Individuals that are searching for ideas about how to start fresh in the New Year might benefit from considering the possibility of exploring personal creativity. “Any form of art is an invitation to experience a physical feeling of beauty that occurs simply when the beautiful colors of pigments blend together on a canvas. Even the first time artist, who taps this aspect of beauty, can experience a deep knowing that what they are doing holds the potential for not only sparking a new direction for life but also for inspiring endless fresh ideas,” says Paula Brody, a mixed media artist and owner of Inspirations Artists and Design Gallery in Naples. The gallery features classes and demonstrations as well as contemporary paintings, photography and handcrafted necklaces created by the studios working artists.

“Becoming an artist influences the way you see your world. You begin to see color differently and experience light and reflections of light in a new way. An abstract and less representational way of painting is an easier way to tap one’s own inner artist. It provides not only a less intimidating outlet for creativity but also an opportunity for free expression and a more multi-dimensional way to experience yourself in the world.

In pure process of creativity, even first time artists can delight in how beautiful paintings emerge without a focus on the outcome. “Any concept of an outcome is in the future. Letting go of any outcome allows for being in the present. In my one-day workshop, Creation and Creativity: Discover Your Inner Artist, the goal is to work  from the perspective of surrendering to the process of creativity in order to be present to art, a goal that is easily transferrable to life. From this perspective there emerges the chance of beautiful, spontaneous moments of pure joy in art and on the canvas of life.

Inspirations Artists & Design Gallery, 5450B Shirley Street, Naples. For more information call 239-272-7110.