With a new baby and an active four-year-old at home, Ashley Schaeffer of Powder Springs didn't have much time to go shopping for things like birthday presents. 

But she had a couple of canvasses and some paint, so she put her favorite hobby to use for her mother-in-law's birthday.

"I painted a family tree, with birds representing family members," Ashley reminisced. "She loved it, and I really got hooked on painting."

Ajaye O'Brien is seeing a lot of that these days at The Country Store at Seven Springs on Marietta Street, where he has leased out a gallery and painting space, and teaches art lessons. 

"I get a lot of moms who want to try their hand at painting," he said. "They don't need previous experience or training to start lessons with me." 

In fact, one of his students, who had no prior lessons, is getting so proficient, O'Brien says "if she gets any better, she'll be teaching the class."

O'Brien has classes every Tuesday night from 7 til 9 p.m.  He has supplies available at a discount for his students. He'll play music in the background while the aspiring artists work, "just to ease up the atmosphere," he says. 

Down Highway 278 in Hiram, Seth Gabbert at Michaels Crafts says they've seen an uptick in requests by moms for art lessons. 

"We're bringing in a new instructor," Gabbert confides, "and we'll have a wide mix of ages and interests in subjects."

The Mable House Arts Center on Floyd Road in Mableton also
offers art classes for ages 16 and above, in drawing techniques, painting
techniques and still life. 

Gabbert says he's impressed with how many families want to
make art together. "We'll get moms, dads and kids wanting to take lessons
as a family. It's a great way to get into art."

Schaeffer says her four-year-old is fascinated with painting after the success of her family tree project. She's definitely considering lessons for herself.

"I loved it. When I'm painting, it almost puts you in a zen mode."

"It's definitely relaxing," O'Brien agrees. "I work with each of my students
individually, and there's no rush. Everyone works at their own pace."

Schaeffer is looking forward to future projects. "With painting, there's no stress," she said. "I can be totally creative on my time."