Lauren Ohlgren
Lauren Ohlgren
Lauren is at Studio #5 during the POST 2019 tour.
laurenohlgren.com
My journey as an artist has taken me down many paths, starting in the mid 1990’s making hand-painted silk and art-to-wear. Working then in encaustics, I enjoyed the manipulation of hot wax and the building of layers. Simultaneously, I taught (and still teach) classes/workshops on travel journal sketching. And since, I have shown work in metal, paper, acrylics, book arts, mixed media, and more currently, charcoal. The process of exploration, problem solving, and inspiring others to create, is what propels me forward.
The approach with mixed media is experimental. Working freely and unrestrained, I use unusual combinations of materials: acrylics, charcoal, ink, graphite, wax and oil sticks. I like seeing how they meld and mush together in unconventional ways. Using no brushes, I prefer alternative tools found in the studio and manipulating the materials with my hands. The results are compelling and I am moved by the open-ended narrative and interpretation.
I also take a unique approach to charcoal. It’s more of a painting process than sketching. Using broad strokes, the materials is alternately applied, smeared, and removed. With each layer, and movements becoming subtler, the details are honed.
Classes can be found through Linn Benton Community College (LBCC) Benton Center and private workshops. I am also a guest instructor for Portland Urban Sketchers 10x10 program. Being able to foster creativity in students of all drawing abilities is as rewarding as working in my studio. It is about serving my community as well as skill development.
Lauren is at Studio #5 during the POST 2019 tour.
laurenohlgren.com
My journey as an artist has taken me down many paths, starting in the mid 1990’s making hand-painted silk and art-to-wear. Working then in encaustics, I enjoyed the manipulation of hot wax and the building of layers. Simultaneously, I taught (and still teach) classes/workshops on travel journal sketching. And since, I have shown work in metal, paper, acrylics, book arts, mixed media, and more currently, charcoal. The process of exploration, problem solving, and inspiring others to create, is what propels me forward.
The approach with mixed media is experimental. Working freely and unrestrained, I use unusual combinations of materials: acrylics, charcoal, ink, graphite, wax and oil sticks. I like seeing how they meld and mush together in unconventional ways. Using no brushes, I prefer alternative tools found in the studio and manipulating the materials with my hands. The results are compelling and I am moved by the open-ended narrative and interpretation.
I also take a unique approach to charcoal. It’s more of a painting process than sketching. Using broad strokes, the materials is alternately applied, smeared, and removed. With each layer, and movements becoming subtler, the details are honed.
Classes can be found through Linn Benton Community College (LBCC) Benton Center and private workshops. I am also a guest instructor for Portland Urban Sketchers 10x10 program. Being able to foster creativity in students of all drawing abilities is as rewarding as working in my studio. It is about serving my community as well as skill development.
