'Creativitea times' most writerly review to date . . .

I've just received this beautiful review.

 Monet for a Moment.  – October 2012
Mary V T. 
Christchurch, New Zealand.

When did you last paint for fun?   I'm not talking about your feature wall of the nineties or your neighbour's fence at the last working bee, but creating a picture on canvas reflecting your inner 'Angelo'.

Denise Daffara, a gifted and talented local artist, guided me on a journey back to a time when life was less complicated. Expressing yourself artistically is like looking in a mirror and transferring that into tangibility.

Sounds easy... it isn't.  Denise gently prompts with props, coupled with soothing tones designed to assuage your rising panic.  The 'unlocking' process begins and ideas start to beat their way through like hopeful sperm to the ova.

Colour palettes selected, a theme chosen from inspirational art books, and we are now ready to commence.

The 'Aladdin's Cave'/studio Denise operates is where 'Virgo meets Vesuvius'.  Attempted order reigns amongst the plethora of products at hand.  The magpie's nest brims with a miscellany of material easily alongside the iconic branded furniture and technology.

The music playlist, personalised tea set and homemade cake assist in the aligning of planets required for creative awakening.

Denise is committed to your success.  A generous quality from a stereotypically concentric role.  She flutters about the room between students, finding audible delight in things she rediscovers from her IKEA drawers gathered long ago, to assist in your creation.

The process boggles.  Basic steps are discussed and then innovation takes over.
Like a wedding cake, layers are good. A barren multicoloured canvas steadily morphs into the buzz from within your brain.  Rapid drying tools assist in layering.

Anything goes, at your  pace (within the 3 hour timeframe).  Denise sets her alarm, lest we forget to eat and drink, so frenetic is the action.

Our inner 'Muse' battles with our 'Critic' and reluctantly concedes. Pleasantly surprised at our prowess, we depart with our masterpieces.

We have grown today, but we feel lighter.

just a little help with the edging . . . Mary & Denise.

Denise Daffara is an expatriate New Zealander residing in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast who paints full time.  Her works are for sale at the Tiffany Jones Fine Art Galley, 138 Burnett Street, Buderim, Queensland. Customised art classes cater for up to four participants. She can be contacted for bookings at www.denisedaffara.com.au 

light filled studio.

Thank you so much Mary, it was my absolute pleasure to see the beautiful artwork you created.  
love 
Denise.
note : although Mary is my cousin..  I would mention she is also a Virgo (like me) so her attention to detail
and easy honesty allows me to take this as a genuine and huge heart felt compliment.