Eatonia artist creates beauty with acrylics
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
EATONIA - Many artists craft their creative pieces to release their creativity. Pat Tilbert from Eatonia is one such artist who is currently focusing on painting with acrylics on glass. Once completed, the result is a framed picture with a stunning stained glass appearance.
Pat explained why she enjoys working with acrylics, saying, “It’s easier to use on glass, an easier medium to use because it dries quickly. Oils take too long to dry, and so it’s a longer process.” The acrylic is then covered with resin.
Pat said she began painting when she was young, taking art in high school. Later on, she took an oil painting class to learn the basics and was hooked. “Since then, I have done some watercolour pieces, pastels, folk art painting and now acrylics,” she explained.
“I learned from books, picked up a few classes here and there, but basically am self-taught. Now I can watch different things on YouTube and learn different techniques. I was involved with the arts council when I lived in Creighton, Sask. and did oil paintings. Everyone there was very helpful,” she concluded.
This artist spends many hours in her basement working on each project. “It takes about a week to complete one acrylic piece, depending on the size of the piece. It’s a lot of hours, but I enjoy doing it,” she said.
She gets the ideas for her pictures from stained glass images or photos from the Internet. “If someone asks for something, in particular, I find different ideas and put them on whatever size frame I have,” she said. Although Pat paints more pictures of flowers, she also creates pictures her customers prefer or request.
Pat’s talents extend beyond painting; she also sews, quilts and crochets. “I do a lot of different things; I’m a craft/hobby type person. It’s a release for me and keeps me busy,” she explained.
Some of Pat’s work is currently displayed at Swirl Cafe in Kindersley and Prairie Sky Treasures & Print Studio in Kerrobert.
Photos: Pat Tilbert stands beside the latest acrylic piece that she’s working on. This piece is called Dragonfly with Roses. Inset: One of Pat’s creations on display at Swirls Café.
