Last month, Veteran Artist Shaun Smith started participants on a 3-part project for fall. In this second part, he will show you how to take a thumbnail sketch and draw it onto the raw canvas, and then start the painting process of creating an autumn landscape. If you missed part one, there is still time to catch up. Click here to download an instructional outline of what Shaun covered in Part One. Plus, you are always welcome to join in and create whatever art you’d like in this fun group setting.

Part 3 coming on November 20th – Final touches and review.

Suggested Supplies (with links to example products):

• Raw canvas
• Watercolor paint
• Paint brushes
• A wide paint brush (to use with the clear gesso)
• Pastels (do not use oil pastels)
• Charcoal pencils or charcoal sticks
• Clear gesso (do not use white or other color gesso)
• Drawing board or something similar to clip the canvas to
• Art clips
• Water container
• Drawing paper
• Pencils or pens
• Ruler

Shaun Smith is a Retired U.S. Army Veteran and Fine Artist based in Northern Maine. Shaun served 10 years as a Combat Medic with a tour in Afghanistan. During that time he was awarded The Combat Medic Badge for providing care under fire and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained from a VBIED. Shaun found comfort in art therapy as a way to express his experiences, leading him to enroll into an art university. Shaun graduated from The Academy of Art University of San Francisco with a Bachelors in Fine art Painting in 2021. Shaun dedicates his time to painting landscapes, wildlife, and peaceful moments.

“War carves a deep scar on us, always reminding us long after we leave the battlefield. I combat that ugliness by submerging myself in the tranquility of the wilderness to reflect and find peace. When I paint a scene or a subject, That’s the only thing that matters in that moment and I get to meditate on that beauty.”

About CBAW Visual Arts Workshops
Join Veterans and Artists, Valerie Acosta, Shaun Smith, Joe Merritt, or a special guest to learn new art techniques on Wednesdays at 7pm EST. Come hang out in a collaborative group setting and bring what materials you have. No experience necessary! To register, click the link below.

REGISTER HERE

MissionBelonging is funded in part by Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.