
Hello and welcome to the course. I want to begin by giving you a brief introduction to Contemporary painter Pet Cromer.
Pete Cromer is a contemporary Australian artist based in the Colac Otway region of Victoria. Inspired by the optimistic personalities in people and wildlife, Pete's work is renowned for his signature bursts of glowing colour and beautiful textures, all reflected in his bold collages, paintings and sculptures.
How does Pete Cromer make his artworks?
Based in Torquay on Victoria's Surf Coast, Pete is renowned for his signature use of colour and collage techniques. Each piece in the Pete Cromer collection is based on an original artwork, featuring an Australian animal created in his very own contemporary style.
The video goes over the tools you will need to create in the style inspired by his work.
In, this video, I go over various ways to create your painting. We discuss sizing and placement and offer a preliminary look at the end product. I begin painting in real time.
In this video, we start to delve into the 'messy middle" of the painting. This is the part of the creative process where we tend to overthink what we are creating.
Sometimes, I will take a break and come back later or continue watching the video and then add more to what I am doing. I will walk you through my own 'messy middle' process.
In this sesssion, we talk about the ways in which you can begin to tweak the Colors and add texture and pattern to the art work.
Some people hesitate to create in the style of an artist that intrigues them because they are afraid of being accused of 'copying." I say without hesitation that this is how we learn! Every person cannot help but bring their own style and preferences to their art work.
I will discuss this topic further as well as offer you resources so that your painting truly feels like it is your own work.
Creating happy art is such a wonderful way to boost your mood and connect with positivity. The process of making something that makes you feel good—whether it's through bright colors, playful shapes, or just focusing on something that brings joy—can be really therapeutic. It’s like giving yourself permission to focus on the simple, lighthearted things in life, and it helps shift your mindset toward gratitude and enjoyment.
Now, owls can be a lovely drawing choice, especially if you’re a beginner! They’re both charming and symbolic, representing wisdom and mystery, but they also have this whimsical, almost magical quality that makes them feel fun to draw. Plus, their round eyes and distinct features are really forgiving for beginners, as they have simple, identifiable shapes you can work with.
Owls also offer so much room for creativity—whether you're choosing vibrant colors, adding little patterns, or even giving your owl a funny personality, there’s no limit to how you can make it your own. Their soft feathers and wide eyes can be really calming to look at, which makes them perfect for creating art that helps you relax and enjoy the process.
So, drawing owls as part of your happy art practice can be both soothing and uplifting.
"Creativity engages our imagination. Turning new and imaginative ideas into reality frees us from the constraints of everyday life. Creativity allows us to access a part of ourselves that is not ruled by time, pressures, or conditions. It’s no wonder many of us long for more of it in our lives. When creative energy flows through us, it connects us to our deepest selves and even the world around us." – Martha Alderson
It’s no secret that many of us yearn for something more—something that allows us to feel present, connected, and truly alive. Life can often feel overwhelming, and finding moments of peace and personal expression can seem like a distant dream. But what if creativity could be the key to unlocking that peace? As The Washington Post recently put it, "making art is the new meditation." And I couldn’t agree more.
This course was designed to offer just that—an opportunity to experience the calming, centering effects of creative expression. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the process, and reconnect with yourself through the transformative power of art.
You’ll be introduced to the inspiring world of Contemporary Artist Pete Cromer, whose vibrant style and unique muses can spark new ways of thinking about your own creativity. Throughout the course, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating your own painting in Pete’s distinctive style, while learning valuable techniques used by many mixed media artists.
By the end of this course, you’ll not only gain a deeper appreciation for Cromer’s art, but also find a new connection to your own creative process. Most importantly, you’ll finish with a beautiful piece of artwork—a creation that reflects your personal journey and that you’ll be proud to hang on your wall or share as a meaningful gift.
I would love for you to join me on this journey. Let’s create something beautiful, together. See you in class!