A Christmas Surprise.

Today, as a Christmas surprise, I was taken on a "girls' day" trip to a painting class. The "girls" who went on this adventure were, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law (Marjorie), a neighbor and close friend of my parents-in-law (Bobbie) and myself. It was a special surprise planned by my mother-in-law for Marjorie and I. All we where told ahead of time was to bring clothes that could get messy. Which was definitely not a hint that gave the surprise away. One of Marjorie's not so serious guesses was panning for gold. 

Another wonderful part to the surprise was that the class was at a nursery, which was once an orchard. The building front looks much like they did in the many old photos that hung on the walls, and they have done a beautiful job caring for and refinishing the inside so that it has kept an antique, early 1900's charm. It was a lovely location that one could easily spend hours wandering around in. Besides the nursery there was a cafe and in the old Fruit Shed there was a large selection of home and garden furnishings, like pots, (some that were water fountains.) Also in the Fruit Shed there was a little fabric store, a wine and art gallery, a olive oil and balsamic (on tap) shop and another art gallery. That is just in the small section that we walked through to get to where the art class was being held. 

The art class is open for people of all interests and skill levels. It is called "Sip and Paint." Everything is provided, canvas, paint, brushes, a little picture of the painting we are working on for the class and a table filled with delicious snacks and a variety of beverages, mostly wines, (perhaps to improve the technique.) The teacher, Unni, does a wonderful job of guiding you through the painting and walks around frequently to offer up suggestions and aid in color blending. Amazingly at the end of 3 hours you actually have a painting ready to take home, and if you can manage to refrain from making "finishing touches" and are brave enough to allow your work to be viewed by others, it is ready to be hung proudly in your home. 

Today really was an excellent Surprise Saturday. 

They all turned out amazing. It was so much fun to see how everyone has a slightly different take on the picture. 

 The painting I did.

Many blessings to you on this fine night.--Kate