Pearl Lorentzen
For South Peace News
Twins Kari and Kendra Penner started sketching and painting more seriously around 2018-19, when they moved to Kinuso with their family.
Now at 19, they are exhibiting and selling their art at the Fix Coffee Bar and Bakery on Main Street Slave Lake.
Kari mostly does pencil sketches, including a business sketching newborns from photos. She was inspired by the sketches of her father when he was younger.
Meanwhile, Kendra paints.
“I love acrylic,” says Kendra. “It dries fast.”
Kendra is completely self-taught.
Kari took one online course on drawing, but otherwise has also taught herself.
Kari’s goal is “to try to get hyper-realistic. There’s something about it that is just so cool.”
The pencil sketches of babies on display show she is getting closer to her goal.
Kendra is trying to find her style. She used to do mostly silhouettes, but has started to add a bit more colour. She is working to make her paintings more realistic.
The sales have gone well. Kari received a commission to sketch a newborn, and Kendra has sold some paintings.
Referring to one of her paintings, she says, “A few people were arguing over who can buy it.”
Both sisters like to have their own space when painting or sketching, but also be near the rest of their family so they can visit.