World famous French Canadian Master artist Marcel Desbiens came to Port Douglas last week and hosted a four day oil painting workshop with members of the Arthouse.

Marcel has been exhibiting his work in France, Canada, Japan and Australia since 1975.   He is a specialist in oils and a packed community centre ante-room with about 20 students enjoyed both his artistic talent and his ability to pass on his genius to a mixed abilities workshop.

Marcel says, "The goal of learning to paint can be attained by anyone who is willing to pursue it. It is as accessible as learning to write. If you can draw a stick figure, than you can learn how to paint."

Acclaimed local water colour artist Gail Shaw attended the 'oils' workshop to push herself within an unfamiliar new media.  When we asked Gail how she was enjoying the sessions, she joked "I'm way outside my comfort zone but I guess that's the way we all learn....It's exciting". 

Cheryl Welham from Exemplar Transport, another passionate art student was enthusiastic with her reply to our question about what she had learned, "Marcel is such a superb teacher, he has crammed about 10 weeks work into just 4 days, and you can see the wonderful results, it's been full on!"  

Another student remarked, "We have all achieved more than any of us thought possible". 

Cheryl summed up the workshop, "The techniques Marcel has shown us are amazing and I know some of the others have produced some incredible artworks and it's been done in just 4 days".

The local business community assisted in bringing Marcel to Port Douglas including Lattitude 16 who kindly provided him with his accommodation.

Marcel Marcel offers genuine and authentic high level instruction, for both the fun-loving and the very dedicated art minded. All his programs are designed to give a strong foundation of artistic ability, to prepare for a professional career or a lifetime of enjoyment as a skilled amateur.

Editors Comments: I only popped in on Sunday arvo to see how everyone was getting along, and the intensity of concentration and enthusiasm was astounding.  Let's hope that Marcel spreads the word and he and many more master artists come and encourage our artistic talent to even greater achievements.  I agree with Gail Shaw, very exciting!