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Famous Painting: Previous Winners

Cheryl
Here are our previous contest winners. Click on any thumbnail to see the entire painting! Artist: Salvador DaliPainting: Persistence of MemoryClose Date: June 30, 2012Winner: Kathie Wright Artist: Gustav KlimtPainting: The KissClose Date: May 31, 2012Winner: Cheryl Cashman Artist: Johannes VermeerPainting: Girl with a Pearl EarringClose Date: April 30, 2012Winner: Connie Mabb Artist: Lawren HarrisPainting: From the North Shore Lake SuperiorClose Date: Mar 31, 2012Winner: Lynne Tomlinson Artist: Claude MonetPainting: Woman with Parasol/La Promenade/Madam Monet & SonClose Date: Feb 29, 2012Winner: Scott Smith Artist: Vincent van GoghPainting: Starry NightClose Date: Jan 31, 2012Winner: Linda Summers Posey Artist: Edgar DegasPainting: The Dance Class (La Classe de Danse)Close Date: Dec 31, 2011Winner: Alexis Chadwick  
Dorothy MacFarlane

Dorothy Macfarlane

cherylo1-ca
How long have you been painting? I took some high school courses in painting and then did not have an opportunity to take it up again until after I retired from elementary school teaching. I have enjoyed taking art classes from Cheryl for the last four years. Why did you first want to learn to paint? I knew that I enjoyed being creative with visual elements such as flower arranging. I also appreciated the work of many artists, so I wanted to venture out and try it myself. What type of paint do you like to work in? Usually the project dictates the type of paint. I work in tube acrylics to create impasto effects and liquid acrylics for special effects such as pouring backgrounds and glazing. I paint portraits with water mixable oils. Do you have a favourite subject? I enjoy painting people, places and flowers that are meaningful to me or my family. What inspires you to be creative? I am inspired by shapes in nature, memories and ideas such as family love. Do you have any favourite artists? Some of my favourite artists are Robert Bateman, van Gogh, Renoir and many of the Group of Seven painters. How does painting affect your life? Time spent painting enables me to forget other stresses in my life. Painting also gives me a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. But I must give myself permission to be a learner on an artistic adventure! Painting by Dorothy Macfarlane  
CarolP230

Carol Prusak

Cheryl
How long have you been painting? Painting has been a part of my life on and off since childhood. It only has taken a major role since 2005 when I began classes with Cheryl. Why did you first want to learn to paint? I have always been creative with things like knitting and sewing, but find that painting gives a more immediate result and satisfaction. I tried decorative painting but found it too rigid. What type of paint do you like to work in? Acrylics for the versatility. I also like to play with acrylic mediums. Do you have a favourite subject? Right now I’m painting a lot of trees. What inspires you to be creative? Colour and texture in painting are very important to me. Often the subject matter is secondary. Do you have any favourite artists? I have always been attracted to Monet, van Gogh, and Group of Seven paintings; and more recently the work of Stephen Quiller. How does painting affect your life? Painting is a gift to myself. It nurtures me in a good way and helps to balance me. It makes me feel whole.     Paintings by Carol Prusak  
JudyS1

Judy Stirling

Cheryl
How long have you been painting? I have been painting for 4 years, since I began lessons with Cheryl. I have been taking lessons consistently since that time as taking lessons keeps me painting. Why did you first want to learn to paint? I began to paint as I was looking for a new hobby while I was recovering from surgery. I knew I wasn’t able to maintain my regular more active hobbies so painting seemed a good choice. What type of paint do you like to work in? My favourite medium is oil. In addition to the thick and luscious texture and the depth of colour, I love the flow of oil from the brush. Having said that, I also enjoy watermedia, particularly the wet-in-wet style as I love to watch the explosion of colour as the paint explores the canvas. Do you have a favourite subject? I like most subjects as long as there is depth of colour. I particularly enjoy close-ups of fruit and flowers. In painting these subjects, I am encouraged to really see them and appreciate the beauty that usually eludes me. What inspires you to be creative? I am inspired by colour. I am also inspired by being surprised when I see everyday objects from a totally new perspective, as if I am seeing them for the very first time. Do you have any favourite artists? Barbara Rainforth is my favourite artist. I love her use of colour. How does painting affect your life? Painting increases my mindfulness. When I am painting, I don’t fret over the past or worry about the future. Painting puts me in the ‘here and now’. It’s wonderful therapy.     Paintings by Judy Stirling  
CarolM

Carol Meredith

Cheryl
How long have you been painting? I have had a life long affection for all things creative. My father was an excellent oil painter in his retirement and he provided lots of inspiration and encouragement. I started ‘seriously’ taking painting lessons after a chance conversation, about 6 years ago, with artist Barbara McKnight. As she painted in Bayfield at the Sail and Canvas Festival, she shared her own artistic journey with me and I jumped in. I started taking classes with Cheryl O about 5 years ago. What type of paint do you like to work in? I have tried various media but always come back to my favourite … watercolours! I love the challenge of a media that offers such a narrow opportunity for correction but promises such lovely reward it you ‘think it through’. Also I love the magical things that happen when beautiful colours are dropped onto wet paper. What inspires you to be creative? Whether it is watching a painting demonstration or just admiring the work of others, I find I can’t wait to get my brushes out and begin! How does painting affect your life? Author Martha Beck wrote about creativity and compared it to yoga. She said yoga makes your body flexible and responsive so it can adapt to any stress. Painting is the psychological equivalent for the soul … painting stretches and strengthens! I love that hours can pass when you are painting and it feels like mere minutes. Another lovely benefit is that you meet the most delightful and interesting people in classes and art groups. (Gallery Painting Group, and Brush & Palette Club.) After a week together this summer at Cheryl’s Wet & Wild Class, four of us continue to get together for lunch and to art talk. Carol can be contacted at: [email protected]     Paintings by Carol Meredith