Finding Creative Inspiration at Home

by Susan Bohan

Anyone who partakes in the Art League classes certainly feels their absence. The camaraderie, inspiration and creative enjoyment are only part of what it means to many Members. So when last week’s issue of the Ocean Reef Press asked Members to let us know if they were continuing their art projects, we were so pleased to see drawings, paintings, crafts and more filling in the long, mostly solitary, hours.

The first entry was from Joan Hession who decided that cleaning and organizing got old fast and instead delved into her pile of photos taken around The Reef to choose a scene to draw. “Not wanting to get out my oils and turpentine, I dug out 2 boxes of oil pastels. I had to see how they would work for this project. Oil pastels are pretty tricky if you’re used to painting with oils or acrylics. To succeed in blending colors, I needed more than the tips of my fingers so I ended up searching through the house for implements that would help me apply and blend colors. I collected Q-tips, felt floor protector pads, a letter opener, some blending sticks, colored pencils and my Ocean Reef golf pencil for its very efficient eraser. I also went on YouTube and watched 4 different artists demonstrate how to use oil pastels. I made up my mind to finish the piece!” And she did, beautifully!

There were many others we will highlight in the coming weeks. So instead of feeling guilty about your halfcompleted needlepoint, staring at the pile of yarn for a baby blanket for your best friend’s new grandchild or constantly bumping into that empty easel, start today! Send pictures! Help inspire other Members to enjoy so much free time.

Send any and all pictures and details to orp@oceanreef.com.