Paint!
I know - many people are afraid that they aren’t very good at painting and think there is no point in trying as they won’t get any benefit from doing it - but there is so much more to painting than painting.
This got me thinking: Why do I paint and why do I enjoy teaching so much?
This got me thinking: Why do I paint and why do I enjoy teaching so much?
I think adults don't play enough and by play I really mean create. It doesn't have to be painting it can be anything creative but for me painting has been very therapeutic, and by teaching I wanted to help others feel happier and healthier as a result of creating something that is unique to them. Of course, we already know that learning something new, like painting, increases dopamine, wards off depression, and protects the brain from ageing. What better reason could there be to do it?
If I delve a little deeper I wanted to learn to paint because I hoped to one day leave a legacy, a little part of me, what I saw, what I felt and what I loved, for others to remember me by and hopefully enjoy. That human desire to connect with people.
"Painting is just another way of keeping a diary" ~ Picasso
Painting is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that can lower stress levels and leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. When we get totally immersed in painting a picture, we can find ourselves in what’s known as a state of “flow". This meditative-like state focuses the mind and temporarily pushes aside all worries, it can even relieve pain.
I had not heard of Mindfulness when I started painting but it is something I've been interested in now for a number of years. I didn't know then what I know now; creating art provides a distraction, giving the brain a break from the usual thoughts and worries.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” ~Thomas Merton
The goal of painting need not be to mimic life in a photographic style, but to SEE life and visually narrate the process of doing so.
There is increasing scientific evidence that getting out into nature (taking a sketch book or just a camera) can boost your mood and help fend off depression.
If you spend just a few hours a week doing something that you are passionate about, you’ll be able to reduce anxiety and get a strong sense of accomplishment.
Taking up painting will give you the feeling that you can do something which will make you feel more confident and happy, and if you join a group or class you’ll be socialising with like-minded and supportive people.
~ Eleanor
My Weekly classes have a more flexible approach than the three courses I run making them ideal for those with experience in watercolour painting or those that want to follow-on from a course.
My Courses are structured and include lots of information in a short space of time. Notes and demonstrations are included, where necessary. A list of equipment can be forwarded, if needed, or equipment can be supplied (for an additional charge of £10 for the course) but advance notice is needed.
Workshops are held on the second Wednesday of every month 10am-3/4pm. Workshops are structured and include lots of information in a short space of time. Notes and demonstrations are included, where necessary. A list of equipment can be forwarded, if needed, or equipment can be supplied (for an additional charge of £10 for the day) but advance notice is needed.
Private Tuition is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to improve your painting. I work with teens to adults and with beginners to advanced painters, tailoring my instruction to meet the specific needs of each student.
Gift vouchers are available to purchase if you’d like to treat someone special to a painting, print or tuition. Contact me to order one.
"Thanks very much for this morning, I came away with a sense of achievement and much more relaxed rather than relieved as I did from previous classes". Nick
Read what other people have said about past classes, courses and workshops in their testimonials.
Order a copy of my ebook for Kindle The Watercolour Book : How to Paint Anything which is available on Amazon. Filled with comprehensive information, advice and explanations it is suitable for both experienced artists and beginners. A PDF version of the book is also available by clicking the link
If I delve a little deeper I wanted to learn to paint because I hoped to one day leave a legacy, a little part of me, what I saw, what I felt and what I loved, for others to remember me by and hopefully enjoy. That human desire to connect with people.
"Painting is just another way of keeping a diary" ~ Picasso
Painting is a relaxing and rewarding hobby that can lower stress levels and leave you feeling mentally clear and calm. When we get totally immersed in painting a picture, we can find ourselves in what’s known as a state of “flow". This meditative-like state focuses the mind and temporarily pushes aside all worries, it can even relieve pain.
I had not heard of Mindfulness when I started painting but it is something I've been interested in now for a number of years. I didn't know then what I know now; creating art provides a distraction, giving the brain a break from the usual thoughts and worries.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” ~Thomas Merton
The goal of painting need not be to mimic life in a photographic style, but to SEE life and visually narrate the process of doing so.
There is increasing scientific evidence that getting out into nature (taking a sketch book or just a camera) can boost your mood and help fend off depression.
If you spend just a few hours a week doing something that you are passionate about, you’ll be able to reduce anxiety and get a strong sense of accomplishment.
Taking up painting will give you the feeling that you can do something which will make you feel more confident and happy, and if you join a group or class you’ll be socialising with like-minded and supportive people.
~ Eleanor
My Weekly classes have a more flexible approach than the three courses I run making them ideal for those with experience in watercolour painting or those that want to follow-on from a course.
My Courses are structured and include lots of information in a short space of time. Notes and demonstrations are included, where necessary. A list of equipment can be forwarded, if needed, or equipment can be supplied (for an additional charge of £10 for the course) but advance notice is needed.
Workshops are held on the second Wednesday of every month 10am-3/4pm. Workshops are structured and include lots of information in a short space of time. Notes and demonstrations are included, where necessary. A list of equipment can be forwarded, if needed, or equipment can be supplied (for an additional charge of £10 for the day) but advance notice is needed.
Private Tuition is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to improve your painting. I work with teens to adults and with beginners to advanced painters, tailoring my instruction to meet the specific needs of each student.
Gift vouchers are available to purchase if you’d like to treat someone special to a painting, print or tuition. Contact me to order one.
"Thanks very much for this morning, I came away with a sense of achievement and much more relaxed rather than relieved as I did from previous classes". Nick
Read what other people have said about past classes, courses and workshops in their testimonials.
Order a copy of my ebook for Kindle The Watercolour Book : How to Paint Anything which is available on Amazon. Filled with comprehensive information, advice and explanations it is suitable for both experienced artists and beginners. A PDF version of the book is also available by clicking the link
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