Momma Told Me: Get Out And Do Something! Paint Nite Events

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Get Out And Do Something! Paint Nite Events

Paint Nite Event
Momma Told Me: Paint the town!

I'm making a lot of changes this year. Changes I feel are, hopefully, for the better. I'm trying to spend more time with the people that matter, unplug from work at a reasonable hour, and spend my disposable (it it ever REALLY disposable???) income on experiences, rather than things. Not only do studies suggest that the tangible 'high' of acquiring an experience over a thing lasts much longer, but that the long term security of one's investment continues to generate positive feelings even long after the event has ended, due to the existence of the experience, itself. Even better, experiences can be shared with the people who matter, really giving me more bang for my buck, so to speak.
Paint Nite Event
Paint Nite Event
Over the next few months I will have several amazing experiences to share with you here on the blog. Some of them are small single day events, others will take up the better part of a week. So, if it gets a little quiet here, don't fret, I'm just out there living life and 'researching' content for you all! On the list of places I'll visit, currently, are the vastly different states, New York, Oregon, Texas, and Alaska. I'll be visiting BlogHer, driving up the coast to the Washington border, cruising the Alaskan shores, flying out of Canada, and spending some much needed time with family. If you can't dedicate chunks of time to 'experience' and vacation, don't fret- small activities like the one I'm sharing today take only a few hours and little planning.
Paint Nite Event
I have wanted to do a Paint Night ever since I heard of the concept- Groupon (and Groupon style sites) constantly have half off specials as low as $20 per person for numerous organizations that arrange these events. For today's purpose, I went with a Paint Nite event. Locations vary from family restaurants to wineries, pubs, and more; and timing ranges from afternoon to late night events. even better, there are events on nearly every day of the week and you can pick and choose your event's painting based on your personal preference or difficulty level. There is truly something for everyone at these events where you are instructed on the recreation of an existing painting.
Paint Nite Event
There is no need to bring any supplies (though you should bring a few dollars to tip your instructor) all supplies are provided for you, including an apron, and you get to take your canvas home at the end of the event! Materials are very basic, so all skill levels will feel at home, and you are encouraged to emulate the target painting exactly through the instruction or take the learned techniques and transform them into your own vision. Our group had everything from exact replicas to different color schemes and abstract interpretations. We had 2 instructors, and they roamed the group offering one on one tips, if desired, in between their main instruction.
Paint Nite Event
Most of these painting events involve alcohol- either in a bring your own or buy your own fashion, though drinking is certainly NOT required. My cousins, aunt, and I enjoyed our session at Alosta Brewing Co, in Covina, CA, so we did enjoy a casual beer during our 2 and a half hour event. I'll admit, I was a bit puzzled as to why our birds of paradise had thin 'reed like' shadows, instead of the thick sweeping leaves the plant would normally have....but I suppose it's all in artistic interpretation. Everyone present was very friendly and it was quite fascinating to see the different interpretations everyone had in their recreation of one painting.

Speaking of those present- our event was in the afternoon on a weekend, it was a very fun and friendly crowd. There were a few wives with their husbands (yes, it CAN be a date night) and a few groups of women celebrating birthdays or bridal showers. In all, with the half off Groupon rate, I couldn't have been happier with my time spent. I not only got to reconnect with family and see their own beautiful visions and creativity, but I also got to take home a piece of the memory in a physical painting. I am already planning my next painting night out, and can't wait- I wonder who I will bring next! Have you ever done a single class or event like this? Who would you bring with you if you haven't?

What Daughter Says: You can't experience new things if you don't get out and try them!

9 comments:

  1. I have not done anything like this. My artistic skills are very limited....and Superior is not a bastion for well, anything. Unless you include goats, chickens, horses and guns. I love the colors used in your paintings. Very pretty.

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  2. I SO want to do one of these paint nights. For now, I'm having a blast doing art with my preK son which lets me explore my creative side a bit more.

    Sure hope you love your visit to Alaska. I feel quite blessed to live up here.

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  3. That's a great idea! I need to check around and see if something like this is offered in our area.

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  4. I love these events! I've only done one, but I had such a great time I'd love to do it again. I really like seeing everyone's spin on the original picture too. So much fun! Also, a great idea for a date night... hmmmm!

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  5. This looks like so much fun! Sounds like a great night out with friends.

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  6. Wow, this is such a pretty painting too! I see a ton of these cool places popping up around the US. I need to have a date night out and paint too!

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  7. I want to do this SO BAD!! Great job on your painting, BTW.

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  8. I have been meaning to do an event like this. I really need to get a girlfriend or two to finalize a plan. We never seem to actually DO IT!

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  9. Wow, you did an amazing job!!! Recently I was supposed to meet a group of friends from our church at one of these paint nights, but my husband ended up having to work and all of my kids were sick. :-( I was really bummed. I hope to have the opportunity again soon. It seems everyone such a great job with their paintings!

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