What better way to express your creativity than with a painting class where (1) you can be as messy as you want and you don't have to clean up after yourself; (2) you are encouraged to bring a bottle(s) of wine with you; and (3) you have your close friend by your side encouraging you...to not let the curse words fly when you can't get a straight line to save your life!!!

For Friday Night Fun Night this week, we braved the traffic jams characteristic of Georgetown on a weekend evening to head to Blush 'N' Brush. Tonight's challenge: New Orleans French Quarter

Sample from website calendar

First, we started with our base layers of blue, red, and black, adding the shading and the 2nd floor railing.


Next, came the detail work...and associated expletives that come only when you're using a giant brush to do highlights the width of a toothpick!!  A little inventiveness on my friend's painting when there wasn't room for the lamppost - a sconce.  Well done, J!


And after only 3 1/2 hours....VOILA!!  Please note my artistic license with the mardi gras beads on the ground and caught in the railings.  It couldn't be a NoLa street scene without them!  Not bad, right?  I changed the green color to more of a lime - just my preference.  I'm most pleased by the lamppost.


So if you're looking for something to do with your friends to change up the evening activity selection, definitely consider finding a fun painting class.  Blush 'N' Brush offers approximately 20 different classes each month, and the calendars change all the time.  Sign up early for the popular paintings, like Starry Night!  Next month's calendar is usually posted mid-month.  This was my third class, and I will be returning -- maybe even have a private party for my birthday???  I am also considering a foundational course from The Art League located at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria, VA.  Community colleges are other potential resources for courses for the aspiring casual painter or hobbyist.  Whatever the class, wherever the location, the point is to get out of your comfort zone and try something new!  It's art and it's fun.  It's also a great way to balance out a stressful work day/week.


Result of Blush 'N' Brush Painting Class #1:  Starry Night DC Cherry Blossoms

 

 

Result of Blush 'N' Brush Painting Class #2: Abstract Poppies