In this newsletter, we’d like to introduce you to repeat customer and general legend Phoebe James.
Hi Phoebe, thanks for your time.
My pleasure.
So tell me, is this your first class?
This is actually my fourth! The first class I did was ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ – that was an acrylic painting class and heaps of fun. The picture was a really great gift for my niece. The next one I did was the watercolour cacti class. I really enjoyed that, even though I thought I wouldn’t like it as much as acrylic, but I did. Then after that was the flamingo class. My favourite so far is still ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.
What drew you to the pop art class this evening?
It’s good to try new styles, and I liked the idea of working with blocks of colours. In our other classes, more blending has been involved. Plus, I loved the picture.
So tell me about your experiences of the classes. How do they work?
Each of the classes I’ve been to so far has been at a pub or a hotel, and everything’s set up for you already. Then, we’re shown step-by-step how to recreate the image, which is the subject of the class. It’s very casual, and you don’t have to be good at painting at all, you just do your best! Plus, if you muck anything up, the teachers always have a way to fix it, which has been good.
I hadn’t painted for quite awhile before my first class, but I was asked to come along by a good friend of mine, and I didn’t overthink it. That first class was on a Friday towards the end of term, at the end of a busy week, but it was such a nice way to wind down.
Have you found the classes challenging?
They have been a little challenging, but not in like an upsetting way, more of in a fun way. The challenge for me has been in getting the details or colours right.
Have you been painting in between classes?
Yes! I’ve been doing watercolours at home. It’s a good way to relax at home. I’ve come away from the classes knowing a few techniques that I can do in front of the TV or while I’m listening to a podcast. Watercolours have been the easiest for me to work with at home.
A lot of people are under the misconception that watercolour is very difficult. What would you say to those people?
I thought the same thing, and that’s why I thought I wasn’t going to like my first watercolour class. However, it’s actually really fun to play with. If you’re looking at masterpieces and thinking, “I can’t do that”, well lots of people can’t do that – that takes a lifetime of practice. However, if you just do two hours worth of one of these classes, you’ll find that you can actually paint cacti and other cool stuff at home.
Do you have any tips for newcomers?
Yes: come with a friend, give each other lots of compliments, and don’t be critical of your artwork. You’ll rock it!
Is there anything I haven’t asked you about that you think I should know?
Just do it!
Splendid! Thanks Phoebe.
