April Art Activity Challenge: Go paint with friends

Happy almost April!

I challenge you this April to gather a group of friends to sign up to participate in Sips n Strokes (or any alternatively named painting class). I have found that these group outings are a blast, and not just because the venue allows you to BYOW (Bring Your Own Wine ;)). They are perfect for any occasion - Happy hours, birthdays, bachelorette parties, because it's Tuesday...any occasion! 

On average, the cost is about $30 for three hours and all supplies necessary to create your work of art. By visiting the website, you can typically find a monthly calendar that outlines what pieces of art will be taught on which dates. Select your date, RSVP, and pay when you get there! Below are some examples from groups I have gone with: 

Bachelorette party, September 2012

ARTini's Art Lounge, Athens, GA

Vincent Van Gogh's "Almond Blossoms"

Double date night, September 2012

Dip 'n Dab, Decatur, GA

Chinese pagoda

Birthday get-together, March 2014

Sips n Strokes, Sandy Springs, GA

Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry Night"

A few things to keep in mind, particularly if you do not consider yourself "an artist":

1. Paint the edges of your canvas too! Then you won't require a frame if you want to hang it on your wall. :) 

2. Art is meant to be viewed at a distance. If you feel like you're losing perspective on your work, get up and take a few steps back from it to get a better look. 

3. Have FUN with it! This is not meant to be serious.

4. Embrace the differences! Don't spend your night comparing your work to the person next to you. Theirs will be different than yours and that doesn't mean yours is at any sort of disadvantage. It just means that a different person is interpreting the same subject. As my friend Mallory alluded to after our last painting class, it's amazing to see how your painting will come out looking like YOU and YOUR personality. Same for your friends.

5. Stay positive! Last class, I sat in ear shot of a lady that criticized her own painting the whole night, which was kind of a downer. Even if you get frustrated, remember that this is meant to be a fun and creative outlet for you to express yourself. Ask for help if you need it and don't be so hard on yourself.

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." 
- Vincent Van Gogh