Paint Your Heart Out

My favourite parts of Young at Heart painting classes are.. firstly, the instructor is my young Canadian cousin, Kim, who suggested she do online classes after safety rules did not allow her access to her senior residences, where she has taught, for over 2 years.

She missed them and her painting so much, she figured we could all do something creative together during the Corona virus Pandemic. I never thought of painting, and for years, teased by saying,”I only draw stick people”. I would always marvel when she posted photos of her seniors and their incredible paintings, so I took this as an invitation to see what could happen

I accepted, and started going onto ZOOM around the middle of March 2020. In total, we have made over 20 paintings, one every couple days, in approx., 1hr plus some Follow Up work! I keep coming back because Kim is such a great motivator, mentor and teacher, that I’m obsessed to be there. It is a win win, as I also get to see my cousins who also join in, so it’s like a mini family reunion. I live in Oregon,USA. Plus, Kim creates a stress free environment, by stating..”Doesn’t need to be perfect..we’re just HAVING FUN” and WE DO!

Considering that this form of art is totally foreign to me, in the beginning, my confidence level was pretty low..now, after 7 weeks, it has escalated greatly. Sometimes I feel a little over confident, until our next assignment humbles me! I find that everything I see in nature now, I ask myself..mmmmm wonder if I could paint this? My son, who is a sculptor and artist, by profession, has asked to have the painting of inside the Hibiscus flower, for his place..still seems surreal to me, but wonderful to me, as well.

I am almost 77, with no artistic talent, so, I say, if you actually have a desire to paint, no matter your age, let Kim take you under her wing and she will help you soar!!She has worked with seniors for many years and truly loves them. We have had a few children join in and she is an inspiration to them as well. I feel blessed to be a part of this program, and I’m sure future folks will feel the same....As we learn, we ALWAYS HAVE FUN!!!

Helen Schulz, grateful cousin

For more information or to see more photos of peoples paintings, go to:

www.kimberflydesign.com or follow us on Instagram @kimberflydesign