Steve and Dana Workshop

Ian_Adkins

@tel He doesn't seem to have a reason, other than fulfilling his father's wishes after 25 years to succeed him. He's back to painting (Bob always claimed Steve was better than him) and sharing the "joy" of it with others. It also feels like an act of defiance against BRI. Dana never went anywhere and has been painting the whole while, in a number of different genres, but doesn't have a high profile without Steve. I'm sure they're emboldened by booing and jeering BRI earned with the documentary, exposing their ruthlessness and litigiousness.

Ian_Adkins

@ironchefmitty If you do get any anecdotes, do share! Also would be interested to hear your impressions of Steve and Dana.

ironchefmitty

Ian_Adkins What sort of anecdotes are you looking for?

Also initial impressions were favorable. Both were down to earth and personable, and gave plenty of individual instruction, especially in a class of 40-50. Dana literally carried bad dad jokes in his pocket, and Steve was fun to converse with.

lightsnow

If anyone here ends up going, I'd love to hear about it. I emailed Steve and Dana before covid began, about their Indiana workshop that was to take place in spring 2020. I was considering making the drive from Quebec, Canada. They said they would keep me posted if ever they set up a workshop on the east coast.

Lilikins

According to their Facebook workshop they are only only doing workshops in Indiana and they don’t have plans for other locations. But who knows what the future holds? I’d love to go to one someday but I’ve never worked with oils so I should probably wait until after I try that out first and get proper supplies.

Ian_Adkins

Lilikins They did a number of workshops in Colorado but when the pandemic hit, they limited their location to just Winchester, IN.

Sunnylady

Lilikins I think you first need to go and try oil with someone experienced like Steve/Dana/Kevin Hill. They usually provide materials. I don't know what they will charge, but i think in-person class the best to try new media and tools. It will give better understanding if you want to try more or ready to buy it and does not oblige for 300 USD investment in good oil paints with all bells and whistles.

wybnormal

My very first BR painting was done with harbor freight .99 brushes and a pack from Michaels. I also used Blick's house brand student paint with "canvas" paper. It got the job done well enough to convince me to invest more. and more.. and more 😃

wolver4x4

ironchefmitty
when and where are they holding these workshops?

ironchefmitty

wolver4x4 The when was just this past weekend. The where is Winchester, Indiana. It seems like Steve and Dana want to continue holding them in that area. I think they are speculating that the next weekend of workshops will be in April sometime.

Ian_Adkins

@ironchefmitty Oh, I just thought perhaps they had recollections they shared. Someone on Dana's IG mentioned reminisces were had at the workshop he attended.

Though it is good to hear impressions of them personally as well! They seem like people I would enjoy personally.

ironchefmitty

Ian_Adkins It was sort of a somber day for Steve as it was his dad’s birthday, though he did share some amusing Bob stories involving marijuana. Dana was a hoot! Dude literally was carrying around bad dad jokes in his pocket.

Ian_Adkins

@ironchefmitty So the hippies are right, Bob was one of them! The perm and gold medallion might have given it away, though. And to think he was an Air Force master sergeant and drill sergeant!

Yes, I had forgotten it was Bob's birthday. I always remember it as the third day after St. Alfred's Day. Somber, indeed.

ironchefmitty

Ian_Adkins Haha. I’d say he was more of a Willie Nelson, but hippie definitely isn’t inaccurate.

What really impressed me about Steve was at least as far as outward appearances go he wasn’t outright bitter towards BRI. He had people literally throwing money at him “for the cause” and he politely declined, and briefly talked about a settlement between him and them.

Dana was friendly as could be and was a phenomenal instructor. A dude I would legitimately have gone to get a beer with after class if I didn’t have to drive home afterwards.

Ian_Adkins

@ironchefmitty That is delightful. I'm happy for your having had that experience. 😁