Oil Painting Foundations: Guided Practice Workshops

Join us on March 4th for a beginner-friendly oil painting workshop, that blends foundational teaching with hands-on practice. This session will include a short demonstration on core oil techniques—color mixing, brushwork, layering— and self-directed time to explore oil painting. The goal is to build confidence through hands-on practice while receiving personalized support in a relaxed, creative environment. Each participant will paint on their own canvas; they can take their artwork home at the end of the session. This workshop is open to all women and gender-diverse folks 18 or older. Materials will be provided. Registration is limited.

About the Artist

Chidera Uzoka is a 23-year-old digital painter and independent artist based in Calgary, where she runs Dera Art Studio, selling prints and collaborating with clients. Chidera’s artistry spans diverse projects, including album covers, children’s books, and custom works, with clients across the USA, UK, and Canada. Her exceptional talent has earned her multiple awards from the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC) and features in prestigious publications like Black Art Magazine and Mount Royal University’s Alumni Magazine.

Her passion for education and community engagement is reflected in teaching a comprehensive oil painting class for children with the TMT Foundation and digital painting workshops for the Alcove Center for the Arts. Chidera has also been invited to present and display her art at high?profile events, including the Government of Alberta’s Black History Month celebration, the Calgary Black Chambers’ Black History Month event, and within the Canadian Food Services office.

As a designer, she has contributed to major institutions in Alberta, including creating the rebrand for the Mount Royal University Conservatory and designing the annual Crowchild Classic logo and marketing materials for both MRU and the University of Calgary. Through Dera Art Studio, Chidera combines a painterly approach with digital techniques, bridging the gap between modern and traditional art forms. She aspires to encourage creativity and growth in others, sharing her passion for storytelling and the transformative power of art.

Chidera’s practice shifts between oil painting and digital art, enabling her to create works that retain the depth of traditional oil painting while incorporating modern techniques. Her art explores themes of identity, culture, and faith, centring on the beauty and strength of Black narratives. The name Chidera, meaning “what God has written,” serves as the foundation of her vision. Each piece reflects her belief that all people are created in the image of God and are part of a greater story. Through her art, Chidera aims to inspire others to create, grow, and see beauty in the stories of those around them.

Her paintings are a celebration of human experience, and they invite viewers to reflect on their own journeys and to recognize the divine spark within themselves and others.

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