19 March 2012

Biscuit - Painting With A Twist

I devoted three hours of my day yesterday to spend some time getting in touch with my creative muse. I've not been coming up with any material to share, at least not with my writing, so I sort of cheated and forced myself into a painting class.

Paint Your Pet was the theme at Painting with a Twist this past Sunday. I didn't have anyone to go with, so I was a bit nervous. First, I haven't painted in many years, and second, I'm not an extrovert, so I counted on being huddled in a corner all by myself the entire time.

That didn't happen. As soon as I walked in, an associate greeted me and placed me at a table with an easel and my name tag. Two other women arrived shortly after and were brought to my table. Their faces lit up with smiles and they were quick to chat. They introduced themselves and we didn't stop talking from that point. We talked about our pets and our experiences with art. They pulled out their iPhones and we exchanged photos of our darling puppies. Before I knew it, I'd turned into a class act socialite.

We put our collective muses to work - chatting, painting and oohing and ahhing over each other's masterpieces. There were over 20 students in our class. Some drank wine; others drank non-alcoholic beverages. I had two bottles of my favorite Sobe flavored water.

In the last hour, all of our creations came together. The amazing transformation of mere sketches dazzled me and it is hard to believe I pulled it off. I painted my Yorkshire terrier, Biscuit. Never in a million years would I have thought I could do something like this, but I did it and I'm going back again.


Is this progress? I think so!

What have you been doing lately to feed your inner muse?

35 comments:

  1. The photo slideshow didn't work for me, but the painting is great! I wish I had the talent to do that.

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    1. Thank you, Kelly! I'll have to check out the slideshow. It had some more photos of the other ladies' pets.

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  2. Your pet painting is adorable and now you'll have to write a story with Biscuit on the cover!

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  3. The painting is awesome! All art can bring out our creativity. It sounds like you had a blast. Cute pup! :)

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    1. Thank you, Vanessa. My daughter is already wanting to go to the next one with me. We have two English bulldogs to do and we'll have a complete set!

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  4. Great painting! I have a yorkie, but I don't think I will ever be capable of painting a portrait of him. Instead, he fills several scrapbooks.

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    1. Thanks, but you can do it! The class is for people who have never painted before. They sketch it for you, then they teach you how to paint it. Awesome class!

      Glad you could stop by and view it, Christina.

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  5. OMG! You are awesome!!!

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    1. Hahaha! Thanks for stopping by. Maybe we'll take a class together if you come down on a weekend they have this class again.

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  6. What a fun way to release a muse! I love to draw. And there's nothing more fun to draw than dogs! Your painting came out great, Diane.

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    1. Thanks, Lynn. You would be surprised at the different pets. No person had the same. A couple ladies painted their cats and one lady painted her pet chicken, no lie!

      :)

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  7. Oh my, that is so adorable! Great job, lady :-) We've got a Sips and Strokes style art studio here (ie, show up with your beverage of choice and paint the night away) and it's always a blast to go. But mine NEVER look as good as your darling pup!

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    1. omg, Ashley, are they not the most fun places?! I have become a huge supporter of the fine arts over the last couple of years. It's amazing all the fun I've missed by not spending a few dollars to inspire me to do something with my time. Thanks for stopping by, and Biscuit gives you a little nudge with her cold nose in thanks for calling her darling.

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  8. There are moments in life that are simply priceless...sooooo happy for you, Diane, that you felt at ease and right at home during what sounds like a remarkable experience. Wishing you and that cute Biscuit many more delightful times ahead. Does drawing stick fiqures make me a world class artist? Just poking fun at myself and admiring you for stepping out of your comfort zone to do something new--Cheers : )

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    1. Thanks Alan! Tim was complaining the other day about not being able to draw stick figures! Haha, so you are one up in that respect. There are plenty of blogs that are based on drawings that aren't classically great, but the humor in the stories is outrageous and keeps me entertained for hours. No lie! lol

      Thanks for stopping by and the compliment of course. :D

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  9. Cute picture. Looks like you have a talent for painting.

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    1. Well, I did take painting classes years ago when I was a teenager. Thanks though!

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  10. I'm so glad you had a good time, met some new people and fed your creative muse! And that picture is adorable! Nice job :-)!

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    1. You're so sweet, randi! :D

      Biscuit thanks you too. haha

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  11. You give me courage. Wanted to go alone a few nights ago, but was too scared. Love your Biscuit!

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    1. omg, you should totally go! Everyone there was so encouraging and fun. There is still humanity left in this world. I'm convinced of it. :)

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  12. This looks like so much fun! Good on you for getting out there, and what a great painting! :)

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    1. Thank you Julz! I can't wait for the next class! :D

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  13. Great painting, and I'm glad you had a great time! I would like to explore painting some time, but don't have enough time to do so now. I used to sketch a little. I think it is there, but needs coaxing out. Anyway, I've just been writing and reading, but I really need a different outlet I think to reenergize the muse. She is exhausted! Take care!

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  14. Lena, but you're writing! lol

    That's a good thing. But you know, I feel energized because I feel like I accomplished something other than the one thing I've been scolding myself over (finishing my novel).

    Happy reading and writing, and thanks for stopping by with the huge compliment.

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  15. Aw, Diane, this is the cutest most adorable pet paining ever! And it sounds like you ended up having a truly positive experience at your class with all the others, even if you're not an extrovert by nature. :)

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    1. Wow, thank you for stopping by Super Earthling! I love your blog entries, they make me laugh too hard though. My boss will begin to think I'm having too much fun at the office. :D

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  16. I'm so impressed!! You really paint well!!! It's one of those skills I would love to have. :)

    By the way you won my giveaway! Send me an email and I'll give you the detals!

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    1. Did you see my Snoopy Dance?!

      Okay, I will send you and email! :D

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  17. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your little "Biscuit" painting. Keep up the good work. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a great past-time - always making special memories! I'd hang that painting in a special place to see every day.

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    1. Thanks so much, Vicki! My husband is having it framed and all three of my dogs are going above the fireplace! :)

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  18. Great painting, you have some skill.

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