Category: Creativity

The art is up – and looks fabulous! The opening on Saturday was really fun – lots of people came out to cheer us on and enjoy the art. Your enthusiasm was appreciated! The show continues at Westmount Branch Libary, Wonderland Rd S, London until June 29th during library hours. This means that you still have a chance to come and see the paintings from this year’s students. Below is just a wee sample of some of the 31 paintings there. Please do take a moment to sign the guest book if you go, and you can even tell us which is your favourite painting. There is an artist contact sheet available on the table in the hall. If you are interested in purchasing any of the art, please contact the artist directly.   

What makes your imagination light up? If it’s nature – here are some thoughts to help you push your limits. Perhaps you could paint the wind or capture the warmth of the sun in your art. Consider the motion of the stars. Here’s the challenge: give yourself a single theme that will resonate with every brush stroke. If nature is not your area, then choose a single attribute  such as sorrow, joy, weariness or strength to be the spark for your creating. So much to imagine – so much to paint! Acrylic painting “Wind in the Hills” by Cheryl O 

You are invited to Cheryl O & Students Art Show – the opening is this Saturday June 1st from 2:30 to 4 pm – everyone welcome! The show is at Westmount Branch Library on Wonderland Rd. S. and continues until June 28 during library hours. Lots of wonderful paintings to enjoy! Come and cheer the artists on this Saturday. 

What makes good art could be debated from now till the cows start painting. However, I think it’s fair to say that – great art comes from what touches your soul. When you can render art about what moves you in such a way that it also touches someone else – that’s good art.  This journey of art begins by putting the brush time in and struggling to express the subject in the unique way we really feel about it. When the gems finally start forming in the way you had hoped, it’s such a lovely affirmation to find out that others may love it too. It’s not necessarily easy to get there, but so worth the effort. Paint on! 

 

I have been aware for quite some time that I am an even split between extrovert and introvert. What that means in my life is, I really need some times with other people, and I also really need other times that I am alone. Both are very important to me. Most people have a tendency to be just one or the other. What I have only become aware of recently is, research into creativity reveals that highly creative people tend to have this kind of unusual split with the introvert/extrovert personality. I find that encouraging! It works well in my profession too. I love my teaching time and get lots of energy from sharing art techniques with students. I equally love my alone time, which is when I do my best painting. If creativity and personality traits is a topic of interest to you, here’s a link to an article: “After the Show – The Many Faces of The Performer”  by Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD. Although this article focuses on actors and musicians, certainly much of it applies to visual artists too.  

Watch out for these items that can get in the way of you painting: 1. Negative attitude. That could be your own or others. Just say ‘no’ to negative attitudes. You can learn how to paint! 2. Procrastination. Some of us are really good at this. Watch out for it, get out the brush, and simply put off procrastinating. 3. Fear of the white canvas or paper. This is art – not brain surgery. Worse case scenario, you have a learning experience instead of making a masterpiece. Hey! That’s totally o.k. – very good, even. 4. You are under stress. Yup, we have all been there – too often. And, those are the times you most need to be painting. Remember, painting easily becomes your refreshing time, giving you the strength to go back and face whatever is stressing you out. So much more satisfying than running in circles holding your head. 5. Now I’ll get personal – too much time spent on the computer. Ouch. I am so guilty. Hoping that confessing this will help me fight against it. And therefore… this list ends here. Happy painting! 

Now is the time to think about signing up for a creative and relaxing art retreat at beautiful Brentwood on the Beach. Located just north of Grand Bend, as well as art instruction and painting time, Brentwood has a private beach, indoor salt water pool, sauna, and wonderful food. Your accommodation fee is based on which room you choose, and includes meals. Registrations are coming in now – register soon to get the room of your choice. The art fee is paid directly to Cheryl. Here’s the link for all the information: Lakeside Painting Retreat with Cheryl O This year it will be Sunday afternoon through Tuesday – June 16 to 18. I hope you may treat yourself to this delightful get away! 

When I got a phone call about painting a door for Habitat for Humanity, it just sounded like too fun a project to resist. And, it’s a really good cause too. Quite a few local artists are each painting one, and they will be auctioned off as a fund raiser in a couple of months. I’ll make sure to post all the details about when and where that will be when I have them. Meanwhile, I’ve been told that they will be on display at For the Love of Art on Saturday June 8th, so you can check them out there. Dundas street will be blocked to traffic from Wellington to Talbot for this art event. I’ll also be there with some of my paintings. Here’s my door – it sure was a fun challenge! 

I’ve been having lots of fun connecting with folks on various social media sites, and having them check out my website. I hope each one senses that I love what I do – both teaching painting to adults, and birthing my own art. So, if you are new to this website – a big WELCOME! You have the opportunity to connect further by signing up for my art emails and/or blog post notifications. The notification sign up is on this home page, and to sign up for art emails – photos of my latest paintings and art course info – go here: Connect with Cheryl O  I never sell or share these email addresses, and each email has an easy unsubscribe button if you ever don’t want it anymore. I hope you will enjoy being in touch!