How do I get started?

Check out Kathleen Reardon’s website, Painting Doc Workshop¹. Her enthusiasm, guidance and inspiration are invaluable to those new to art and, having Parkinson’s herself, she understands the challenges that may be faced and provides many practical suggestions. The website is packed with tips on techniques using a variety of mediums, such as watercolour, oil, acrylic etc, and there are many paintings to share and be inspired by. It would be hard not to be persuaded to try and find the artist in you once you have visited this website!

The following may help you to begin exploring the opportunities art can bring:

experiment with a variety of different types of art and find those which most stimulate and uplift you and aid movement. Be patient if this takes time
visit local groups, especially those run by trained art therapists
go to art galleries or other public shows to explore new ideas and build on your experiences
build up a picture or photo album of paintings and other art that inspires you and turn to this when you need inspiration or motivation
practice at home any techniques or activities you have learned in groups. Many have a ‘carry over’ effect so the benefits can be felt beyond the period of activity.

Personal perspectives

Ria Leeman - Limburg, Belgium

“I have discovered that I like to express myself through art, including mosaics and stained-glass windows. Someone once told me, ‘Those who lose themselves in their passion have lost less than those who have lost their passion’. These words are very special to me.”

Kristina Löfdahl - Gothenburg, Sweden

“I had this great urgency and felt that there was little time left for me so I worked more and more on my paintings and arranged a lot of exhibitions. I had been a professional artist since art school in 1972 and I was successful, so it was devastating to be diagnosed with a neurological illness that could, in all probability, disable me in the near future. But I decided to ignore that.”