I've heard of these parties in the 'States. My daughter and her husband have done it and I've always been intrigued. But living on a boat, space is limited for things like paintings and such. When the Facebook page posted the Flamingo Tote event (if you only knew how much I love flamingos...) I wanted to go but talked myself out of it. A conversation with a friend, also on the fence about going, tipped us both! We made plans!
I could hardly wait for the day to arrive. This is so much different from the things we normally do as cruisers and I looked forward to some giggly girl-time! And yes! There were men there as well! No way I could induce Bruce to do this. Just forget it. So, Maureen and I met up with several other friends we've met from around the island, and had a lovely and quite civilized time setting our inner artist FREE!
My initial circles. You can see the many different tries... no matter. All of that will be painted over! |
I wear my bags on my left shoulder. If I painted this flamingo as instructed, it would be facing backward. I would have to flip it so it would face forward when worn on the left shoulder. I know. It's a sickness. Not only would I be painting something like this for the first time, but I would paint it backward!
Of course our creativity was aided by these nice young men offering wine whenever our glass got empty! Yes please! We got to try out several different varieties, all lovely and cold on a warm Caribbean evening.
Things were moving pretty slowly but we were all having a grand time laughing and cutting up. It was fun being able to see how everyone did their own thing. We were all making the same picture, but everyone had their own way of doing things that made it really interesting.
The next step was to make these strange loops. They came around with the page with the circles again and showed us how to add these additional shapes. In my mind I had to find markers on the circles then reverse them to be able to make them in the same position on my backwards piece. I had to work at it a bit, maybe the wine helped, maybe not!
The cool thing was to go from looking at the shapes abstractly, to making them look like a flamingo in my mind's eye. Then I could make some minor adjustments that made it look more "right" in my mind. Very awesome stuff happening in my brain right now!
From circles and shapes to a flamingo! All it needed was a beak! |
We had to overlap the edges of the flamingo a bit, then let it dry before continuing with the PINK! |
Some did canvas, others did totes! |
This one on the right is my favorite. |
The wet paint had to dry before we could start on the Flamingo or it would all run together. This was the perfect time for a little mixer and some nibbles!
A quick stop to get a refill and off to the buffet! Pockets in our aprons hold the wine glass handily! |
Everything was delicious! There was shrimp, pizza, fish fingers, won tons, cold cuts and crackers and beautiful fruits. Wow! Guess we won't be having dinner out after all!
With six o'clock rapidly approaching, we were finally called back to our tables to commence painting the Flamingos!
Pink, red, white, grey and black paints were doled out and we took one more look at the instructions. They told us to use the red on the lower parts then mix it with pink and white as we got to the top sides so that it would look like light and shadow. OK, if you say so!
OK, it kind of looks like light and shadow. More paint please! |
We took our wet masterpieces and posed for photos at the door, then said our fond farewells. The evening had been a delight! Who knew this was in me??? Now I've got a new tote bag to wear out and about, and whenever I see one like it, I'll know that I share a unique experience and some fond memories with that person.
Everyone did so well. There were many different and unique styles, but each one of them "worked". I guess there IS a little bit of the Artist in all of us!
Thanks to Grenada Sip-N-Paint for coaxing it out!
It's always gratifying when someone recognizes the hard work being put into something that you want to make great. A million thanks for your kind words and your motivation to be even better. #endlesspossibilities welcome to our Sip & Paint family
ReplyDeleteWell I think that you all did a marvellous job, from the venue, to the wine choices, to the food and of course the artistic guidance! Good luck and may you continue to grow and provide people with a personal art experience!
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