Painting Class at Work

 

I work at an Independent Living Center.  It’s a non-profit organization that provides resources and different services to people with disabilities to hopefully help them to live on their own in their communities.  One of the programs we have is recreation and this includes occasionally holding classes. 

The last two days I have had the fun opportunity to teach a group of people a little bit about painting.  My involvement was kind of impromptu when a co-worker asked if I could take a few minutes to talk about art and maybe give some instruction on painting techniques.  In no way am I a qualified instructor and I have very little formal education in art.  But it was a laid back class and the participants were eager to learn anything I could share.  This made it easy.  I gave a short lesson on composition, color, gave some suggestions on how to start and shared tips for manipulating paint with different brushes.  The group wanted me to stick around and assist them if they ran into problems or had questions. 

Most the participants had little or no experience painting.   Some were hesitant to get started but after sharing my ideas about what art can be and encouraging them to let go of ideas about what art “should” be they jumped in with confidence.   They were delighted at what they were able to do!  It was so much fun for me to help people create something they were happy with. 

The class went three hours each day for two days.  I was impressed with what they came up with and I absolutely loved being able to assist them when they ran into a problem.  I surprised myself with how much I was able to share with them and help problem solve when problems came. 

I strongly believe that anyone and everyone can benefit from art and opportunities to be creative.  As humans we need this.  Whether it’s painting on canvas, arranging a stellar living space, or putting together a genius wardrobe we all do better when we are able to create and express through artistic means.  How fun to be able to help others discover this!

A Day at the Market: New Friends and a Goose Named Gladys

I had a nice day at the Farmers Market.  It was a little slow but I did sell a few paintings.  It's always fun to sell but my love for the Market has little to do with how many paintings people buy.  I really love the vibe at the Market.  There is a feeling of community and there is always fun things to watch. Lots of people walking their dogs or their kids (yup I saw a kid on a leash).  I like visiting with other vendors, talking with strangers as if we are good friends, seeing old friends and frequently making new ones.  Today was no exception.  I met an amazing girl named Leah who made the request to be wheelchair buddies.  Yes please!  She and her sisters were so adorable.  Her mom bought two of my paintings (leap fearlessly and love fiercely).  We swapped wheelchair stories and I'm pretty certain we will see each other again.

Adorable Leah, my new wheelchair buddy!

My next charming new found friend was a goose named Gladys and her owner.  Gladys rides in a baby stroller and wears diapers.  She let me pet her and it was obvious is was not her first time posing for a picture.  Her owner was very kind and friendly as well.

Me and Gladys

There were many people that stopped to look and talk about my art.  I really love meeting people that are moved by my work and make a personal connection with it. 

Setting up my art at the Market has become one of the things I love best about summer.  It's a lot of work to get my booth set up and I am forever grateful to my incredible parents that come help me set up, take down, and are there for everything in between.  They are so supportive and this girl is beyond lucky to have them with me!

Market Prep

It's a busy Friday night as I work to be ready for an early morning at the Ogden Farmers Market.  Evenings before market days are always a rush as I scramble to do touch ups on paintings, gather my supplies and sometimes even try to put new last minute inspiration on canvas.  There is an energy to the evening as I listen to Mumford and Sons and let my studio room become even more messy. I sit on my paint chair and shift through my brushes, too impatient to clean them till I've used each one.  Soon they are all full of paint and it becomes absolutely necessary to clean them. There is a happy kind of stress to the night.

 Market booth spots are assigned at 6:30 a.m. and its best to be there before that.  I still have lots to do and 6:00 a.m. will be here soon!

Colors of Kelie

I love to paint.  I have creative energy inside of me and painting on canvas has become my outlet for that energy.   I like to experience new things and collect positive encounters with good people.  I have the opportunity to experience life with a physical disability.  Most days I like this opportunity.  Some would say it’s a struggle, and sure, I guess some days it is.  But every person has struggles and I have everything I need to not only handle mine, but to have a happy and downright awesome life.  I’m starting this blog as a way to document my art, the things I love, and a little bit about my life and all the good that exists in it.

This past year was my first attempt at getting my art out and seen my others and it has been so much fun for me.  I have been invited to hang my work in a few local coffee shops and even an art gallery.  I sell my work out of my apartment and at the Farmers Market in Ogden.  I have hopes to one day get my art into some shows and hopefully continue to sell. 

I kind of feel that my art is an expression of my soul as it evolves.  I would love to continue to share that with others who connect with and are moved by the work I create.

I don’t paint because I think I am good at it, I paint because it makes me happy.  For me, it’s not always about the final result but rather the process along the way.  My art is not perfect.  But I don’t think I would want it to be. 

Everyone has a story.  My art tells mine.

I love painting elements of nature.  Flowers, plants, trees and birds are my favorite.  To me nature is ultimate beauty and art.  I use nature to express the reassurance that no matter what, no matter how tough life gets, I am loved and watched over. I am part of something much bigger than myself.  I use birds a lot.  This is the image I use to convey the human soul.
 

Everyone sees the world in different ways. Vibrant, bold color express how I determine to think and love in life; covering every canvas completely.  Almost all of my work used bright streaks of color. I use bold color to express determination and courage as well as hope and happiness.  I use heavy strokes of deep color. These strokes declare that I decide the course of my life, and that we are all able to, with fierce courage, live the life we were made for.  

Life is an adventure. Leap fearlessly.