My friend, Baby Herrera feverishly at work with her obra maestra. I could tell she was really having fun. Then she confessed to me that creating a painting is in her bucket list of things she wants to accomplish in her lifetime. Well, she aced this one! January 2, 2015, Photo credit (c) Likeitiz
One of my very dear childhood friends, Baby, came to visit us with her family this past holiday season. Once they were done traipsing around the country, they managed to give us a few days of “not doing much,” before they headed off home to Manila.
On one evening when our spouses were at a Warriors game in Oakland, I arranged for us to attend a painting class close to our home. I figured, it would be a great evening for some wine and artistic expression. It was to be my gift to her for her upcoming birthday in this month.
Baby’s Grove of Trees painting at its final stages. Photo credit Likeitiz
After we were provided our stark white canvases, brushes, and paints, we proceeded to look at what we might like to paint. I picked a cityscape from their online file. My friend chose a grove of trees. They poured some sparkling wine and gave us tall glasses to “help us loosen up,” they said.
We were given general instructions on how to create our “masterpieces.” We got tips on how to use different brushes and knives, some techniques such as dripping, smearing, layering, scratching (yes, with your fingernails!), scoring with various tools, etching, and a whole slew of really fancy stuff! We were also cautioned not to over think things and to not be afraid to experiment.
Photo of Baby Herrera and author painting at an art studio in San Mateo, January 2, 2015. Photo Credit Likeitiz
I was first introduced to this by my brother and his wife. They gave me a gift certificate for my birthday. I had postponed using it for the longest time. I now know what great evenings they were having at this place.
My Citiscape during final stages of completion. Photo credit Likeitiz
Would I go back? Hell, yeah!
P.S. I hope you have a place near where you live to do this. Yes, you do have to convince yourself that there is an inner artist in you that badly wants to get out. Then when you stand in front of the canvas, you should not listen to the overly critical voices in your head telling you it’s not good work. And if you get it wrong the first time, let the paint dry, then paint over it with a fresh idea.
My foray into painting. Not so bad for starters…. Photo credit Likeitiz
Likeitiz 
We don’t have anything like this where I live. Dang it, I feel gyped now. Wine and painting would be fascinating. I had some wine tonight, I should have drawn something, that would have been a sight. You are both very talented, both paintings are excellent. The colors in both are so pretty.
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Thank you. Well, the next time you have any plans on coming this way, tell me in advance. We can always arrange to go and have some fun!
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Looks like a really fun thing to do. And I do like your foray into painting. Not bad at all!
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You are most kind, Otto! 😀
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well a good friend and doing art – sounds like the perfect way to spend some time together! I really like the trees – with ht eight source and color choices – ahhh – and is that a Kandinsky I see on the wall in the second to last photo … cool studio!
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Yes! It was fun to paint with a good friend. As for the paintings on the wall, they were various contributions of students at the studio. Thanks!
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oh – I see – have a nice week
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What great fun and a fab gift to your friend. I wish I could paint!
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You won’t know until you try it, Gilly!
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Fun, fun, fun! Glad you got to experience and enjoy it. 🙂
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It’s one of those rewarding experiences.
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