Being an artist can be a lonely old business. You beaver away in your studio painting your soul out, then spend a begrudgingly large portion of your life shouting into the void that is social media and you multitask ALL the jobs that come with being a one (wo)man small business.
Cue Alanis Morisette - Isn’t it ironic that our goal as an artist is to connect with others through our paintings, by conversing our thoughts on to the canvas, but yet in doing so we often miss out on that closer connection of being face to face with another human being.
I knew I was lonely and felt the sadness of living in an area where the arts aren’t appreciated like they were where I last lived but naturally introverted, it’s always harder to foster community.
Last year I attended a watercolour workshop with local mixed media artist Julie Morris. The class was great; I learned while enjoying the company of other like minded folk and afterwards, I began to think that maybe I could put anxiety aside and hold something similar.
And so my Paint Your Pet workshops were born.
Initially I had no idea if people would actually enjoy them but what surprised me most was just how much I did! I felt like I had a purpose and sharing my craft and knowledge that I’ve learned over the years felt good for the soul.
The most recent workshop was attended by two friends, neither having painted since high school. One remarked how lovely it was to spend a relaxing Sunday morning painting. This is a comment I’ve heard in almost every workshop I’ve held.
My natural inclination is to run on anxiety and adrenaline but I realised that I’d forgotten all about my nerves and I too was just enjoying being in that moment with them.
Witnessing people’s apprehension ease the more confident they become, even over just 3 hours, is a pure joy. And the end results they produce? Beyond amazing! Honestly, I sound like a broken record saying this, but what complete beginners can complete in just 3 hours blows my mind! Their finished paintings capture character with their own individual touches and unique styles. I feel immensely proud of them. It reminds me of my 5th year school teacher who took a small group of us on an art trip to Italy and called us her bambinos - the way she looked at us with such a nurturing eye, I think she felt the same.
And while I bet most, if not all, walk away after a workshop with a huge feeling of accomplishment, I doubt they realise that I share that exact feeling every time too.
To hear others want to come back or ask for help in painting on their own does wonders for my own confidence.
Art is my therapy. The one time my mind completely shuts out the constant chatter. To keep this remarkable healing and restorative gift to myself is just selfish and so I look forward excitedly to my next workshop!