Discover the Artist Within You!
BY DENISE COLE
Have you been wanting to awaken your creative side? So many of us are intimidated to take the leap into trying our hand at art with self-doubt creeping in, we hold ourselves back in our creative endeavors.
But painting and drawing needn’t be just for full-fledged artists! Why not give it a try?
Maybe start with something really small. Using the simplest art supplies (colored pencils… a little watercolor set, or colorful markers), try doing a sketch of things on your table, the butter dish, an orange, a glass of juice… whatever strikes your interest. Keep it fun, easy and simple and enjoy the process! If you want to expand your vistas and get some fresh air, try heading outside. Don’t get hung up about getting the drawing part right, just let yourself have fun with color and shapes!
If you’re ready to take the next step and connect with some instruction and support, we live in an area rich with opportunities to grow your creative self. With art classes in the studio, online through Zoom or painting “plein air” (outside) check out what is offered by your local art community. During the Covid years artists and students have become incredibly resourceful, sharing videos and classes online, meeting up outside and going online with artist groups such as Artists Connect of Edmonds. http://artists-connect.com
With over 100 classes per year, Cole Art Studio (held in the lower level of Cole Gallery in Edmonds) offers classes for the abject beginner to the seasoned artist. By now, we’re all thinking about breathing in some fresh air and fresh vistas, so why not do it with art?
Coming up April 23-24, and then again July 9 – 10, join award winning artist Robin Weiss for Plein Air Painting in Oil or Acrylic workshops.
Students meet at Cole Gallery in the lower-level art studio and then head outdoors to paint Edmonds beaches, gardens and downtown. Learn how to capture the spirit and essence of a landscape by incorporating natural light, color and movement into your painting. Robin is a beloved instructor well known for his rich and colorful paintings of outdoor scenes across the Northwest.
Want to try something fun, easy and expressive? How about oil finger painting? Using water soluble oil paints, Kimberly Adams guides even the most inexperienced students in creating beautiful impressionistic paintings full of color, texture and movement.
April 30 – May 1, join Kimberly at Cole Art Studio for Finger Painting a Waterfall.
If you’d like to try classes in 3D art from clay to glass and many more, check out Schack Art Center in downtown Everett. https://www.schack.org
It takes a bit of courage to try new things, especially when you’re baring your soul through art, but it is so worth it! Art doesn’t need be about the finished product being perfect. Let it be about expressing yourself, having fun and enjoying the process while you discover the artist within you.
Photos Courtesy Cole Art Gallery
