“There is nothing as beautiful as what watercolour can do for you if you let it,” says artist Judi Pedder. She believes in having fun with her medium of choice and exploring different ways of being creative with it.
Twenty years ago Pedder read an article about painting with watercolour on Masa paper. She liked the results and over time developed a unique technique for using Masa paper and watercolours on framed canvas.
“Masa paper adds a lot of texture and interest to a painting,” she explains. “The colour is so vibrant that many people mistake it for an oil or acrylic.”
After teaching Masa paper workshops for many years, Pedder decided to produce an instructional DVD. The recently released Preparing and Painting on Masa Paper with Judi Pedder is an easy to understand, hands-on demonstration of working with Masa paper and watercolours using watercolour paper or framed canvas.
The DVD includes tricks of the trade, a sample of Masa paper and information about where to purchase it. Following the tutorial, there is a gallery of Pedder’s paintings, which showcase the subtle depth and detail the Masa paper technique provides.
“It really adds atmosphere to the background,” Pedder says. “And it’s up to the artist how much they want to crinkle the paper to achieve different affects.”
Pedder worked with retired architect Malcolm Holt of Cameo Video Ltd. in Courtenay to create the DVD.
“He came to my place and we talked and then he came back with the camera,” Pedder says. “It was a fun process. The actual DVD is 63 minutes long but Malcolm did a lot of cut and paste to add the music and text.”
The DVD, available for $30 on Pedder’s website and at her workshops, is informative, professional and pleasant to watch.
Originally from England, Pedder was always interested in painting. She received a scholarship to the Ipswich School of Art where she studied a diverse range of subjects.
In 1966, Pedder, her husband and three children immigrated to Canada.
Although raising a family, working at a math institute and teaching Scottish Country Dancing left little time for art; Pedder took her painting kit from Ipswich with her every time she moved.
Retirement finally provided the time for her to pursue her passion. As well as taking courses and workshops with well-known painters, Pedder moved to Comox and set up a studio where she could paint and share her skills and experience with others.
“It’s a common misconception that it’s difficult to learn how to paint with watercolours,” Pedder says. “I compare it to cooking — you start out simple and then move on to more complicated projects.”
Pedder’s classes focus on painting not subject matter. “Everyone gets to pick the subject of their painting,” she says. “The course is very personalized. And we all look at and discuss each other’s work. That teaches observation and without that it’s impossible to paint.”
Pedder is a member of the Canadian Federation of Artists, the Comox Valley Art Gallery, the Pearl Ellis Gallery of Fine Art and the Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach.
Flowers on Masa Paper is currently on exhibit at The Gallery @ Qualicum Art Supply until mid-February. She also has a couple of paintings at the Members’ Show at the Pearl Ellis Gallery in Comox which runs until Jan. 22 (closed Dec. 19 to Jan 9). And she’ll present a solo show at the Pearl from May 15 to 27.
Island Arts Magazine (available at CVAG, the Pearl and www.islandartsmag.ca) is featuring a two-page profile on Pedder in the December issue.
Pedder has taught painting at the Campbell River Art Gallery, CVAG and in Parksville, Port Alberni and Denman Island.
In 2012 she will offer two Painting on Masa paper workshops; one at CVAG and the other through her gallery/studio.
“I try to get people over their fear and to be brave about exploring the art form,” she says. There’s no need to sweat and get upset in isolation.”
For more information about Pedder’s paintings, her workshops or to purchase the DVD visit www.judipedder.com.
