Canadian Watercolour and Chalk Pastel Artist

In January of this year - 2024, Wednesday mornings from 11 to 1 became the highlight of my week.  That was when I joined other folks from our county at Green Wood Coalition's Community Art Hive, making art.  This was a partnership between Canadian Mental Health Association and the Green Wood Coalition where they collaborated with photographer and artist, Lee Higginson.  Their aim was to "promote social engagement and healing through hands-on, creative activities".  I felt the urge to paint some portraits, so that is what I did.  Throughout those 20+ weeks, I met remarkable individuals, all of whom had a unique story.  They would sit for me as I sketched them.  Sometimes we would  chat, sometimes we would be quiet, one time my sitter slept.  It was still winter and her tent was cold.  Coming into the warmth of the art hive, drinking a cup of coffee and eating a couple of muffins made her sleepy.  She was OK with my sketching her as she slept.  Before they left, Lee Higginson would take reference photos of the sitters and I would paint an official portrait at home using chalk pastel pencils.  

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Clicking on an image will allow you to see the full painting.

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On July 30, CMHA & Green Wood Coalition's HELLO MY NAME IS... art show will open in the Art Hive at 20 King Street East, Cobourg.  

4-6 p.m.   All are welcome!