Category: Creativity

Thanks for the smile – I do love the creativity of this one! 

There are lots of art courses planned for this fall. Dynamic Landscapes from Your Own Photos, Painting People, and some Drawing Classes as well. Hopefully something for everyone. See all the details here: Local Art Courses with Cheryl O 

In the recent Fruit Flowers & Crystal Class, the students worked step by step through a previous painting of mine that included a crystal bowl. I demonstrated with acrylic on canvas, and used the same palette of oranges and purples. On the last day, I thought I would have some fun and work on top of the acrylic with oil paints. This is a great method for making radical changes to a painting. The oil gives fast coverage for any changes. It also gives the opportunity to more easily add softer less defined edges. Included here is a thumbnail of my original painting, and a larger copy of the oil painting that was done on top. It was a fun and freeing process. 

What an inspiring week this was! We collaborated on so many wonderful still life set ups. Many thanks to Sydney S. for her generous donation of fabulous flowers from her garden! They were spectacular. Can you tell these were happy painters? Very happy 🙂 

I have rented a cottage for a week in September, and hired a live in chef. How about joining in on a week of painting at a beautiful quiet location just south of Bayfield? Check it out here: Cottage Art Retreat 

You can paint step by step through this painting with me on Saturday August 22 at Westmount Branch Library. Details here: Art Courses with Cheryl O 

This is a painting that was done in the recent Wet and Wild class – acrylic collage. It is available from the artist. 

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of painting crystal. In this 5 day course, Cheryl will take you step by step through one of her paintings that includes crystal – it’s easier than you think! And if you love painting flowers, this is the course for you. More information here: Art Courses with Cheryl O 

Art has many benefits. Studies show that an hour wandering an art gallery can reduce the level of hormones that indicate stress. You don’t have to be an art history buff or artist to benefit. When viewing art, your brain automatically goes into a mode that has to do with processing emotions and activating pleasure and reward centers. And those who benefitted the very most? Those who actually made art. Definite benefits for the areas of the brain that have to do with introspection, self-monitoring, and (that biggie we all worry about) memory were found for those who made art. More reasons than ever to consider an art class! Although I don’t mind at all if you come simply because it’s a lot of fun. Here’s the full article at Arts.Mic. And here’s the link to upcoming art courses: Art Courses with Cheryl O