Wednesday 13 April 2016

Painting Parties - Who Knew?

Recently a local artist hosted something she called Painting Parties and a few friends attended. One friend suggested that I should try it as she felt I would be a better 'teacher'. At any rate, I decided to check it out on-line. WOW! I had no idea that the concept was so popular! There are franchises! Of course, most of these events happen in big cities and Creston has a population under 5000 with a high percentage of seniors, so maybe it is not surprising that Painting Parties are virtually unheard of here.

On all of the party sites that I investigated everyone was painting with acrylic. As a watercolour artist, I don't think the medium is getting a fair shake. If I go ahead with the idea, I intend to host a few Watercolour Painting Parties.
Derelict #1
I figure most beginner or novice artists should be able to create a vignette if they are supplied with a quarter sheet of watercolour paper, a drawing, paints and brushes AND some instructions.
Derelict #2

Many people claim that watercolour is a hard medium to work in because you can't easily make corrections. I think these vignette style paintings are loose enough that any mistakes will fit right in with the overall look.
Lakeside Living


For now I am just coming up with subjects and possible colour combinations, but I really think that I will give this party idea a try.

I think an afternoon spent on a covered deck with a drink, some goodies, paper and paint, and some like-minded people would be super fun. And everyone would have a painting to take home too!

19 comments:

  1. I think that is an awesome idea Val, and you would be a great teacher :) These are so wonderful, your trees and grasses are so lovely :) Best wishes and keep us posted :)

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    1. Thank you Sheila. I think I will try it out with a beginner guinea pig first to check the timing and the feasibility but I really hope it will work. If I do it I will try to remember to take photos - lol.

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  2. I miss all the Artist get-togethers. There is not much like it here...maybe I should get a party started!

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    1. I think you should Lori. Although many of them are set up in bars or restaurants in the, Liz did her parties at a church. I am going to use my home - the deck if the weather is good, the basement if it is bad - that way people can bring booze to make it more 'party'. The draw back is that I supply all the material and refreshments and charge the people. Standard fee seems to be $45.00. Good luck and let me know if you do something.

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  3. I miss all the Artist get-togethers. There is not much like it here...maybe I should get a party started!

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  4. Great post, Val, and I'm sure if you host a w/c painting party, you'll have a blast!

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    1. Thanks Win. I really want to try doing some and I hope that people in the area want to try it too - we'll see!

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  5. Go for it Val! I do it once a month and the people love it. They bring their friends, have a glass of wine, and take a 16x20 painting home. You would be great at teaching it, I'm sure!

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    1. Thanks Laurie, I really think I will do it. It would be great to see a post from you about your next 'painting party'. If I lived in your area I would probably attend even though I don't drink - lol. Have a great weekend.

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  6. I know folks who have attended these parties in our area and they just love them. The folks who always wanted to paint to the ones who just want to enjoy a day or night out. Wine is usually part of the experience. Can't wait to see you put this into motion and know they will learn a lot and have fun. Maybe new students for you out of the experience. Keep us posted. Love all the pics, especially the vignette look. Nice.

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  7. Morning Nelvia. It will be interesting to see if a watercolor party goes over as well as the acrylic ones do. I am going to wait until June when it is warmer and we can use the deck but I will definitely post. Have a great weekend.

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  8. I think doing one with watercolors sounds like a great idea. Keep us posted about it and how it goes. These three paintings are really nice!

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    1. Thanks Joan. I am really hopeful about doing some watercolor painting parties - keeping my fingers crossed that people here will be interested. Thanks for stopping by.

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  9. Sounds a great idea go for it. Thank you for your lovely comment on my self portrait post.

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    1. You are very welcome and thanks for the encouragement to go for the watercolor painting party. I will be promoting it this weekend at a trade fair and depending on the response I will be going ahead with the idea. Have a great day!

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  10. Val, with your talent, I absolutely agree you should go ahead and teach! Beautiful artwork!!
    Thank you for stopping and leaving lovely comments- you made my day!
    hugs,Jackie ")

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    1. Wow! what a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much Jackie.

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  11. sounds a great idea. Good luck :)

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