< ECU Directory

Karen Yurkovich

Continuing Studies Instructor

Availability:

Bio

Karen Yurkovich is interested in unbinding themes of GMOs, classical still life painting and the use of plants in medicine and culinary practices. Karen is engaged in projects with the Beaty Museum for Biodiversity in Vancouver, with Archeologia Arborea, a biodiversity foundation in Italy, and with Stein Mountain Farm in Lytton, B.C. Since 2022, she has been fundraising for Ukraine with the online group NAFO, which has raised several million dollars in aid. Karen was inaugural director of and professor in the MFA Studio Arts program at Studio Arts College International (SACI), Florence. Teaching is integral to her practice.

Websites:

Courses

Course Name Department Course Code Term
Painting CSPN 111 CS26/SU

Description

Portraiture is more than just capturing a likeness - it's about telling a story. This course centers on skills and techniques necessary to represent the unique essence of your subject. Through in-class sessions with a model and self-directed research, this course encourages you to explore portrait painting beyond the basics. You will learn to observe the nuances of facial proportions and features, how to capture details with accuracy and sensitivity, and create depth, dimension, and atmosphere in your portraits. Study different styles and approaches, and apply your knowledge of composition and colour to convey mood, emotion, and meaning. By the end of the course your portraits will showcases your ability to analyze and represent the essence of your subject in paint. Whether you're an aspiring portrait artist or simply looking to develop your painting skills, this course is an opportunity to advance your artistic journey using a universal fascination, the human face.

Material List: Be prepared for your course. Download the material list to purchase items before your first class.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

Painting CSPN 210 CS26/SU

Description

This engaging painting course blends immersive studio work with seminar-style discussions, offering an in-depth understanding and exploration of contemporary painting. Through a series of hands-on projects, you will explore both traditional and non-traditional painting techniques and approaches, expanding your skill set while challenging conventional approaches to painting. In addition to studio work, you will explore concepts and ideas and begin to situate your personal practice within the broader art world. You will also examine the works of diverse contemporary painters and discuss current painting topics.

Material List: Be prepared for your course. Download the material list to purchase items before your first class.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.

Painting CSPN 103 CS26/SP

Description

Explore the rich history and contemporary techniques of oil painting. Building on the foundational skills learned in previous painting courses, you will learn unique properties of oil paints, such as their slow-drying time and their capacity to create luminous, rich colors. Through a variety of in-studio exercises and projects, you will learn the color mixing, brushwork, and composition as well as different methods for creating texture, depth and luminosity in your oil painting. By the end of the course, you will have gained valuable skills for further exploring this versatile medium. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced painter looking to expand your skills, this course offers a unique opportunity to work with the vibrant medium of oil painting.

Material List: Be prepared for your course. Download the material list to purchase items before your first class.

Pre-requisites

No prerequisites.