As the weeks went by 'Doris' improved in her ability to concentrate and see things artistically. She would comment on colours and how certain colours next to others would ‘set each other of’. She would comment on arrangements for still life and her ability to look and reflect enhanced.
This in turn created calmness in her as she was engaged in an activity that took her outside of herself.
Her self-confidence got better and she became independent with a strong sense of ownership of her work. She was proud and felt fulfilled and good about herself. I think having all her work in her room, which she referred to as her gallery gave her an outlet to be social, that didn’t require her to be ‘the entertainer’.
 

summertime flowers

Henri Matisse drawing with scissors

Artist at work

still life with sunflowers

a square drawing 'the colours set of nicely dont they'

response to summertime flowers

Drawing around hands and playing with shapes and colours

The river Thames and Peckham with its houses

'brighten up the place a bit, I never do drawing I can't do drawing and look how much drawing I am doing now'

'circles are my favourite shape'

‘Doris’ is getting attached to drawing she often says -

                                          'it’s a shame I don't come more often'.

Her drawing and responding to instruction or suggestion has got much better and her independent thinking is really confident.
She has always wanted the two of us to paint together but there was a moment where I was adding to her painting a little, taking it in turns. I had a feeling that this might have been agitating her.
Then she said

                 'why don't you get the blue colour out and I will carry on with this' 

so i did, this made me smile!