"Everyone can express themselves artistically," Aug says. "The trick is to take time to discover your natural orientation." She's a catalyst, encouraging awareness through fundamentals that every artist works with (through the painting process), no matter their style.

Aug sometimes uses music, stories, poems, sounds or whatever inspires to help tap into your own individual expression. This process of discovery is the same for children and adults. Children are naturally open to this in their play; adults need to get back to it.

Aug shows you how a painting is put together -- what colors do, the impact of line and space. You then become aware of your natural artistic orientation. Perhaps you're most responsive toward color, loose or detail oriented, texture or tactile oriented.

Working with art -- without expectation or judgment -- is healing, confidence-building, freeing and fun. It helps you get in touch with your feelings and can be wonderful for those who have been through trauma. Aug says some are shocked at what they're able to do. "It was always there," she says. "They just needed someone to open the door."

You can reach Louise Aug at her studio (802B) at the Pendleton Art Center or at 513-871-9343 or 513-477-3752.