Creativity

North East Open Studios (NEOS) is on this week, in my area.  I finally managed to get the cabin ready for visitors, tidying away my art materials into the garage and making space for folk to see my paintings and daughter's photographs.

We've been open for two days so far; Saturday and Sunday. It's been fun again, meeting new folk and welcoming in old friends who I realise I don't see often enough throughout the year. Some of them I am guilty of not having seen since this time last year!  It's been great to catch up over a cup of tea and a muffin - baking before breakfast is part of the routine this week.  

It's always fascinating to find out the reasons for folk visiting NEOS venues.  Because there always is a reason.  Nosiness, interest in art, or photography, or creativity in general. Many, many folk are looking to be more creative themselves, and are keen to hear about classes in the area, how to start, how to keep going and all those dark arts that creative people apparently possess.  

For those keen to paint and draw, I encourage them to carry a sketch book.  And to use it!  That's one of the key things I have learnt from the classes I have been going to for the past few years at Udny Green.  Draw, draw, draw.  And for the photographers, look at things differently, if you can.  Zoom in on a puddle and see the reflections, or an ancient rock to see the patterns made by the lichens, or examine the patterns left by a receding tide on a sandy beach.  It's all there.  Just look.   

Thanks to Mike for the photo of me "at work".

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