.
“I was compelled to create this DVD for those who are unable to attend my workshops," she said. "It’s taken years to hone these methods for the true beginner. It is my passion to remove barriers to creativity.”
Mirja’s ability to provoke emotion in her own nature landscapes, and to articulate her methods to students have brought her some incredible teaching opportunities. Since moving to Castlegar in 2007 to pursue her craft fulltime, Mirja has instructed on behalf of Selkirk College and Holland America Cruises, as well as holding classes in her own art studio.
For more information on "Acrylics for True Beginners", please visit www.MirjaVahalaArtStudio.com, or contact Mirja Vahala at: mirja@mirjavahala.com or by phone at 250-365-7679.