amputee halloween

Awesome Halloween Costumes

I am always amazed at how creative some Halloween Costumes are. Gotta love paralympian Josh Sundquist for his creative one-legged costumes. My favourite is pictured below. Hoping everyone has lots of dress up fun today – and lots of chocolate too of course! To see more about Josh Sundquist, here is a link to a CBC article: “When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Awesome Halloween Costumes“. I recommend watching his video too – scroll down once on the page, to find it. 
Painting - "Ship Shape"

5 a.m. Inspiration

Not sure if this ever happens to you… I woke up at 5 a.m. with a painting in my mind. I got up and got the brushes moving. At some point during the day, I did get out of my pyjamas, because I taught an art class from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. that evening. After class, I came home and painted till midnight – and the painting featured here is the result. What do you think of my 5 a.m. inspiration? “Ship Shape” 36″ x 30″ acrylic painting. 
Painting "Clearing"

The Show Continues…

The opening was fun! Thanks to all who came out to cheer us on. Good to see old friends, some who I haven’t seen in quite awhile, and make some new friends too. My painting , “Clearing” featured here, sold and is off to a new home. And congratulations to Richard Sturgeon who sold several of his sculptures. You can still see the show – it is up until November 22. The best way to see it is by taking in one of the wonderful concerts that will be happening at the Aeolian Hall. If you have not yet experience music at the Aeolian, you are missing something wonderful! They feature all types of music, and there will be something that you would enjoy. Book soon, they often sell out. Here is a link to their music schedule: Aeolian Hall Events Page You can also see the art Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The staff is in the office during those times and are happy to let you in to see the art. 
Mystery Door

Inspiration

There are so many things that get the creative side of me going. Travel is so amazing; when you experience a new part of our wonderful world, as an artist you want to express those experiences in colour, shape and form. This is a way to share the delight and amazement you felt. There is nothing like painting from a photo from a trip to put me back into that place and experience it again. I am happy to have several paintings done from the recent trip to Ireland. You can see them, as well as other works, in the art show that opens tomorrow (Wednesday Oct 23) at the Aeolian Hall, corner of Dundas St. and Rectory, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will also be work by sculptor Richard Sturgeon. It was fun to integrate our 2 mediums into one show. Hope you can come! “Mystery Door”, acrylic, by Cheryl O – photo reference W. Noordermeer 
Cahir Castle by Cheryl O

The Joy & the Challenge

It seems to me that anything worth doing is going to have some challenge attached to it. Art is never lacking in challenges, that’s for sure! My current challenge is to make paintings that have a soloist, and then a supporting cast. Specifically, I want one part of the painting to stand out, and the rest to fade away like a softly supporting choir does with a strong vocalist. I’m having fun with this concept, and the painting posted here is an example. What do you think of it? “Cahir Castle”, acrylic, by Cheryl O – and by the way, this painting will be at the art show that opens Wednesday Oct 23 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Aeolian Hall in London. Hope you can make it. As well as my paintings, there will be metal sculpture by artist Richard Sturgeon. Browsers are welcome. 
Tree Painting

In My Dream…

I dreamt that I was outside watching people walk along a path, going up a hill. In my dream, I began to analyze whether, if I were to sketch the scene before me, would it be better with a somewhat higher or somewhat lower horizon? Always an artist. Do you dream about making art? 
Handheld Abstractions by Richard Sturgeon

Art Show! Opening Wednesday Oct 23

 I am excited to announce this 2 person show featuring Sculptor Richard Sturgeon, as well as my paintings. Here are the details: Where: Aeolian Hall, 795 Dundas St. E. (at Dundas & Rectory) When: Opening Oct 23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Who Is Showing: sculptor Richard Sturgeon, and painter Cheryl O Who Is Coming: Art Lovers – hopefully you! Browsers are welcome. 
HarrisUntitled300

One Day Painting Workshop – Lawren Harris

Saturday Oct 19 there will be a one day painting workshop held at Westmount Library. These fun days are like a mini art retreat. Bring a bag lunch or plan to go to a nearby restaurant for the lunch hour. We will work step by step through the Lawren Harris painting featured here. It’s an easy format for beginners to step into, the reference and line work is provided. Intermediate painters will also benefit from colour mixing tips and other techniques demonstrated. Bring your own art supplies, and plan to work 16″ x 20″. How to register is found here: Art Courses with Cheryl O 
Ireland-sheep

Ireland

Just back from 3 weeks in Ireland! What a magical green – oh so green! – land. As well as emerald green, the hillsides were purple and yellow with lovely tiny alpine flowers. And every hill and meadow had its sprinkling of sheep. Here is one of the watercolour sketches that I painted while away. And of course there are many more photos that I hope to paint from.