Have you ever wanted to try watercolor painting but didn’t know where to begin?

This course is designed to get you started. However, anyone who enjoys watercolor painting is welcome.  We will discuss choosing the right materials and will practice a number of basic watercolor techniques, then practice on a variety of landscapes, seascapes, and florals. These classes are designed for beginners; no previous art experience is required. .A supply list will be sent to registrants before the first class.  A one-time $ 5.00 material fee will be collected at the first class.

InstructorJudy Gaudet has enjoyed painting, especially watercolors, for many years. She has studied art at Mass. College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, and U.C. San Diego as well as with several private instructors

Art is one of God's gifts for healing the human spirit. While it cannot cure every illness, research has shown that creative expression can reduce stress, ease anxiety, improve focus, stimulate the brain, and bring hope during difficult times. For people living with chronic illnesses, art can also encourage movement, improve hand-eye coordination, and restore a sense of purpose.This course is not about becoming a great artist. It is about discovering that everyone has the ability to create and that the creative process itself can bring healing, peace, and joy.            "He has made everything beautiful in its time." — Ecclesiastes 3:11---

Week One – Created to Create    Genesis 1:27"So God created mankind in His own image...God is the first artist. He created the heavens, the earth, and each of us in His image. Because we are created by a Creator, creativity is part of who we are. 

   Activity: Create a simple painting or drawing using favorite colors. There is no right or wrong way.(Testimony"When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, I thought many of my best years were behind me. My hands became less steady, and simple tasks became more difficult. Then I began painting. Instead of focusing on what I had lost, I discovered something I still had—the ability to create. Every brushstroke became a reminder that my disease does not define me.

-Week Two – Art Gives Our Emotions a Voice Psalm 34:18"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted... Many emotions cannot easily be spoken, but they can often be expressed through color, shape, and texture.

Activity:Paint an emotion using only colors and simple shapes. Example;One person may paint sadness using dark blues and grays. Another may express hope with bright yellows breaking through the darkness. Neither painting is wrong because each tells a personal story.

Week Three – Finding Beauty in imperfection Corinthians 12:9"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.".ActivityCreate a picture using unexpected marks, smudges, or mistakes. Instead of throwing them away, turn them into something beautiful.Testimony"Some days my Parkinson's makes my hands shake more than others. I used to fight every shaky line. Then I realized those lines tell my story. They remind me that beauty can exist alongside weakness.

Week Four – Living with Hope Jeremiah 29:11"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord...Final Project Create a painting that represents hope.Each student will share- What they created.- What they learned.- How art has affected them. My paintings are no longer just pictures. They are reminders that hope is stronger than fear., hope where we once saw fear, and purpose where we once saw loss. 

INSTRUCTOR:

Ian Kaiser brings deades of life experience and creativity to his Art as Healing class, that is designed especially for adult learners. Starting painting and drawing at 69 without formal training, Ian discovered art as a powerful way to express emotions and find healing.

Living with Parkinson's disease, Ian uses this journey to inspire and guide students in exploring creativity as a source of joy and connectiion. His compassionate approach helps seniors tap into their own creativity for emational and spiritual well-being.