We were painting and sipping...

Out of the 8 girls who were planning on going to the Saratoga Paint & Sip party this past Friday, at least 3 asked if it was going to be paint by numbers. None of us are skilled artists by any means (even though I WAS an art history major in college) and we weren’t sure what to expect. I don't think I've ever actually painted on a canvas before. We got a little held up next door at the Henry Street Tap Room beforehand, as their smoked cheddar, bacon Wagyu burger and whisky cocktails got us a little distracted on the time. When we made it over to the studio (a few minutes late), we were greeted by the owner, a transplant to Saratoga by way of New Orleans and her artist of the evening. We grabbed our aprons, our paint and our wine and took a seat. The painting of the night entitled “pink heels” was a pair of cowboy boots & a hat sitting on a chair. One of my most festive girlfriends brought favors for the evening including pink bandannas and pink cowboy boot cookies. So adorable and totally got us into the spirit of the evening!

Here is the piece that the artist painted that we were basing our paintings on. Image c/o Saratoga Paint & Sip.

The artist (wearing an awesome pair of funky cowboy boots!) stepped up on the platform and told us that we could use whatever colors that we wanted and she would walk us through step by step on what to do. Well let me tell you, step by step was easier for some than for others. She recommended that we use a light color to first outline our boots, the chair and the hat. Then we could go back over the colors with the actual colors that we wanted our boots, etc to be. Thank goodness the artist was so helpful and nice as she walked around to answer questions and offer help when needed. This girl had the patience of a saint! Some of us had giant boots and no room for the hat, some of us had skinny boots on a massive chair. She taught us that we could make new lines and didn’t have to commit to the first lines that we drew. Same with the colors. She taught us that we could add colors to blend or bring in more lightness or darkness. It’s a good thing too! My first attempt looked more like Priscilla Queen of the Desert than Rodeo Queen.



My first attempt looked like something these girls would wear

 

Time flew by and the two hours felt like two minutes. The artist kept us on task so that we would actually walk out with a finished painting. All the while, the girl talk and laughter was at an all time high as we chatted about husbands, boyfriends, kids, life. The owner walked around and offered us more wine and chatted with us about how she ended up in Saratoga and came to open this awesome little studio.

 

When the clock struck 9pm, we signed our paintings, signed the wall and cashed out our drink tabs. Everything about that night made me excited to come back and experience it again! I've actually already signed up for another evening at the end of the month and I’m debating hosting my own birthday soiree there! Definitely one of my new favorite places and I’m raving about it to all of my friends and family.

Our masterpieces!

 

My finished painting!

Denver's version