News
Residents brush up on creativity!
Painting is lots of fun – whatever your age.
But for members of our ‘Colours with Kate’ art group, the benefits are far reaching.
Studies show that art therapy later in life is not just a healthy form of self-expression and creativity – it also promotes emotional well-being, cognitive functions and social connections.
Lifestyle Concierge Kate Chadwick, who runs the painting classes, said participants are enjoying the social aspect as well as getting to learn new skills.
“We know that it’s neurologically helpful to learn new skills as you get older and painting also helps with manual dexterity,” she said.
“The benefits of learning new skills as we age are many! Aside from the sheer enjoyment, painting helps improve memory and cognitive function and enhances fine motor skills. “
‘Colours with Kate’ has been running since September and so far the seniors have painted a variety of pictures, including garden florals, a collage of late-summer fruits, flowers and insects, and a domestic scene.
The finished works are on display in a communal corridor.
“We found an older part of the building which needed brightening up, so we’ve started a little art gallery,” said Kate, who has been painting for more than 20 years and has staged her own art exhibitions.
“The paintings have all been done from photos, which makes each piece of work more of a focused and prolonged project.
“I provided a colour theory lesson in the beginning and then everyone just got started.
“People are at different levels of ability and the paintings are unique to individual styles.”
‘Colours with Kate’ is open to everyone who would like to start painting and creating!
These avid painters have given the class a big thumbs up. Here’s what they had to say:
Linda Collins:
“I’ve learned that all mistakes can be covered up with acrylic paint, so to have another go!”
Jean Liset:
“I have a long association with creative arts and had tried to get back to it for many years. This class was the encouragement I needed to start again. I’m grateful.”
Denise Trower:
“Previously I never gave any thought to how to form different colours, but I’m finding this aspect fascinating.”
Noelene Dean:
“If you muck it up you can paint over and start again. I was amazed that after a bit of advice from Kate, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. With a bit of trial and error, some things worked out!”
Dawn Evans:
“I have completed my first painting and have it hanging in the gallery. The calm nature of all the women helped me take time for myself, which is something I rarely do.”