I've been to this studio twice now for the 'Paint Your Pet' class, and I have absolutely loved…read moreevery experience! The instructors, Erica and Ben (I believe, please correct me if I have the names wrong), were fun, encouraging, and incredibly helpful.
Unlike a typical "paint and sip" class, the instructors demonstrate a few techniques and then it's basically just a free paint time while they come around offering help if needed. They offer helpful tips for tackling some of the trickier details, like eyes, fur texture, shading, and color mixing. I also love that you can choose your canvas size, with pricing based on the size you select. They even offer a wood canvas option if you're looking for something a little different.
You're welcome to bring one sealed bottle of wine per person, and many people also brought snacks. If you prefer, beverages are available for purchase at the studio as well.
A few days before class, you'll email them a photo of your pet. I had so many favorites that I sent three different pictures! They chose the one that would translate best into a painting and be the easiest to sketch.
When you arrive, your canvas is already prepared with a hand drawn outline of your pet, along with the printed reference photo you submitted. After a brief introduction and some painting tips, you're given your paint colors and get to work. Throughout the class, the instructors walk around offering one-on-one guidance, and they were amazing.
I struggled with areas like the eyes and mouth and felt my painting looked a little flat at first. After the instructors spent a few minutes helping me, everything started to come together, and by the end of class it truly looked like my sweet little boy. I was amazed by the transformation.
One of my favorite memories was bringing my mom to a class. She had lost her beloved dog, Bailey, just a few months earlier. At one point she became discouraged and almost gave up on her painting, but the instructors were so kind and patient. They took the time to help her, and by the end of class she was overwhelmed with emotion. The finished painting brought tears to her eyes, and it became such a healing, cathartic experience for her. To this day, she tells me that every time she walks past Bailey's portrait, she blows her a kiss.
I later returned with a couple of friends, and the following year one of them lost her sweet boy. She told me how grateful she was to have shared this experience and to have that beautiful painting to remember him by.
I truly cherish the paintings of my boys and am so thankful for the wonderful experiences I've had here. This class creates so much more than a painting, it creates a lasting memory of the pets we love so deeply. I can't recommend it enough, and I sincerely hope they continue offering it for years to come. If you've been thinking about taking this class, do it. It's absolutely worth it I promise!