Wine + Painting = Fun

A few weeks ago my sister and I went to a Corks and Canvas event for a really fun night of wine and painting.  If you haven't heard of the concept, I highly recommend it for a unique night out with friends. For a reasonable fee ($45 in our case) we received a glass of wine, all our paint supplies, and step by step instructions to complete the featured masterpiece of the night.  

In case you can't tell....ahem...our featured masterpiece was "Deception Pass at Sunset". Well....it kind of looks like a bridge at sunset.  My husband was very complimentary, but let's just say there's a reason I will never be considered "artistic" :).

We arrived at the winery and entered a room full of people who looked like they knew what they were doing.  Oh dear.  Some were very seriously looking at the sample painting and others were gathering their supplies. My sister and I chose seats next to two other women who looked as clueless as we were and then headed to pick out our wine.

The blank canvas staring back at us from the easel was a bit intimidating.  I certainly wasn't expecting paint by numbers, but I had no idea how I was going to create "Deception Pass at Sunset" from this.  However, once the class started, it actually wasn't too difficult.  The instructor took us through the painting step by step, giving guidance on which colors to use and how to do different techniques.

We had decided that my sister would have my glass of wine as well as hers.  I was the designated driver, and I'm such a lightweight, even one glass is too much when I'm responsible for life and limb.  This, however, was a mistake.  Shortly after she started her second drink, my sister somehow managed to paint what looked like a tiny surfer on the water in her painting. This gave us the giggles.  Our instructor was not as amused, and kept throwing irritated glances our way as we tried to get ourselves under control.   

After several hours and much merriment, this is what I came up with.

Not exactly a Monet.  But trust me, it looks better from farther away.  Really, it does. It's been sitting on the floor in my office reminding me what a fun night I had with my sister.  I think we need to try "Van Gogh Sunflowers" next.  I hope they let us come back :).