15/11/2025
“I had my shop Things-To-Do for 49 years, but apart from pottery and a few craft projects, I did not actually explore whether I can be creative and imaginative in a spontaneous way. I was too interested in encouraging other aspiring artists. I would like to learn to draw. Do you have classes for (older) adults?”
At Createit, we believe that navigating a blank canvas can be a life-changing experience, and the discipline of creation is something we take seriously. So when she shared that she was 85, our preparations intensified—Plan A, Plan B, Plan C. We focused on ensuring our student would enjoy the process as she learned.
Should we draw the portrait, then let her fill it in with color?
Maybe she could trace the portrait and then paint ?
Customizing the experience to suit her needs became our priority. She arrived with her walking stick, moving at a pace that would challenge anyone half her age. As she settled in, we carefully outlined the process for oil painting a portrait, and with a sparkle in her eye, she exclaimed, “Let’s begin!”
In that moment, all our backup plans vanished. It was Portrait Painting 101- the absolute OG experience!
With a pencil in hand, she deftly glided across the canvas. The speed was impressive, but the accuracy of her mark-making was truly astounding. It was a sheer delight to witness!
As weeks went by, session after session unfolded, rich with flowing conversations—books we read, current happenings, life lessons, and colourful tales of her experiences in the '50s &'60s.
Each brushstroke told a story, a cultural mosaic of sorts.
We know for a fact, engaging in art benefits the aging brain through cognitive stimulation, enhancing problem-solving and memory skills. It fosters emotional well-being by improving mood and providing a means for self-expression.
Looking at her finished portrait was a proud moment for all of us- for her as a novice in art learning a new skill and for us reinstating the fact that creativity knows no age!
JUNE SAFFER- we are so proud of you!
