Dusk In The Woods by Kay

This piece is  "Dusk in the Woods", painted by a woman who could barely see, her eyes were so bad. But you can clearly see in the colors depicted that it is the embodiment of what you see and feel, if you've ever been in the forest at dusk as the sun was setting.  She possessed a deep serenity; I do believe she was the most peaceful woman I've known.

Red Birds When They Sing by Margaret Bottom

Margaret wanted you to sit down next to her and help her paint. I always told her, "But this is YOUR work," to which she's say, "Honey, just help me, please." Her vision was compromised by macular degeneration, a disease I understood from my own grandmother having it. Through each class I began to realize, that it wasn't the creation of artwork she enjoyed but the opportunity for conversation. Every piece she painted, coincided with a personal story of her life. She grew up on a farm in rural Kansas and this influenced her work, for it always contained some symbolism of nature or animals. Margaret enjoyed the social aspect of what painting brought her: an opportunity to share and collaborate. And now, I remember the stories, every time I look at her paintings.

Beautiful Flowers by Frances LaSala

The epitome of an Italian grandma. You know the type: tiny - but a mighty force to be dealt with. But oh, when she loved, she showered it upon you like you were the only one in the room! She'd kiss your cheeks and squeeze them as she would say, "You are just so precious!  Just precious! You are a doll, you know that?  And don't let anyone tell you different!"  And you could feel every exclamation point at the end of her sentences. I envy the vitality for life that seems to be present in the culture of Italian women. They never stop moving; like a bottomless pot of pasta e fagioli, they just keep nourishing the family that surrounds them. You can see in her brushstrokes the force of energy behind the paint as it moves across the paper.
 

Unwavering Love by Jean

Jean was one of those people who made you smile, simply because she was smiling. You couldn't help it. She was joyous from the inside out and it affected everyone around her. Children loved her; animals flocked to her in droves. They knew she was full of that warm, nurturing love. I think this piece is so interesting because of what it says, in the written words: "Big panorama change for now. We need to build something to make our things that will help the new planet." These words are so fitting for who she was; always striving to do things better, and always for the good of others.

My Pink Tree by Lois Riley

I worked with this lady for three years, and I only saw her get angry one time, in three years.  She was an extremely happy person.  Her eyes smiled with a deep kindness. She never had children of her own, but a nephew in charge of her care said she was without a doubt, the most gracious and caring woman he'd 
ever known. What a legacy that is. Pink was her favorite color, and I love that she painted a pink tree! When I commented how beautiful is was, she said, "It is pretty, isn't it?" and then smiled, real big.
 

Lake Vacation by Sigrid Hinchcliffe

This woman, had the quickest wit and smartest sense of humor I’ve experienced yet!  In her nineties, she could throw a comment back at you quicker that you could turn your head to see it coming.  She kept me on my toes and I loved her for it!  Not everyone appreciated her forthrightness, but I found it refreshing to stumble upon that kind of honesty - out of purity mind you - not a malice bone in her body.  She simply wanted to enjoy life to the fullest.  And I think she did.  

Sunflowers in August by Jean Powell

This lady was the most humble woman I've worked with through the years. She developed a close friendship with another resident, who lived in the apartment next to her. It was really sweet how they cared for one another. She eventually moved to another community, but I still kept up with her and  her daughter, and took her friend to visit once in awhile. It was so cute to watch them converse and laugh about how old they were! If I can learn to be 
that content when I grow old, I think I will have accomplished much.

A Warm Fall Day by Frank

This was a fierce man, who was not afraid to use force to accomplish a goal. Interestingly enough, painting became the opportunity for him to soften. He'd often ask for input or help to integrate a certain shape or color into his picture. I think he surprised himself in that; that he wanted someone else to lead. I honestly don't remember much about his personal background; I didn't have the pleasure of knowing him long before he left his earthly body. But I loved observing him as he experimented with something different in life; something he didn't know; or understand; or have control over. There was definite courage there.

Mysterious Woman by Ann G

Quiet and slightly mysterious, this was not a woman unaccustomed to drawing whatever was on her mind. You could often find her in her room, drawing portraits from family pictures. That's who she spent much time thinking about. Dedicated to her husband, her family and building life together, I saw her using art as a creative expression for her individuality. Yes, there were many pieces of artwork focused on family; but her way of portraying them was very unique. What she saw through her eyes was distinct and befitting of a woman who was all her own. 

The Family Circle by Marilyn H

It's exhilarating to stumble upon those moments when a person is slightly scared to try something different, and yet they move forward with the courage to create. This painting is a perfect example of that.  As the artist said, "I can't paint", I replied with, "Well, let's not think about that.  Let's just explore together." And we did. We talked about what it felt like to go on adventures and be in those moments of discovery. She reflected on memories of traveling and the beauty that surrounded her. I encouraged her to think about what she felt in those moments and use the colors of the paint palette to simply put strokes on the paper that expressed those feelings. What she ended up with was a piece displaying various circles, gently intersecting, merging and connecting at various points on the page; the perfect symbolism for displaying how important the relationships in her life are to her. 
 

Birthday Cake by Mary K

A strong and creative woman, who was always very strategic with her movement; in life and in art.  She’d always laugh when I’d tell her it was time to paint.  “Paint? Me?”  She’d reply, and then she’d laugh, as though to poke fun of herself.  But I always loved to see her finished product.  She was never shy with color.  All of her pieces were very vibrant, with lots of contrast on the page.  Her personality was really rather quiet, but bold.  She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to speak it.