Category: Newsletter

Fruit1T

When the Art Leaves Home

Cheryl
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! 
Tree Painting by Cheryl O

Five Thoughts to Encourage Art Students

Cheryl 3 Comments
Great art is very accessible these days. As a result, most of us know what we like  and what we don’t like. The problem manifests when a person is new into painting. They know what type of art they consider good art, but it’s just not flowing off their brush that way. It’s a dilemma. Here are some thoughts to give encouragement in that moment: 1. Every great artist was a beginner once. They had to learn how to mix colours and how to make the shapes and lines that best express their views in art. Being a beginner is where we all start. Michaelangelo said, “If they knew how hard I worked, they wouldn’t call it genius.”  2. If it was too easy, it would not be fun. We would all sit home and do paint by numbers instead. Embrace a spirit of adventure and enjoy the challenge. 3. As you get certain aspects of painting under the belt, they become intuitive, and painting gradually becomes more personal and rewarding. Be patient. Pianists understand that they can’t sit down and play a complex piece of music without practice. The same applies to painting. 4. Enjoy the fellowships. Artists, even brand new beginning artists, share an attitude that wants to be encouraging, not competitive, with one another. 5. You will learn to love the process – and this will be the key that unlocks the treasures of creativity for you. It’s just plain good for your spirit to get into the creative mode and leave the world behind. In this hectic world, we need a place of refreshing. That is what creativity is to many of us. Those of you who have been painting for awhile, what would you like to say to encourage beginners? Your comments welcome. 
amputee halloween

Awesome Halloween Costumes

Cheryl
I am always amazed at how creative some Halloween Costumes are. Gotta love paralympian Josh Sundquist for his creative one-legged costumes. My favourite is pictured below. Hoping everyone has lots of dress up fun today – and lots of chocolate too of course! To see more about Josh Sundquist, here is a link to a CBC article: “When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Awesome Halloween Costumes“. I recommend watching his video too – scroll down once on the page, to find it. 
Painting - "Ship Shape"

5 a.m. Inspiration

Cheryl 1 Comment
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. 
Painting "Clearing"

The Show Continues…

Cheryl 2 Comments
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. 
Mystery Door

Inspiration

Cheryl
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