Monday morning found me in the top floor of a little art school in Toronto. My apron was on, brush was in hand ready to paint with acrylics for the first time in my life. Around me were seven other participants ranging from a woman of 22 to a woman with 23 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. All of them were cancer survivors or, as one woman described herself, a cancer warrior.

We were introduced to some basic painting techniques and given time to play. We started with black and white, which was a fun challenge. I created a painting called “The Black Hole”. Through this painting I meant to evoke the feelings I have sometimes in the waiting rooms at the chemo unit.

Then we were given the chance to play with colour. Oh how fun to mix colours to try to find that perfect shade of green or orange. And how fun to work with paints that you can slather on with a palette to create great textures and layers of shading.

Here is a picture of my oeuvre.  I call it “From my canoe” What it lacks in talent, it makes up for in energy and quantity of paint used.

Here is a link to a video that was made at the workshop if you want to see some of the other art work created.

Check out the Art for Cancer Foundation website for information about upcoming workshops 
http://artforcancerfoundation.org/

and don’t forget about the exhibition at Toronto City Hall on February 17 – 24. You will see my masterpiece hanging there.

http://artforcancerfoundation.org/join-us-2/upcoming-events/toronto-city-hall-event/