Category: Creativity

Thought it would be fun to post some autumn paintings. This one was done with paint pouring on top of a pre-textured background. Sold – private collection. 

Oh my, it’s been busy! I am not being as good as usual about getting new blog posts up. So – I’m going to go back to planning on a Tuesday and Thursday blog for most weeks, for those of you who like to check in here regularly. Meanwhile, here’s a link to an interesting article called “10 Creative Rituals You Should Steal.” It’s an article directed at writers, but you can replace the word ‘write’ with ‘paint’ and it still makes sense. I kind of doubt that more than a couple would be valuable to any one individual. However, the list is unusual and definitely worth a read. If you only pick up one or two tips to apply to your life, it will have been well worthwhile. Thanks 99U ! 

It was lovely to reconnect with fellow artists, and make some new friends too, at Eldon House this past Saturday. Lots of interest in art classes as well! 

Here are the happy painters from the recent Cottage Art Retreat. It was simply wonderful. Picture perfect weather meant we could paint in the yard under the trees. Wonderful meals provided by the fabulous Chrissy of “Chrissy B’s Cakes & Catering”. I think you will agree that some terrific painting happened…   

You can’t keep a happy artist down. Thanks Lorie Ransom from thedailydrawing.com    

Lots of art courses are starting this coming week! Check out the line up here: Art Courses with Cheryl O Hope you can come! Painting: Mist by Cheryl O 

“How we think our art and writing should look, and what actually happens is often out of our control. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be something as good or better than we planned. If we are attached to the vision of what it MUST look like, we are robbing ourselves of the pleasure that can come from going with the flow… and accepting it for the wonder of what it is.” Check out the full article here: The Blog from Jill Badonsky 

Currently there is room on either Tuesday mornings or Thursday afternoons for you to join the “Painting People” in-studio course that starts the week of Sept 22. All the details are here: Art Courses with Cheryl O Painting: “Young Dancer” – acrylic 30″ x 30″, collection of the artist. 

I’ve been thinking more about the article that is the previous blog post – “Tips to Find Your Flow”. Especially the decluttering of the mind part. Lately, I’ve been more intentional about being in the moment. When alone, which is often when I go for a walk, I sense the breeze and the sun on my skin and am glad to be alive. When with friends and family, I am more aware of how much I enjoy their presence. I was aware of these things before, but now I am treasuring them. Savouring them -yes! That’s the best word. The result? The joy meter is gradually rising. One day at a time, one moment at a time, an uncluttered mind can find so many reasons to be thankful. 

Here’s an article for those who want to be more creative – thanks to Christine L. Carter in Psychology Today. Three Tips to Find Your Flow