Weldon Oliver, Art Director, Helping Hands for the Arts, Inc.

Weldon Oliver, Artist In Residence, was born in Roseburg, Oregon and lives in Florence on the Oregon Coast. After working in the computer industry in California, Weldon took up oil painting and began teaching on his own in 1998. His favorite painting subjects are landscapes and deep space objects from astro photography.

Now, as Art Director and instructor for Helping Hands for the Arts, Inc, Weldon specializes in teaching beginners, both children and adults, some of whom have learning disabilities. Currently, he is teaching in public and private schools on the Oregon coast from Florence to Lincoln City, and central Oregon from Veneta to Lebanon. He also teaches private classes for all ages.

Weldon demonstrates techniques such as mixing paints and colors, and how to use brushes. As he paints, he talks about colors, values and perspective. Students follow along, making the same strokes and composition. They learn by watching and then by doing, creating a unique artwork with his or her own signature. When the painting session is over, they have a finished painting to take home.

Weldon's main philosophy is that art should be fun and everybody can do it. "Oils are fun," he says, "and they open up art expressions for newcomers and for other art media." He is introducing many children and adults to the world of art and all its possibilities.

Oil paints can be purchased that are non-toxic and easy to clean up-now putting art into the people's hands!