Tonight's Demo was by Laura Rath - Ohio born, and still living in Stow. She has been painting for roughly 10 years. Once her 4 sons started into middle school, she decided she needed to find something new to fill her time. Being a teacher before she had a family, she didn't feel she would fit back into that atmosphere. A friend suggested that she take a painting class, and her husband encouraged her to go. Once she was there, she had realized her love for painting.

Growing up in an always creative home, with a mother that was a musician and a father who was an inventor, creativity was always encouraged growing up. With her husband as her sidekick, they have the availability to be able travel. Taking as many as 2000 photographs per trip for inspiration for her paintings.

Her style includes using "thick" paint. This gives her the ability to sculpt the paint. Her primary focus for her paintings is structure and nature. Most paintings include both of these elements. Sometimes it's all structure, and sometimes it's all nature, however, she has found her passion for both in her paintings. Laura suggests picking a subject or photograph that stirs your emotions. The feeling of, I need to paint this!

One tip she shared is keeping color recipe cards. To keep colors consistent, she has made cards of mixing colors so the shade is the same every time. Another tip, don't get intimidated by the blank canvas. Break it into a grid, and do the same with your photograph. Then using the colors you plan to use in your final painting, start a rough sketch with thin paint in each section of the canvas. Once you have finished your rough sketch, start building on top with thick paint. She has had a full life of creativity, family, and support. She offered a wonderful Demo for us all. Thank you to her husband, Tim for recording the evening’s event. Click here to watch.

Thanks to everyone who brought goodies to share.