Workshop and exhibition: The art of etching water revisited

ISLAMABAD:

While some artists prefer keeping their knowledge and skill set to themselves, others are open to the idea of sharing. A programme aimed at introducing various art forms to the youth has been initiated by Devcom, a nonprofit organisation, at the Gallery Louvre.

Titled “Youth Connect”, the programme also aims at promoting artists from rural areas, who have not gotten appreciation.

On Wednesday, the workshop comprised a lecture and demonstration of “etching on paper” along with an art exhibition.

The instructor, Riffat Ara Baig, a fine arts teacher showcased 22 of her artworks, with paintings with black or blue as the base colour. The simpler technique using crayons in abstract form, treated with a black crayon after which a drawing can be etched onto the paper using a blunt pointed object is usually taught to children in schools. However, Baig who has been using the technique managed to instruct the workshop to effectively create paintings with more finesse.

The workshop consisted of art teachers and children from various schools. The young ones became enchanted with the technique, experimenting on their own. Instead of using black crayon to coat the bright colours underneath, Baig used poster colours on top and then sprayed the top coat with water which aids in adding texture to paint and crayon.

After using a blunt knife to etch a butterfly onto the paper Baig used paint to create a dripping effect on top; “it’s not important to solely use black as the top coat as many always do, I often use other colours even white,” she said as the children and adults alike etched away.

The exhibition will continue till April 26.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2012.