Every year our studio holds a fund-raising auction, Art Gems. We’re all asked to submit a painting which is then sold at the auction. But this year, the Gems Committee decided to do things differently. Our studio assistant, Marlena, invited some of us artists to submit paintings. She said a jury would then decide which pieces should be entered into the auction, based on our technical skills, creativity,...
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One Tuesday last winter, I went to the studio. On Tuesday afternoons, members of the studio are scheduled to have photography lessons. Sean, our photography instructor, was waiting for us. He usually takes us on walks in the neighbourhood and points out items of interest. He also teaches us to see with ‘fresh’ eyes. Instead of taking pictures the standard way, i.e., holding the camera horizontally,...
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For one of our projects at the studio, we were instructed to pair up, take a photo of one another, then paint a portrait of our partners in a monochromatic colour scheme. Pierre and I picked each other for this project. I photographed him. Then I began the job of painting. I chose brown for my colour. At the studio, we start with a check-in. We go around the circle and tell each other how we’re...
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Our studio launched its annual art show yesterday. So it makes sense to me that I write about the origin of my two contributions to the show. The theme of this exhibit is Toronto Treasures. Are there things, places or characteristics about Toronto that have a special meaning for you? Paint that, I was instructed. Toronto’s Wild Rose Gardens “…for the roses Had the look of flowers that are looked...
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I listened intently. He was tall and handsome—in a rugged sort of way. With his dark moustache and brown cowboy hat, he cut quite a striking figure. “They dried me out from drugs,” Ronson says as he adds some brush strokes to a vibrant landscape painting. Then he pauses and corrects himself. “Well, actually I dried myself out.” My friend, Michelle, and I were at the Staircase Cafe Theatre...
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When I joined Creative Works Studio in 2009, they were preparing to launch their next art exhibit. The theme of the show was, “Breaking down the Walls.” Immediately I thought of the walls in the mental health system. I knew exactly what I wanted to draw. I had finished my sketch for the painting. Meanwhile, Isabel, the occupational therapist at the studio, was walking around and observing...
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