This year my children and I foraged the local park for greenery, berries, dried leaves, and pinecones. Using a grape vine wreath from an old wreath, we intertwined our clippings and used wire to hold the smaller pieces, like the pinecones, in place.

When I come to the door I'm filled with warmth as I remember the adventure, the creation, and the conversation. We are ready for autumn!

In this month's Aspiring Artist's class we practiced brush-holding techniques to achieve smooth, rounded edges.

The painting consisted of many circles and rounded shapes so participants had a chance to really practice within one setting. We used a smaller dry brush, methods of holding hands steady, and a breathing technique to calm any shaking. The colors are striking so participants could focus on holding and rotating the brush.

​Seeing the sparkle of the eye the moment they achieve the technique is truly something special to me.