Founded by a woman and mother, Canvas & Brushes provides a variety of painting experiences including henna tattoos, face painting, and “paint and sip” style classes. The company offers regular, publicly available sessions as well as private canvas parties.
After meeting Canvas & Brushes’ fearless leader Poonam Suryavanshi at a recent Vegan Outlet, she invited me to come check out one of her painting classes. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I enjoy painting, but I have zero natural talent when it comes to anything artsy. I was nervous that I either wouldn’t be able to finish the project on time, or I’d leave the class with a big, sloppy mess on my canvas. But Poonam made sure that neither of those things happened. I had such a great experience, and I can’t wait to go back!
Signing Up for a Canvas & Brushes Party
To sign up for one of Canvas & Brushes events, visit their website. Underneath the “events” tab, you’ll find a list of upcoming classes, locations, and an example of the artwork that you will create. Prices range from $25-35, depending on the class’ location and amenities. While all class fees include the necessary supplies, more expensive sessions generally include light refreshments as well.
The Class
When we arrived at Persimmon Hollow Brewing (our class location), we found everyone’s seat was already set up with the necessary supplies and work area. Each station had an easel, canvas, brushes, cup of water for rinsing, and a palette with the required colors. Prior to the class start, Poonam had emailed us to find out with whom we’d be attending and how we wanted to be seated. All the tables and stations were arranged accordingly.
Painting Our Masterpiece!
Of course, we first needed to paint our portrait’s background. Poonam showed us which colors and brushes to use while demonstrating the techniques at the front of the class. It was easy to follow her instruction (even as a novice painter) and made me feel like I might actually be capable of completing the work.
After we finished painting our backgrounds, we took a small break to let the pictures dry. Poonam used a hairdryer to help them dry more quickly. She then marked the outline of our wine/beer glasses with a stencil and a piece of chalk.
We returned from our break to find our portraits dry, marked and ready for more work! Poonam showed us how to mix paints together to create more realistic wine and beer colors while demonstrating the necessary techniques to complete the painting.
The rest of the evening was spent finishing our paintings. Once we were all done we took a group photo and brought our masterpieces home!
Freaky Thoughts
Even as a complete novice with little to no talent, Poonam’s instruction and guidance allowed me to re-create this awesome painting. I really enjoyed the experience, and bonus: I felt like I actually learned a few new painting techniques and best practices. I look forward to returning to a Canvas & Brushes class to try a new creation!
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Keeping in Touch with Canvas & Brushes
Make sure to follow Canvas & Brushes on Instagram and Facebook for all their latest news. And, of course, find their current class schedule on their website.
