Category: Creativity

Art is such an odd mix of moments of comfort and moments of being stretched. To the artist, these dynamics seem to flash back and forth in a reality that doesn’t stand still. As the artist gets more techniques under the belt, there is certainly a level of comfort. For example: it’s great to know 2 specific pigments and all their mixtures so well that they feel like old friends to work worth. But the creative spirit won’t rest there. There are endless colour combinations, and endless new techniques to try. So out of the comfort zone and into adventure we go again. Paint on! 

Pleased to be part of the Square Foot show at Westland Gallery in Wortley Village. The show starts today (July 9) until August 3. The opening reception is Friday July 12 at 7:30 p.m.  Lots of art to see! My painting “Flights of Fancy” will be there. 

Nearly everyone has something tough to deal with. Life does that. We need a place to go where we can be refreshed and come back with renewed energy and hope. I know I’m not alone when I say that my God-given place of refreshing is in my art. When I take time out to paint, yes, it’s pleasure, and at times work, and sometimes – it’s just plain survival. Taking creative time enhances my ability to deal in a positive manner with whatever challenges are currently waiting on my doorstep. J.R.R. Tolkien seemed to get it. When someone challenged him for spending so much time creating fantasy worlds, he responded, “Why should it not be the escape of the prisoner, rather than the flight of the deserter?” Why not, indeed. (Acrylic painting by Cheryl O) 

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what the word ‘abstract’ means when it comes to painting. Here’s how I like to understand it. On the one end of a scale is realism. You are looking at the painting and really not sure if it might be a photograph. On the other end is pure abstract, also called nonrepresentational – colours, shapes, lines, but no recognisable subject in the painting. Now here’s the key: inbetween those 2 extremes are a whole lot of painting styles that are not realistic, but do still have a recognisable subject. These are generally known as, for example, abstract landscapes, or abstract florals – or any other subject that is being more freely interpreted. This is a large general group. Like many things about art, there is no right or wrong about which types of art you enjoy and which you don’t. Fact is there are some terrific realistic paintings, and awful realistic paintings. There are some terrific abstract paintings, and some awful abstract paintings. It is the skill of the artist that matters, and not the classification of the style of art. 

As anticipated, the Brentwood Lakeside Painting Retreat was a wonderful time. The weather was gorgeous, and we were a happy group of painters indeed! Here are a few photos for you to enjoy. The wonderful gardens were inspiration for painting, as were the beautiful sunsets. Next opportunity for you to join us will be June 2014. Hope to see you there!      Painting by Judy Mennill  Painting by Brenda Scholten     

Great list – because “feeling inspired can be tough at times.” ArtProMotivate – 20 Art Inspiration Ideas for Creativity. And by the way, ArtProMotivate has a lot of great articles, so you may want to sign up while you are there. 

I am happy to be a guest instructor for a one day art course at the Grand Bend Art Centre. The date is Saturday July 13 and the theme will be landscape painting. Beginners through more advance painters are welcome and students may work through a couple of Cheryl’s paintings, or may choose to bring their own landscape photos to paint from. Here is the link for more information. It’s a great opportunity for my friends and students who may have a cottage is that area – hope to see you there! Landscape Painting with Cheryl O at the Grand Bend Art Centre 

I had been waiting for this. I watched a lot of my friends doing all kinds of things on their fancy phones, looked at the screen and thought, ” too small”. Then I watched people with their ipads, and although it looked very good, I thought, “too big”. Then the ipad mini came out – and I went for it! And yes, I like it. So, the reason I am telling you this is to let you folks who have these gadgets know about a fun art ap. It is called “Color Uncovered”, and you can find it in the ap store. It’s free, fun, interactive and educational. I think you will enjoy it, and learn some new things about colour too. What about you? Any art related aps to recommend now that I’ve joined the modern era?