By CASSIE MOORE / Guest Columnist

Do you ever see those paintings filled with vivid colors and wonder how the artist made those brilliant color schemes fit so well together? Or see the purple hues in the face of a portrait and wonder how it appears so realistic?
Kellie Newsome, an experienced artist and gifted instructor, is teaching a painting workshop called Vibrant Animals, hosted by the Shelby County Arts Council.
The workshop will include entertaining and informative instruction on how to paint in unique color schemes. She will also demonstrate techniques for sketching, paint application, blending, proportion study and building a balanced composition.
Newsome’s artistic experience is extensive. In addition to exhibiting her work in galleries, universities, magazines, advertisements and product literature, she travels teaching workshops, performing demonstrations and speaking at art guilds and organizations. She has taught over 500 intermediate and advanced classes and consistently seeks opportunities to inspire others in their creative journey.
“The most important part of being an artist,” Newsome said, “is striving every day to improve and inspire.”
The Vibrant Animals Workshop will be held at the Shelby County Arts Council on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students should bring a photo of the animal they want to paint, an 8-by-10-inch or larger canvas, and their own lunch. Painting supplies are included in the $115 workshop fee. Register for your class at shelbycountyartscouncil.com.

Upcoming at the Shelby County Arts Council:

Jan. 16 – Folk Art II Gallery Opening, New Artists
Jan. 24 – Bad Brad and the Sipsey Slims

Feb. 7 – Mardi Gras Bash – Featuring 2Blu and the Lucky Stiffs

Feb. 14 – Gabriel Tajeu with Chelsea Whild

For more information on upcoming events and classes at the Shelby County Arts Council visit shelbycountyartscouncil.com or call 669-0044.