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Member Event

Chasing the Light: Painting Darkness, Atmosphere & Possibility

Chasing the Light: Painting Darkness, Atmosphere & Possibility

  • 1.5 hr
  • Online · live on Zoom, join from anywhere
See the 8 materials
Free Registration saves your seat

As the winter solstice approaches, light and darkness take on new meaning, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.

Join artist and educator Jeff Olson for an inspiring exploration of light, darkness, and atmosphere with Amsterdam Acrylics. Discover how color relationships, transparency, texture, and expressive paint application create luminosity, depth, and stillness.

Through playful, revealing exercises, we'll explore how light emerges from darkness and how darkness gives light new meaning. Moving beyond recognizable subjects, this workshop offers creative techniques and practical insights for both abstract and representational painters.

All experience levels welcome!

Materials

Amsterdam Acrylic Paint: Titanium White 105, Oxide Black 735, Ultramarine 504, Primary Cyan 572, Primary Magenta 369, Primary Yellow 275, Azo Yellow 267, Pyrrole Red 315

Princeton Aspen Brushes: Filberts, Brights, and Flats (Assortment)

Opus Palette Knife

Artist Tape (optional)

Princeton Catalyst Wedge (optional)

Canvas or Panel: size 16x20 or 18x24, two

Paper Towels or Paint Rags, Water Container

 

Meet your artist

Jeff Olson is a Seattle-based artist, educator, and materials specialist with more than 30 years of studio practice and exhibition history, plus 25 years in the art materials industry. With both a BFA and MFA in painting and drawing, his work bridges fine art, technical knowledge, and a deep curiosity about the materials artists use... Read more
Jeff Olson is a Seattle-based artist, educator, and materials specialist with more than 30 years of studio practice and exhibition history, plus 25 years in the art materials industry. With both a BFA and MFA in painting and drawing, his work bridges fine art, technical knowledge, and a deep curiosity about the materials artists use to create.
As Art Education Director for Royal Talens North America, Olson combines hands-on demonstration with insights into the history, composition, and working properties of artists’ materials. Known for his engaging, approachable teaching style, he helps artists of all experience levels better understand the creative potential of their tools.
Whether in the studio or the classroom, Olson brings together artistic practice, material science, and a passion for creative exploration.

Website: jeffolsonart.com
Instagram: @jeffolsonart
Facebook: @jeffolsonseatllepainter
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Materials for this event

The supplies our artist uses, ready to take home. Pick them up in store or have them shipped.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the $10 store credit work?

Book an in-store event that's $10 or more and we'll add $10 in store credit to your Opus membership, for every membership tier. Spend it on anything, in store or online. Membership is free to join.

Do I have to register in advance?

Yes—most events require registration to reserve your spot. Free demos with limited space can fill up quickly, so we recommend signing up early.

What’s included in a paid vs free event?

Paid events may include hands-on instruction, materials, and exclusive product offers. The details will be listed on the event page.

Free events may include a short, informative session led by an artist—perfect for picking up techniques, learning about materials, and sparking inspiration. You’re welcome to paint along, but it’s not required.

Will I get a recording if I miss an online event?

No. These demos are live-only. If recorded, the footage is gifted to the artist and not shared publicly.

Can I attend an online event if I don’t live in BC?

Yes! Our online events are open to artists across Canada and beyond.

Where are events held?

We host events both in-store at select Opus locations and online via Zoom or other platforms. The location and format will always be clearly stated.

I registered but didn’t receive a confirmation email. What should I do?

Check your junk or spam folders first. If you’re still unsure, email Pamela Mark at pmark@opusartsupplies.com to confirm your registration.

What’s the difference between free and paid events?

Free events are short, demo-based sessions led by professional artists—great for inspiration and learning.

Paid events offer deeper, hands-on instruction with more time, materials, or exclusive access. They’re ideal for artists looking to grow their skills.

Every Opus member gets $10 back in store credit on in-store events that are $10 or more. On longer workshops that cost more, you still get $10 back and the rest goes to the artist teaching.

Is it okay to ask questions during the demo?

Absolutely. Use the community chat to ask demo-related questions. Our host will relay them to the artist as time allows.

When will I be let in from the Zoom waiting room?

We open the room right at the start time. Arrive a couple of minutes early to avoid delays.

How can I apply to be a demo artist?

We love connecting with artists who teach and inspire. Apply here to share your skills in an upcoming demo.