Category: Newsletter

Cahir Castle by Cheryl O

The Joy & the Challenge

Cheryl
It seems to me that anything worth doing is going to have some challenge attached to it. Art is never lacking in challenges, that’s for sure! My current challenge is to make paintings that have a soloist, and then a supporting cast. Specifically, I want one part of the painting to stand out, and the rest to fade away like a softly supporting choir does with a strong vocalist. I’m having fun with this concept, and the painting posted here is an example. What do you think of it? “Cahir Castle”, acrylic, by Cheryl O – and by the way, this painting will be at the art show that opens Wednesday Oct 23 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Aeolian Hall in London. Hope you can make it. As well as my paintings, there will be metal sculpture by artist Richard Sturgeon. Browsers are welcome. 
Tree Painting

In My Dream…

Cheryl 2 Comments
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? 
Handheld Abstractions by Richard Sturgeon

Art Show! Opening Wednesday Oct 23

Cheryl
 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. 
HarrisUntitled300

One Day Painting Workshop – Lawren Harris

Cheryl
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 
Ireland-sheep

Ireland

Cheryl
Just back from 3 weeks in Ireland! What a magical green – oh so green! – land. As well as emerald green, the hillsides were purple and yellow with lovely tiny alpine flowers. And every hill and meadow had its sprinkling of sheep. Here is one of the watercolour sketches that I painted while away. And of course there are many more photos that I hope to paint from. 
Tree Painting

Go For the Bold

Cheryl
  “Playing it safe can be the riskiest choice we ever make.” Sarah Ban Breathnoch It’s that bold stroke, that unusual technique that you would never have found if you hadn’t dared to take chances, that can make the difference between a nice painting and a fabulous one. Sure, there will be the ugly ducklings – but that very special painting may be waiting just the other side of boldness too. Give yourself permission to try something new and daring with your painting. One good way to do this could be to sign up for the upcoming John Lovett painting course. Lots of new ideas and approaches there! 
Painting of Boat

You Really Can

Cheryl
  “If you don’t begin, you will never know how much fun you could have had. You can learn to paint!” Cheryl O Do you have a creative spirit that is longing to be expressed? New painting classes are starting October 1st, and true beginners are welcome! Come have some fun with paint – you will find the atmosphere relaxed, encouraging, and helpful in lots of practical ways. After teaching for 15 years, I know that you can learn to paint, even if you are not sure of that yourself. Both afternoon and evening classes are available. Check out the line up here – scroll down once you are on the page: Art Courses with Cheryl O   
Oil Painting of Apple Blossoms

Fear Factor

Cheryl
Being human, we have a lot of things in common. Most humans are afraid of something. Take artists for example. We share some of the common phobia like spiders and heights – but some artists also have fears of things like blank canvas, writer’s block, or stage fright. I wonder what the roots of this are? Perhaps its the fear that we will have nothing worth saying with our art. Or the fear that no one will want to hear what we have to say if we say it. Or worse, that only negative reactions will result from our art. I suggest that the cure relates back to the first sentence – that being, we have a lot in common. Yes, we are each wonderfully unique and yet if you work at your creative art, if you study and practice and find your voice, chances are big that what you have to say is going to resonate deeply with some of those that you share it with. Everyone? Rarely. Lots of people? I believe so. Don’t let the fear win. You have something to say. (Oil painting “Apple Blossoms” by Cheryl O)