Artiste in Therapy

So, my highly secret surprise Saturday activity was that while I was in Birmingham, I took a painting class at a place called Sips N Strokes. A couple of the girls from my Bible study went with me, and we had a great time. I've never considered myself much of an artist with anything other than paper, so this was a stretch for me. I've always wanted to try, but faced a little trepidation since there is actual painting talent in my family. Consciences be clear--this has nothing to do with the prize cardinal I painted in seventh grade that wasn't as good as Julie could have painted. Nothing at all. Uh-huh. Rest assured, I'm not in therapy for that particular incident and do not intend to be. Anyway, back to today's adventure. Here's a series of pictures, culminating with my final masterpiece...

The three of us--me, Kim, and Mary--ready to paint.


And here's me posing with my blank canvas:


My pencil outline:


First application of paint in contrast:


Adding skin tones:


Final masterpiece:


The three artists with our creations:


I'm no expert at it, but I had a really good time. They're opening a Sips N Strokes in Auburn next month sometime, so perhaps I'll get to do this again and get some practice. Perhaps that's how I'll spend my "me" time while Eli is watching baby girl for a couple of hours...

And that, ladies and gentleman, is how I spent my last Saturday of freedom away from home. Very therapeutic. Very fun.