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Enviro Art: Finding What Draws You - The Season of Winter

By Written By: Becca Ralston February 20, 2015

Too often winter is regarded as cold and a harsh precursor to the long-anticipated spring. It seems dark when the sunrise isn’t until seven, but the sunset occurs not long after dinner. However, winter holds beautiful qualities. It is nature’s rest between the hot summer and the regrowth of spring.

My name is Sue Ralston, and I am an artist that enjoys the quiet peace of winter. Thinking of winter, I see soft lines and neutral colors. I see entwined, bare branches and the emergence of hidden nests and hiding places that are lost behind the leaves of summer.

As an artist, winter brings me inspiration, and I greatly enjoy sharing that inspiration with young artists. I conduct art classes that are inspired by this beautiful season. Winter classes are already underway at the Bethel Community Center, but new applicants can be accepted. Young artists will be able to use paint, colored pencils, stencils, and a variety of other tools to create artwork throughout the once-a-week sessions.


Of course, winter isn’t the only inspirational season. With the end of winter comes spring, and the plants are rejuvenated as bright colors return to nature. Spring inspires my artwork to contain flowers and show the increased animal activity. My spring classes will be offered at several locations, and young artists will learn about artists such as Gustav Klimt as they create pictures using media such as paint, markers, chalk, and a variety of other materials.

Also, I conduct in-house workshops and birthday parties that follow a variety of themes and for any age group.

This past fall, I used the fall season to inspire my classes at the Bednar’s Art Under Glass Festival. The young artists took inspiration from fall animals, falling leaves, and the harvest as well as being educated about different artists along their journey.



The upcoming workshops will interest both girls and boys as they watch the seasons come alive on their papers and will learn in a safe, fun environment.

Please join in on our fun at these classes and contact me at sue_ralston@yahoo.com or go to the website at www.enviroart-pittsburgh.com to register and find out more information.





I hope that you’ll join us as we look at the seasons in new and exciting ways.