Art Therapy

Art Therapy

/ Tamara Brown / 3 Comments

I see it’s been a little over a year since I’ve posted on Paints in the Parks. 2024 was a year of thirds. The first third saw me beginning the 100 Day Project again using gouache as a medium, only to lose my way after fifty days. Then on April 8th before watching the moment of totality from our back garden, I finished the eclipse drawing I began in 2017 during the last US solar eclipse. However, my wish to focus (my word for the year) on completing unfinished projects ended there unfortunately.

Except for a few lingering construction projects in the garden, I spent the second part of 2024 enjoying what I had created in previous years. I cleaned out the rusted metal and broken pottery unearthed in our backyard and hung up the odd bits that amused me on the grid of my patio trellis. The line of volunteer sunflowers along our bungalow became sculpture to me and still stands in the winter winds, a perch and shelter to birds while it casts interesting shadows on the house.

The final third of the year I spent focused on other creative pursuits like writing and cooking, preserving the abundance from my garden in interesting new ways. I tried creating herb bundles with different materials like rosemary. I also dusted off my ten-year-old Lumix digital camera with the hopes that I will finally read the manual and learn to take some better photos and possibly video.

Which brings me to 2025 and the start of another 100 Day Project at the end of February. I have been participating in an Instagram daily prompt so far this year and I’d like to create art from whatever I photograph each day. These would be small drawings and quick sketches to practice my line drawing with pens, pencils, markers and even crayons. In addition I’ve been reorganizing my art supplies and have a few canvases and pastel boards I want to use.

And last but not least, I hope to explore the world of videos and perhaps post a few on my YouTube channel this year. This project will require some education with iMovie which is intimidating and intriguing at the same time. As the world becomes darker and more chaotic, I find that art and creativity are more important than ever as good therapy and a much-needed lifeline.

Stay tuned.

The First House Call

/ Tamara Brown / 2 Comments
Here's a happy group of new friends with their unique masterpieces.
Here’s a happy group of new friends with their unique masterpieces.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of helping a friend launch her first “Art Party” complete with delicious appetizers and festive drinks, and a sunny theme to light up the dark winter days of January. Between the two of us we gathered together canvases, paints, paper, pens and possibilities. My friend printed out various depictions of the sun and I provided examples and encouragement.

Many of the ladies invited had never met and only had my friend in common but quickly became acquainted as they sipped, snacked and created throughout the evening. There is something reassuring and convivial about working in a group, especially when you can do your own thing as opposed to following the instructor to produce the same picture. I enjoyed watching each guest pick their own supplies and colors, and express themselves in a unique way.

All in all my friend and I considered the evening a great success with many leaving with their artworks vowing to continue creating art on their own. I hope to make more of these house calls in the future, especially during the cold months when we all need some cheer and camaraderie while exploring our creativity.