Morris Federation learns about "Dream Catcher Painting"

On Saturday, April 13^th, members of the Morris Federation met in the James Coryell Room of the Coryell Museum and Historical Center. The program was presented by Deborah Leonard Moody, who teaches art classes locally called “Dream Catcher Painting.” She was born in Quanah, Texas, and graduated from Quanah High School. She has three sons: Joshua, Jeremy, and Jordan. She worked as a paraprofessional at Gatesville High School between 1995 and 2013, as a classroom aide, and in the Library and the Teachers’ Workroom. Many in Gatesville may remember her and the whimsical and clever, colorful and beautiful T-shirts and Sweatshirts that she painted.

Deborah brought some examples of pictures her classes have painted with acrylics. Then she explained how she instructs her students with their projects. First of all, she draws and paints the pictures right along with her class. She sketches the main items in the painting onto her canvas, giving the class specific instructions as to what to sketch first and where to begin sketching on the canvas. She allows time for the class to “tweak” their sketches while she pours out paints on a plate for each painter. She follows the same procedure when doing the actual painting. She shows the class which colors to use and what to paint first. She explains techniques such as how to load color onto the various brushes and shows the class how to create special effects by doing things like blending colors, using shading, and outlining for effect. This may sound complicated, but with Deborah leading the class every step of the way, it is easy and not impossible at all. She will provide individual help when a person feels like she needs it. Deborah added, “Occasionally, I throw in a craft class, so you won’t be bored. We’re just here to enjoy, visit, have fun, and set stress aside.”

She paints at The Junction on Monday evenings with a few extra classes ever so often. She explained, “I offer parties for all occasions, and the class can be at The Junction or a place of your choice. I usually post on Wednesday or Thursday what we will be painting the following Monday. Just tell me on my Facebook page “Dreamcatcher Painting” if you will be coming, or you can message me.” As Deborah provides the canvas, brushes, paints, and other items used on the pictures, she needs to have anyone interested in attending the class to RSVP ahead of time so she will have enough supplies on hand. Her classes cost $35, but that covers her providing all the materials needed for the project, plus her instruction.

Deborah is very flexible and open to ideas. She stated, “If you are interested in painting something special, send me a picture and I will work it in. If Monday is not a good day for you to paint, we can work in another day.” For those who don’t think they can paint, Deborah adds, “It’s a very laid-back class, we have a lot of fun, and I have made some really good friends who enjoy painting as much as I do. We are there to have fun, relieve stress, and make new friends. There’s no pressure to be the best in the class. No two paintings are going to turn out exactly alike. In fact, if I paint the same picture two days in a row, they won’t look exactly the same. But at the end of the class, you will have a painting that YOU have DRAWN AND PAINTED yourself, and you can take your masterpiece home at the end of the evening! Occasionally, we paint on different mediums, such as wood, flowerpots, canvas, tote bags, and clothing like blue jeans. So, come and join in and have a fun and relaxed evening.”