Growing confidence, joy and personal pride through art making

Al Ohlsen • Jan 04, 2022

Darlene really 'likes art'. From her more hesitant making a few months ago, it has been wonderful to help Darlene grow in confidence during our Creative Adventures.


Darlene and her artwork of sunflowers in vase

Looking carefully at the sunflowers and vase arranged on the table, we talked about what we could see and feel.  With encouragement, guidance and admirable focus from Darlene, she developed her composition. Darlene enjoyed the range of processes we practised in creating this piece and she was very proud of the result that was 'all her own work'.



In her art making, Darlene was keen to take inspiration from 'the garden'. We explored some art making techniques further, as well as tried some new ones, as we considered the plant and animal life we find in the garden. 




During a visit to a local art gallery, we admired and talked about many artworks. One abstract, layered painting by a local artist particularly caught Darlene's eye. We chatted about the painting and the different colours and appearances we could see. In our next Creative Adventure we took inspiration from the painting Darlene had admired, and experimented with a range of painting, printmaking and stencilling techniques, all of which were Darlene's original creations.



Darlene loves to create thoughtful gifts for family and friends and decided she wanted to make cards for the festive season. She was very proud of her handcrafted cards, where we explored new printmaking techniques as well as beading and collage.


Both CommunARTy and Darlene

are looking forward to

new Creative Adventures

and new personal accomplishments

in the New Year!



Images and story by CommunARTy. Images and story used with permission.
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