Welcome to Our Studio Series!
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We are a creative and adventurous family that host a youtube channel, teach art classes and are always looking out for our next great adventure. Denise, Dermot and Aisling are an outdoorsy Irish-Canadian family, camping, travelling and exploring the wild back-country. While Denise is the production (and family) manager- Dermot and his daughter Aisling specialize in teaching classes and making youtube videos. Dermot has been painting for many years and passed along his passion for painting to Aisling where she continued to develop her skills at OCADu majoring in painting and drawing.
At Our Studio Series, students create paintings under expert supervision and enjoy the company and support of fellow artists. Check out the menu for classes, gallery, events and more!
Aisling McKeown
I'm a graduate of the Ontario College of Art & Design with a life long interest in painting in all media, but with a special interest in Encaustics. Dad has been painting for years, oils being his favourite medium and streetscapes his particular forte.
Many evenings, our debates on some topic or other in the world of art take us into the wee hours of the morning. At Our Studio, we hope to share that passion and a few of those ideas with you.
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While our main focus has always been in the visual arts, we are also makers by instinct. I am a jeweller and Dad - well, he makes a lot of sawdust. So don't be surprised if our travels take us off the main highway from time to time as we explore other avenues of artistic expression.
Dermot McKeown
Dermot McKeown began painting in oils on the east coast of Ireland where he grew up. His paintings from that period reflect the subdued tones and atmospheric lighting of the region.
His move to South Africa in 1984 had a profound effect on his painting, prompting him to explore larger formats, stronger contrasts and bolder colours. He also experimented with watercolours and acrylics but since returned to oils as his primary medium.
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He has lived in Canada since 1988. These days the inspiration for most of his work comes from Toronto's bustling streets as well as the serene natural beauty of northern Ontario where he can be found exploring in his kayak with his wife and daughter.