Monday, July 28, 2014

Paint!

{Last week's Neon Dash Giveaway winner is... Leigh!  Congratulations!} 

On my birthday bucket list is the dare to PAINT, and that's just what I did last night!


You see, I always loved art when I was younger, and I would draw and paint right through my senior year in high school.  Then... nothin'.  Somehow life took over, and my sketchbook ended up in a cabinet in my bedroom in my parents' house.  Nowadays, whenever I do find myself doing something artsy or involving paint of some kind (like a paint-your-own pottery type place), I get such a creativity high that I'm sad when it ends and yearn for more!

Art is an enjoyable form of PLAY for me, 

So that's how "paint" ended up on my list, and a no-hassle way to dip my toe back in was by taking a class.

My friend Becky and I went to Painting Lounge in Brooklyn (there's also a Manhattan lounge--which is BYOB), where we were set up with easels, canvases, paint, brushes, and a model to follow.  The relaxed, funny instructor walked us through the steps to create "A Walk In The Rain".

The small studio had a very laid back atmosphere (that I likely took too seriously; I was, of course, the last one to finish) that caters to all artistic abilities.  The instructor was also so flexible and encouraged us to be creative or original as we felt we needed to be.  ("You want a purple sky?  Excellent.  Need the leaves to match your sofa?  Go for it.")

It was so much fun mixing colors, playing with brush technique, and finally stepping back from the canvas to take a look at the finished product.



What better way to spend a Sunday night?  It was a fun evening with just enough learning of technique, but basic enough that we all could do it and have a good time.  I definitely want to go back to make another, or maybe even whip out my own my mom's old paints and get crafty.


How do you make time for "play" activities you enjoyed as a child?  

{For other ideas to engage in healthy PLAY, check out the Mark's Daily Apple post: 15 Concrete Ways to Play}

I dare you to... :)

15 comments:

  1. This looks like so much fun! I'm pretty sure that any picture I painted would be unrecognizable though LOL.

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    1. Haha no they really make it so simple! Even though they each had their own style, everyone's finished pieces looked great :)

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  2. i've always wanted to take a painting class! your picture came out beautiful!!

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    1. Thanks! What's stopping you from taking a class? Just find one in your area and sign up -- I dare you to ;)

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Erin! It was a fun experience, and now I've got this to hang on my wall :)

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  4. wow you did a great job! not sure if I could do that lol I've actually been wanting to go do this for a while. I've heard of the BYOB ones and those sound like they could a fun night out with girl friends. Will have to try it out soon!

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    1. You should DEFINITELY find one and sign up!! It was a lot of fun and everyone's came out looking great. The instructors really break it down for you step by step. It'd be a great girls' night for sure!

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  5. YES
    LOVE
    the child and I do this all the time.
    xoxo

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    1. That's because you and the child are awesome and do ALL The fun things!!!! Seriously.

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  6. Replies
    1. Oh stoppppp haha no they really make it so easy :)

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  7. Oh, Meredith! I love this post, and that painting is BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE your blog. I love your beautiful energy and momentum and that it's not just about being brave in the big things, but sometimes it is being brave in the little things. I just love this. I just finished the book Let's All Be Brave by Annie F. Downs. Great read. So glad I found your blog!

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  8. Your painting turned out beautifully! I absolutely love paint parties and everything they have to offer. There is always something new to learn, unique artwork, and fun conversations! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks so much! It was a great time :)

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