Art matters.  I didn’t really understand that simple fact until I was facing a crisis.  Early onset cataracts were destroying my vision.  Both eyes needed immediate surgery.  I was upset, panicked even.  They told me the risks – and that I had no other options.  Fortunately, both procedures went perfectly.  I was an impatient patient but when I had fully recovered, I was astonished by the colours I could see.  Friends and family were very indulgent as I said things like: “Have a look at this leaf!”.

  

Literally, I was seeing things with new eyes.  After years of apathy I wanted to paint again.  I had retired from my work as a vice principal, so I had the time.  As luck would have it, Orillia Parks and Rec was looking for a painting instructor.  There is an old saying in the education business: “To teach something is to learn it twice”.  I had to dig out all my old brushes, books, and portfolios to get ready to teach both acrylics and watercolours.  I had to do all the class exercises beforehand to figure out where things might go wrong. 

  

What I didn’t expect was how much my students would teach me, not only about painting but about companionship and the power of art to bring people together.  I can only guess at their inner motivators, but I have seen the power of art to help the lonely, the bereaved, those struggling with handicaps and those seeking to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren.  As we work in the quirky Market Room in the distinctive Orillia Opera House, we call ourselves the Opera House Artists.  In addition to introductory and intermediate painting we now have special courses on the Group of Seven, Impressionism and Streetscapes.  We have regular shows of our artwork in the Opera House.  The last one raised money for the Lighthouse homeless shelter.  I see it clearly now.  Art matters.

  

Thanks to these classes I have painted more in the last four years than in the previous forty.  Paintings are piling up and my indulgent wife, Julie, has told me to find homes for them or plan on getting a bigger house.   I can part with paintings and other works as I hope to keep doing a lot more of them.  Please look on the Portfolio webpage to see the art that is for sale.  But I have to admit that the real fun comes in making art with others.  If you wish to join one of our classes, please click HERE to visit the Opera House Artists website for more information. 

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If that doesn’t work for you but you still want to have some input in creating art with me, please look on the Customized Art webpage to see some examples.

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Mike Howell