Category: Creativity

The painting below, although a pure abstract, spoke to me of a subject as I worked on it. It seemed to represent some of the attributes of prayer: the speed that prayer moves at, the ripples that prayer causes, and the way that light comes down to embrace it. A Whispered Prayer – original acrylic – 18″ x 24″ – $432. + HST – available from the artist. 

I am often asked if it is difficult to part with my paintings – after all a lot of effort and emotion, including all those years of practice, go into a good painting. Sometimes it is hard to let them go but mostly, after painting as many as I have, some of these babies need to find a new home! At my current art show at the Aeolian Hall, someone approached me to say that they owned one of my large paintings. The fact that it was still well loved was very evident in their face and voice. So lovely for me to hear! I responded, “I’m happy to know that it found a good home.” They answered with a big smile and nod. A different purchaser a while ago told me that the painting that they had bought was in a prominent place in their home, and it had helped them to find peace during a difficult time. It doesn’t get more special than that. I am so grateful to be able to share my joy – what a priviledge! 

The new art courses that will begin in January are now posted! Here’s the link: Art Courses with Cheryl O – and I hope to see you there! Painting: “Lazy Daze” – acrylic by Cheryl O 

“Waiting” Acrylic painting by Cheryl O – currently available at the Aeolian Hall, London, Ontario 

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. 

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. 

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 

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? 

 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. 

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