Art Blossoms in Amsterdam

A new group devoted to art, good times and good people has "blossomed" in Amsterdam.  This beautiful Amsterdam day marked their kickoff event: Paint by Numbers in Amsterdam's central most Dam Square.
The idea was certainly intriguing to say the least.  Paint by numbers to the art world is a very taboo; about as well respected as a painting of dogs playing poker, or images of Elvis painted on black velvet.  The very name evokes memories of bad Christmas presents from your weird unmarried aunt circa Christmas 1972.  Takes all the creativity and spontaneity out of painting and mutates the craft of the medium.  I mean, after all, Picasso would never paint by numbers, would he?!  Maybe not. However,  for the purposes of promoting art, building community, and revolutionizing a movement, this idea is pure gold; street art with a twist.  Genius.
An expat friend on Facebook, Ali Watson, who has been involved with many art projects in and around Amsterdam posted this event on her wall. I knew I had to go check it out. because it just sounded like so much fun.

Wading through the tourists milling about on this sunshiny day, I could not locate the canvas... actually I had no idea what I was looking for.  Then finally, as I passed two of those street performers that appear in every major city,  (who don't perform by the way, just dress up and stand stone-cold still for hours on end), I saw it... a  2.5×1.8m canvas black buckets all around it, numbered and letter with corresponding paint colors.  Where to begin?  After asking permission (the teacher in me), I chose the least intimidating section to paint, grabbed a brush and went for it.  For me, who is crap at painting (still feeling guilty about painting over the lines today), this was still a great experience.  I painted one pink arm as far up as I could reach, and 3 green lines.  You don't need to be a serious artist to paint en plein air, have a few laughs and meet cool people.  One of the organizers, William P. Woodcole, happily welcomed people to grab a brush and have some fun.  Fun indeed.
While I was there, I saw mothers and children, Italian tourists, Dutch teens and random passersby pick up brushes and paint.  All of them were happily surprised to find out that there was no cost to participate, and lots of giggling and happy exclamations were pronounced.  It made me think that if there were a canvas in every neighborhood we might have less trouble in the world today and more color... but I digress.
Art Blossom's big weekend of events begins next week with gallery tours every hour on the hour starting at noon on Friday Saturday and Sunday (May 28-30th).  If you live in this fair city, or if you happen to be in town, check out the events page on the Art Blossom Website here  for more information about tickets and venues.  Art Blossom is located on Brug9, Singel between 157-161, down the stairs.