Category: Newsletter

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Even the Greats

Cheryl
I never tire of the excitement of new art classes starting – and they start this coming Tuesday! In the beginners classes, I truly admire those adults who are taking a deep breath and following their dream by starting into painting. Perhaps it is encouraging to realize that you are not alone in feeling shy. And be reassured, as well as learning, the goal is to have fun! My job is to be practical – give you all the info you need to get painting – and cheer you on in the journey. You can learn to paint, no previous art experience necessary. Just come wanting to have some fun and learn some new things, and you will do just fine. Welcome, new painters, to a great adventure! 
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Crystal

Cheryl
Painting crystal is something that tends to impress a viewer – and intimidate a new painter. So here’s a secret – it’s not as hard as you think. When you have transparent glass in front of you, there are really just one of two main things that you are seeing – either the light making a sparkle or shine on the glass, or whatever is behind the glass that you see through it. Once you think of glass that way, it’s much simpler. So if you are interested in the upcoming Fruit Flower and Crystal class but feeling shy to join, I would like to encourage you to give it a try. It’s actually a lot of fun! Each class will feature several different collaborative set ups which means lots of variety and still lifes that will please any level of painter, those with experience as well as those newer into art. And flower lovers – this is the class for you too! Check out the details and register here: Local Art Classes with Cheryl O (scroll down when on the page.) 
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Chaos and Organization

Cheryl
I live this odd imbalance between creative chaos and organization. Granted, these characteristics don’t usually reside together on the same day. I may have several creative chaos days in a row, but then the need to organize kicks in, and the paints get put back into their proper place – sometimes very briefly. It’s a little like waves on the beach – you know they are going to surge forward again. I would say that creative chaos is my most common painting mode these days. Letting go of expectations, even of subjects, I get the canvas covered with colour and see what might arrive. One time sunflowers came to be on the canvas, another time it was horses, ancient ruins a few times, and most recently a rabbit appeared. I am welcoming to most subjects that want to visit my canvas, with the notable exception of spiders. What about you – does your creative mode have a chaotic or organizational emphasis? 
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Art is Everywhere

Cheryl 1 Comment
Once you are into visual art, the world will never look the same. It’s never boring! Sitting waiting for an appointment, you notice the negative space shapes between the leaves of that large plant. At the lake, you find yourself studying the patterns of sparkles on waves, or dappled sunlight on a path. You pick up a colourful stone, and want to use those colours in your next painting. Everywhere there are colours and shapes to inspire and make you want to get out that paint brush. Happy painting this weekend! (And thanks for the quote, ArtProMotivate.com)  
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The Greatest

Cheryl
  “Some of the greatest works of art and the most important works of peace were created by people who had no need for the limelight. They knew that what they were doing was their call, and they did it with great patience, perseverance, and love.” Henri Nouwen