Our Afternoon at Painting with a Twist

I was recently asked if I would like to come to a new Painting with a Twist store to try out a class with my daughter.  I went to something similar a little over a year ago and loved it, so I wanted my daughter to experience it too. This review is 100% our opinion. 

On New Year's Eve we went to the Peach of an Owl class at Painting with a Twist in Fenton, Michigan.  They have Painting with a Twist locations in several states, if you are interested in a going to a class of your own.  

If you have never been to a paint class before, it is quite an experience. Each person has their own easel, and canvas to paint.  The instructor then walks you step by step through the painting process in front of the class.  At this store they also had a monitor that you could watch if you were in the back of the room.  In this picture we had just painted our background by mixing red, orange and white paint. My daughter wanted to add some highlights and shading to hers. (she is in an Art class at school right now, her teacher would have been proud) 

Partway through the class, you can really see the owls take shape. 

I really liked this picture because my daughter is really into her painting. She does not even notice me taking a picture of her.  Each painter can add their own details to their paintings, so even though we were painting the same picture, they all looked very different.  

My daughter loves the color black, so she added a lot more black detail. She also made her owl's eyes red.  At the end of the class, the instructor took pictures of everyone with their paintings, 

This was our instructor Cassandra.  She was really nice, and full of energy. 

On the wall in the studio, they posted their rules of the store. Here is my version of them.   

1. Relax! You will definitely have more fun in in the class, if you are not stressed about your work.   

2. Watch where you put your brushes.  It is very easy to put them in the wrong cup if you are not careful. It is also easy to spill your water if you are not paying attention.  The person across the table from me had that happen to her.  

3. They do take short breaks during the class. Sometimes it is needed because the paint needs to dry before moving to the next step. If your painting is not drying fast enough, you can use one of the handy hair dryers on the wall.

4. You painting will look different when you step back. Sometimes the "mistakes" are more noticeable  when it is right in your face.  

5. I personally do not drink wine, but they do have classes where you are welcome to bring some.  They often have private parties and ladies' nights out.  

6. I love the last rule.  They make it very easy to have FUN in the class. 

You are welcome to bring your own food and unopened  bottles of wine to the store, but if you don't bring your own, they do have some for sale. They also have several types of soda/pop. You have to be over 18 to attend a class after 6 pm. Ages 12 and up, can attend an open class before 6 pm as long as they are accompanied by an adult.  There are family classes  for children under 12. but they recommended for 8 and older. Younger kids might have a hard time sitting for a long time following directions. You can book a party for younger children if they really want to paint.

All around the studio they had paintings from the classes they offer.  My daughter saw several she wanted to go back and paint. After our experience we had, I am sure we will.  

Have had the chance to go to a painting class?