Camp Creative has become a special event that I look forward to every year since 2003.   I was first encouraged to attend Camp Creative by Myrtle Robertson, a long time resident of Bellingen.  Myrtle was the widow of the previous minister of the Uniting Church in Bellingen and I have known Myrtle's family since they were neighbors of mine in Brisbnane in the 1950's and 1960's.

There is a huge variety of courses offered at Camp Creative and initially I selected a cooking course the first year I attended. I soon realised that cooking was not my forte!  However, I found the camp experience and concerts performed throughout the week really enjoyable, so I had to find a new course to embark on, so I could return the following year!

Myrtle encouraged me to try Chinese Brush Painting, as no prior experience was required.  She had been having weekly painting lessons from Stephen Cassattari (the camp painting teacher) when he was a resident of Bellingen for many years.  

I found the painting class to be very enjoyable and relaxing and I have gotten to know many of the course participants who continue to attend each year.  Stephen also runs painting classes in a number of locations throughout NSW, which I have also attended on occasions. 

Quite often, I find that I am the only male in the class other than Stephen.  Whilst I like the other female participants, I would like to encourage more men to try Chinese Brush Painting, as it is a very rewarding experience and quite different from other types of watercolour art.  The painting is composed of different types of brush strokes with two or more colours on the brush.

There is no age limitation to participate in the course.  Myrtle was a regular participant until she passed away at the age of 90.  She left all of her painting books and art equipment to me, so I figured that she wanted me to continue attending the course.