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Welcome to Critter Country – free and fun online art lessons

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Home Arts and Culture

Welcome to Critter Country – free and fun online art lessons

C. Chrystal DeCoster by C. Chrystal DeCoster
June 5, 2020
in Arts and Culture
0

Jennifer Steck, one of the too-many-to-count artists in limbo these days, has created a free online class that’s good for both children and adults. She comes from a 32-year career in law enforcement and now specializes in quirky (as in ‘not perfect’) characters. According to Steck, “the first lesson is up; the next ones will be live soon.” It is her hope that these lessons, intended to reduce stress, “will lighten things up a little during these tough times.”

Steck explains, “As I post these lessons, people across the world are under mandated or self-imposed quarantine. My hope is that this playful series will provide some fun, laughter, and encouragement.” 

Artist Jennifer Steck, shown here in her Denver studio, is offering free online art classes.

Her Critter Country instruction is based on the ways Steck works to develop many of the creatures seen in her paintings and whimsical greeting cards, some of which can be seen at Western Stars Gallery in Lyons. “I’m focusing on dogs for this round of lessons, but if you would like to select a different animal, feel free to do so. Use your own dogs as models. People of all ages are invited, so invite your friends and family members and let’s play together,” she encourages.

Click here for Critter Country – Lesson One. The ensuing lessons will build upon this one. Various transferable techniques are provided on the videos. Please use hashtag #100critterchallenge on Instagram, the Jennifer Steck Arts Facebook page, or wherever student creations might be shared so that all participants can follow along. She asks that any comments added to anyone’s art be respectfully made and supportive. “We are all in this together. Hang in there and stay safe,” Steck emphasizes.

Lesson 1 Supplies: Paper 
Pen or permanent marker 
Pencil 
Photos of your own critters in a variety of poses 
(Photos for inspiration are included here) Additional reference imagery can be searched for here and on Pinterest

“Focusing on quirky means we throw perfection out the window,” reminds Jennifer Steck, instructor of the online Critter Country art series.

Steck adds, “Try not to get intimidated when others post work. I still do sometimes. We can learn from each other in a safe space. My goal is to have a place we can come together and support each other. ”

Not everyone has ample art supplies and they may not be easily obtainable at this time. Western Stars Gallery in Lyons has offered to loan out some pens, markers, and pencils to those participating in these lessons by calling 303-747-3818 or 401-301-1212.

Tags: artartistCOVID-19
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C. Chrystal DeCoster

C. Chrystal DeCoster

C. Chrystal DeCoster was the arts and culture editor for the Lyons Recorder from January to June 2020. The most delicious breadcrumbs of her personal and professional life all have had to do with family, visual arts, education, writing, and horses. As owner of Western Stars Gallery in Lyons, she gets to employ her life’s experiences in publishing, painting, advertising, customer service, and program directing while celebrating art - up close and personal - on a daily basis

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