Site icon Katrina Koltes

Oil Pastels & texture

Bears in history

The bear is a powerful animal and symbol and has been around for a centuries in various cultures, myth and lore. I’ve read so many stories that have stirred my imagination! There is even a constellation named after the bear: Ursus Major, The Great Bear. So let’s take a look at the significance it’s had so far throughout history.

“Bear Woman & life dream” – By Susan S. Boulet

In ancient legends, the bear plays the role of guardian, sacred animal, healer, totem, soul-animal, and so much more!

In many Shamanic cultures the bear is an important spirit helper and works closely alongside the Shaman healer. In Norse and Celtic tales and traditions the bear appears as guardians and fierce warriors in battle, just like mother bear protects her cubs. According to Native American beliefs, the bear and wolf are the last true symbols of the primal, natural world, and are associated with the preservation of our environment.


supplies

In this lesson we take oil pastels a little further. I love working with them on smooth surfaces, but sometimes, an interesting background with some texture makes for a beautiful outcome. And it’s a lot of fun too!

Here’s what kind of supplies we’ll be using for this project, but you really use any substrate you want for this piece…

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