The Creative Way:
Grow spiritually and care for your soul through art, nature, and reflection.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Jesus
Are traditional spiritual practices leaving you wanting more?
We want to bring our full selves—body, mind, and spirit—into our walk with God.
What if art could be a prayer?
When we engage our creativity, we open up space to experience God in new ways.
Through simple watercolor painting, reflection, and contemplative practices like visio divina, you’ll begin to notice more—both on the page and in your soul.
Welcome to The Creative Way
A digital membership designed to help you:
Deepen your spiritual life through beauty and reflection.
Learn beginner-friendly watercolor techniques.
Learn to slow down and prayerfully engage with what you see. Instead of using words or Scripture alone, Visio Divina invites your eyes—and your heart—to notice and respond to what is before you, allowing it to become a space of encounter with God.
Follow a gentle monthly rhythm of creativity and soul care.
You don’t need to be an artist. You just need a willing heart.
Each month a meaningful theme will guide you through creating and reflection on subjects like sunflowers, whales, or bees:
🌳Monthly Reflection
Each month starts with a short written meditation that draws from nature, Scripture, art, history, and occasionally a bit of poetry—inviting you to slow down, notice, and meet God in gentle, creative ways.
Simple suggested practices help you carry the reflection into everyday life.
🎨Watercolor Tutorial
A step-by-step watercolor tutorial is provided—no prior experience needed.
You will also receive a downloadable list with the supplies suggested for each watercolor painting.
🖼️ Visio Divina
Visio Divina is a centuries-old contemplative practice that invites you into prayer through gazing at paintings, both famous and relatively unknown. A video guiding you through a Visio Divina experience will be provided.
You will also receive the piece of art as a download, to print, if you’d like.
✨Monthly Zoom Call
Occasionally, those interested will gather live for connection and encouragement. We will paint side by side in a leisurely way, soaking in the joy of creating together.
A peek inside…
Sunflowers
What can sunflowers teach us about hope and learning to follow?
Learn how to paint a single sunflower or a field full of them, step-by-step in watercolor.
Reflect on the legacy of Van Gogh’s bold sunflower paintings, and how his creative courage can inspire our own.
Whales
What do whales symbolize in Scripture? Take a deep dive together into the story of Jonah and the whale.
Paint a beautiful blue whale in watercolor.
Engage with the quirky art of artists like Albert Herbert.
Bees
What wisdom does the natural world offer about sweetness, diligence, and sacred rhythms?
Learn to paint bees hovering over brightly colored coneflowers.
Reflect on the significance of bees in Scripture and Lilias Trotter’s Desultory Bee.
My work is the world. Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird – equal seekers of sweetness. Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
– Mary Oliver
From Inside the Membership…
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The Creative Way came to me just at the right time as I was looking for a group and/or classes based on scripture, prayer, historical artists and watercolor. Gayla's teaching is so refreshing and encouraging, she is soft spoken, patient and shares her wisdom. I have learned and grown in my faith as well as my watercolor techniques.
— Sharon D.
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I have loved the monthly engagement in The Creative Way. I look forward to each email- a learning reflection on the subject, a Visio Divina to appreciate artists and dive into noticing detail, and then the 45-minute watercolor lesson to stretch my newcomer abilities! The delight of having a spiritual, contemplative lesson with all of this rounds it out. It’s the perfect creative experience for me!
— Lisa F.
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I’m a beginner watercolor artist, and Gayla inspires me with her masterful way of sharing her gifts and passion for creating beauty. The Creative Way has been a life-giving practice for my friend and me as we complete each lesson together online. We have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the beauty of color and the presence of the Creator Himself.
— Rhonda W.
I’ve spent over 30 years in ministry, including time on staff with Young Life and more recently with a retreat and hospitality ministry in the Denver area. I’m a trained spiritual director and completed a program in Christian Formation and Soul Care at Denver Seminary, where I learned to walk alongside others in their spiritual journeys.
A few years ago, I went through a battle with cancer. I’m grateful to be doing well now—and that experience deepened my longing to create. It reminded me how healing beauty and creativity can be and increased my desire to help others experience it, too.
Practicing art during that time helped me reconnect with God in deeper ways—and it also supported my mental health. Painting became a space to slow down, breathe, process, and rediscover joy.
I’d be honored to walk with you as you explore how faith and art can meet in meaningful, restorative ways.
Hi, I’m Gayla Irwin, your guide for The Creative Way
You’re invited.
Whether you’re just beginning your art journey or looking for a fresh, soul-centered spiritual rhythm,
The Creative Way is a welcoming space to explore, reflect, and grow.
FAQs
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The doors will open on Monday, 24 August, 2026
Enrollment will continue through Sunday, 30 August, 12 am MST.
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Each month has a theme that will guide our explorations.
Via email, you will get a guided reflection each month, kind of a deep dive into the theme of the month.
You will receive one watercolor video tutorial and accompanying PDFs (if you would rather get right to painting!) related to the theme of the month.
You will also receive a Visio Divina video that guides you through a piece of art, helping you connect with God.
Occasionally, we will offer an optional live Zoom gathering for connection and encouragement.
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A list of supplies will be included for each month. In general, you will need watercolor paint, watercolor paper, a few brushes, a pencil and eraser.
While I will mention the specific colors or brands of supplies that are featured in the lessons, you are free to use whatever brand/type you prefer.
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The Creative Way costs $39 per month.
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Super easy. If you find this membership is not for you, you can either cancel your membership on the member site or email me and I will cancel for you.