Painting and libations

Ever make your own Holiday cards by hand?  My Aunt Christine, who is now in her 80’s, still sends a hand-painted Christmas card to family members every year, so I was delighted to hear about a local watercolor class featuring painted cards.
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Adult Watercolor Class - Sundance Pavillion

Fort Worth artist, Brenda Ciardiello, hosted an adult watercolor class in the Sundance Square Pavilion for 25 people. Scattered among the guests was a collection of paints and brushes for them to use, as well as some delicious snacks. There was plenty of sugar and spice, along with several humorous moments, including when Brenda taught everyone how to blend our colors using “Hooker’s Green”.

Over the course of the class, Brenda created several new cards that we all tried to emulate while she demonstrated a variety of watercolor techniques.

Brenda’s beautiful card creations featured Holiday Lights, a Christmas Tree, and Strung Ornaments.  Several of the more seasoned painters attempted to recreate the final card of the afternoon, a gorgeous colorful medallion. Some attendees chose to just have another sip of their holiday beverages and enjoy each other in good conversation.
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Brenda Ciardiello & Deborah Peoples
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Denise Harris & David Cooke
It was clear to me that everyone was enjoying themselves while painting and partaking in a variety of spirits, snacks and Crumbl Cookies. My personal favorite? Deborah Peoples’ homemade deviled eggs. They were no joke! As a fellow New Orleans transplant, I will give a compliment where it’s due! Deborah and I quickly bonded over our shared hometown and her “Gumbo Weather” sweater.
Throughout, Brenda was encouraging and always helpful. She is definitely a talented painter and a patient, skilled teacher, as there were many levels of talent and experience at the table. She was so kind and encouraging, “Go for it! Make it as intricate as you want!”

To the credit of our delightful host, most attendees stayed for the entire 4-hour session, and it was a joy to watch everyone paint their Holiday Cards.  It proved to be a wonderful learning experience, combined with a unique cultural and community event tied together with a bounty of food and delicious beverages.

Attendee and self-appointed bartender, Ms. Denise Harris perhaps said it best as she poured some mimosas, “It’s creative juices! Drink up.”

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Brenda Ciardiello hosts a Holiday Watercolor Class in the Sundance Pavillion
Brenda Ciardiello hosts a Holiday Watercolor Class in the Sundance Pavillion.
Click here to sign up for future watercolor classes with brenda ciardiello. Gift Cards are also available!
Mouty Shackelford, Owner - Artsy Scoop
Article: Mouty Shackelford, Artsy Scoop