What should I expect?
You’ll find easels, canvases, and brushes ready for you. You and your friends will make yourselves comfortable, and I’ll hand out the paint and show you what to do. We’ll go one step at a time, we’ll laugh and experiment, and before you know it you’ll have your own original painting!
What if I can’t draw?
You don’t need to be able to draw – we’ll work out a couple of simple shapes together (squares, ovals) and go from there. Lopsided shapes are fine, too!
No, seriously, I really cannot draw!
That’s fine, because this really is art! 🙂 Which means it’s individual – some students are exact, some are expressive. Sometimes paintings turn out a lot like the inspiration, but other times the muse takes over and wild things happen. It’s all good. Because this is YOUR time to relax and create. Art is about exploring.
What kind of paint will we use?
Acrylic paint, which is water soluble but does stain fabrics. Acrylic paint doesn’t have a strong odor and it dries really quickly so you’ll be able to take your painting home after your party. We’re using good-quality paints, so the colors are nice and strong.
I don’t like strong colors, I prefer pastels/neutrals/black and white.
That will be just fine, you will make this painting YOURS!
What if I get stuck?
I understand – it happens to me, too. I know a lot of tricks, you’ll be fine 🙂
A big huge expanse of white is pretty intimidating.
Well, our canvases aren’t too big, and we also start with a shape to break up that white space. I won’t leave you hanging.
Am I supposed to paint the same as the teacher? What if I can’t paint as well as the teacher does?
I’ll be your guide, but the journey is yours. And what we’ll cover is the basics — you will be amazed and delighted at what you can accomplish! Really, amazing things keep coming out at these classes, and people have a great time!
I’d really like to paint my pet’s portrait – how can I do that?
Easy peasy – just bring a photo (hard copy or on your cell) and I’ll sketch it for you on the canvas, and you’ll go from there 🙂 Pets are really fun, I’ll be glad to help you express his or her personality in paint.
Can I make a painting that will match my couch?
Yes! In fact, bring a swatch of fabric with you and I’ll help you mix up just the right colors! You are absolutely welcome to adapt our inspiration.
Are you having a Paint & Party tonight?
Paint & Parties are usually private parties, where people get some friends together and paint (the minimum number of painters is 6). Sometimes I can accommodate last-minute requests, so if you and your friends are looking for something fun & unusual to do, give me a call! I also have public Paint & Parties every couple of months, check the front page to see when the next one will be.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
You’re welcome to bring some snacks, lots of people do and we have a table just for food. BYOB is illegal in Indiana (I called excise & asked); but at Carnahan Hall we have beer and wine for you to enjoy. Full bar service is available for large parties.
Will you come to my location?
Absolutely! I’ve Painted & Partied at sororities, businesses, and restaurants. I’ve Painted & Partied at family reunions, spiritual retreats, Girl Scout meetings and non-profit fundraisers! If your location is outside of the Lafayette area, there’s a travel fee of $20/hr.
We’re still working on our details, should we reserve our date?
When you’re confident that you have 6 people, go ahead and reserve your date – my calendar tends to fill up. You can choose your painting at any time – at if you’d like something special, just drop me a note. You can give me the final headcount the day before the party, I have plenty of canvases ready to go.
What is the minimum / maximum number of painters at a private party?
Six is the minimum for a private party at Carnahan Hall, and four is the minimum for parties at Kathie’s Kandies and on-location.
