DALE EVANS
THIS WEEK WE SAT AND HAD A CONVERSATION WITH DALE EVANS...
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What was your first art job? first piece of art sold?
After art school, I was a "draftsman" in the US Army. My first sale was a little watercolor at an art fair in Wenona, Illinois
What are you currently working on?
Oil Pastels, watercolors, gouache
Do you have artistic rituals in your practice?
If I find myself following a set pattern or routine of work, I go onto something else and return (hopefully) with a new perspective and enthusiasm.
I enjoy the creative process, but I want to see that the end result was worth the effort!
Dale Painting at Bishop Hill
Who inspires your art making process the most? Or has a role in keeping you making art?
Father Time! One look at the clock and/or calendar tells me to get busy!
What's your philosophy on teaching?
Emphasize the positive aspects of the students work first, then teach them to use those qualities to overcome the more difficult elements.
Why should someone want to take a class from you?I am ready to try to help students on an individual basis.
The raw material of art is all around you - now make something with it!
Farm Pond - Gouche on panel
Tell us about an experience making art that changed you as a person or as an artist?
Building musical instruments and hearing much better musicians than I make them sing!
Who are some art Heroes of yours?
Jem Bowden -English watercolorist
James Gurney
Jane Peterson
Peony Farm - Watercolor
If you have dinner with three artists, past or present who would they be?
James M. Whistler
Tom Thomson
Jan Vermeer
What are your roadblocks or hurdles when making art?Getting started and getting stopped!
Vrooman Mansion - Oil on panel
Describe your studio space, what kind of environment do you make art in? music playing? silence? neat and organized? chaotic and messy?
Cluttered.
Dog or Cat or Both or Neither? Neither.
What are your future plans for your art practice? Keep at it!You can find Dale around town in the hot sun feverishly painting the scene before him. You'll never know where He'll pop up next!
You can take a class with Dale this summer (6/17 Oil Pastels workshop and 7/29 Awash in Gouache). Sign up while seats remain available!
Some student comments on Dales classes:
"Dale is a great instructor. His feedback is honest, encouraging and helpful."
"Dale is a good instructor! He taught me new techniques. He had a great attitude and was fun!"
*all photos courtesy of the Artist (Dale Evans)
Mission Statement: We encourage and promote the appreciation, study, cultivation, development, and practice of art for the benefit of all the people, cultures and communities of McLean County.
 | "This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts" |