Oil & Water

Two seasoned painters (and advertising pros) reunite for an epic clash of the mediums! Armed with slow-drying oils, one painter creates meticulous, layered masterpieces that scream, “I have all the time in the world.” Meanwhile, his partner in crime is all about the fast-paced life of acrylics, where bold strokes, quick decisions, and a dash of chaos dominate the canvas. Meet Joe Bednarski and Phil Gayter; they’ve spent years sparring over which paint reigns supreme and are ready to throw down the Winsor & Newtons.

Experience a one-of-a-kind live painting showdown where oil and acrylic mediums collide in a dynamic, fast-paced art battle filled with humor, storytelling, and a splash of creative rivalry. Perfect for art lovers and anyone who enjoys improv and entertainment!

You have never seen anything like this before … it’s like watching paint dry—except this time, it’s exhilarating, unpredictable, and anything but dull!

What to Expect: A dynamic live painting demo where Joe (oil) and Phil (acrylic) reveal the secrets of their art journeys, shared advertising past, globe-trotting escapades, all while they throw verbal daubings at each other.

• An hour and a half of insight and merriment
• Live painting session
• Q&A
• A side by side exploration of their artistic differences

Joe Bednarski

My art is like if Wes Anderson and Salvador Dalí had a fever dream while binge-watching obscure documentaries. From random chickens that look like they’re about to drop their own mixtape to portraits of people who are either deep in existential crisis or just bored out of their minds, my art screams, “I paint things that are too cool for you to understand.”

Phil Gayter
I have painted forever, from growing up in Manchester, England, through my years of creative, corporate problem-solving in London and Chicago. I have taught painting, explored, shown, and sold paintings, but ultimately, I live for painting. I have works hanging in private collections worldwide and three very special pieces hanging in the hallways of Sinai Hospital in Chicago. I aim to dispel rumors that painting with acrylics is like pulling teeth.

Host or Publisher The Art Center Highland Park