Nothing gets the creative juices flowing faster than an intense adrenalin rush, says artist Osi Cruz-Lahtinen, Innisfail mixed-media artist and live painting competitor at the Olds Art Battle May 10.
Cruz-Lahtinen is one of 12 local artists who will be battling it out as they create their best work in a 20-minute live competition, while the crowd watches and votes for their favourite piece.
Artists will be split into two battles. The top two crowd favourites of each battle will progress to a championship round.
The winner of the final round will go on to compete at a national Art Battle.
All the artists' work created at the event will be sold in a silent auction, with the top four pieces from the championship round going up for bid in a live auction.
Artists keep 50 per cent of the sale price of their pieces and remaining profits will be donated to two local groups -- the Olds Emergency Shelter and Olds and District Hospice Society.
This event is about celebrating art in a fun atmosphere, explained event organizer Debbie Ohlhausen.
Art Battle brings art to everyone in a fun atmosphere while highlighting the amount of work and expertise an artist brings to each piece.
Art Battle competitors can paint the subject of their choice and practise before the competition, but they are not allowed reference materials during the live painting, and have to paint with acrylics.
Art Battle will be hosted across the country in 20 select locations. More than 250 artists from coast to coast will compete to battle in the national championship.
Crus-Lahtinen said the whole idea of Art Battle excites her.
“The organizers have it set up to be a celebration of art – artists are performing like rock stars for a crowd! I plan to be jamming with my paint brush!” said Crus-Lahtien.
Olds artist Marj Vetter will also be competing. She said artists can chose a subject and practise, but it won't necessarily determine what happens at Art Battle.
“I have a couple of subjects in mind, but sometimes your vision isn't the same when you approach the canvas. You latch onto another thought and you have to go with it,” said Vetter.
Artist and competitor Dr. Dick Wray, also of Olds, says he has been painting for 50 years and this will be completely new for him.
“I'm excited to try something new and different. I'm noted to be a fast painter, and excited to be working with acrylics,” said Wray.
Every artist battling in the competion will be given a 18 by 24-inch canvas and the same colour acrylic paints to work with. Artists in the championship round will paint on a 20 by 24-inch canvas.
Didsbury competitor and artist Diana Steer knew she wanted to compete as soon as she heard the battle was coming to Olds. “I was quite excited. Right away I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
Known for her work in encaustics, Steer is also excited to switch it up and work with acrylics. “I'm practising with the medium, rather than planning a specific subject right now. As a rule, my main subject is landscapes; because I'll be working in acrylics that may change.”
While the creative process is unique to each artist, they will agree that Art Battle changes everything.
“You have to do it in 20 minutes” said Steer. “There is no standing back and looking, debating or considering – you have to get it done and now! You have to go with the flow.”
Art Battle will be held at Olds Legion May 10. Doors open at 7 p.m., painting starts at 7:30 sharp! Tickets are $20 and are available in Olds at Different Strokes Gallery, Ruby Bloom Studios, Granny Jacks, Mountain View Museum and Bean Brokers.
