Painting is Fun. There are lots of ways to create a painting. 
And a lot of ways to unleash creativity.
This artist used pushpins to create portraits. Eric Daigh has taken painting by numbers to an extreme. He won $50,000 for his entry of his portraits in an Ohio art show.
I’ve had fun teaching painting seminars to all age groups : from kids 2 - retirees over 84. Ironically, the very young and the very old are the best painters. Not just because they have more fun, but because they value their creativity more than what others will think.
20" x 32" Watercolor by Jessica Deltac
My teaching philosophy in regards to painting, is simple. Simple as Magic. All painting techniques and mastery of the supplies can be viewed as a variety of tricks. I will show you some tricks and you try them until you find ones that you feel competent and happy.
Certain tricks appeal to people more than others. This week I will focus on teaching how to use colors and shapes to make an object like an apple stand out. 
An apple doesn’t need to be red or green, it can be purple or yellow – and somehow everyone will know it is still an apple. This is Painting that Pops. I will start with a bit of a color wheel explanation before I unleash the inner artists. I will need a bit of help from parents to help prep the art stations.
Adults are welcome to join in.
Jalpari - Hindu Mermaid
For those who prefer to start with strong lines or outline their work for more Pop, I plan to bring some Madhubani print outs for kids to inspire. If you would prefer, you can use crayons or markers or paint on Madhubani copies.
Madhubani Paintings of India saved a community from starving during a drought. The town name means “Forest of Honey,” and yet the drought in the late 1950’s prevented the earth from providing. Originally these paintings were done through out the year on walls with root pigments and cow dung. But during the drought, these women were encouraged to put their artistry on paper and sell it at market. And it has been a success story.
Fishes in a Madhubani painting depict good luck, fertility and procreation, peacocks symbolize romantic love while serpents in these paintings are identified as divine protectors. Links for B&W copies to print and color at home.
***Bonus: Due to the interest in painting with watercolors, I will be hosting a watercolor group on the first Thursday of each month. Anyone is welcome to join in. This Thursday, I will do an exposition and we will discuss the format of the monthly painting meetings (share work, learn a new technique and paint).
Anyone can watch the tutorial – no supplies required for this first meeting. However, anyone who wishes to paint in our monthly watercolor club will need to bring their own paper, paints, and brushes. In the upcoming months, I look forward to sharing my knowledge and seeing the fun and inspired artwork of those willing to share their art.
