Sharon’s Paint and Pour and Gougér Cellars created a night to remember
I’m no Van Gogh but Starry Night looks pretty darned good on my mantle if I do say so myself.
Being the perfectionist I am a fun night of wine and painting can quickly turn into two hours of me wanting to pull my hair out and, although I was frustrated, Sharon Whyte and her lovely Vanna-like assistant, Kathy Southwood, were true stars on this Starry Night.
A large example of Starry Night was placed at the head of the tables
The venue for my foray into Van Gogh-dome was Gougér Cellars Winery and winemaker, Gary, played the eminent host to a class of 15, pouring glasses of viognier, sparkling rosé and cabernet sauvignon to give aspiring artists much-needed motivation and perspective. One of Sharon’s Paint and Pour classes is what gathered us all together.
Armed with my zinfandel, I eyed the orderly set up – a row of tables with place settings each marked with their own easel upon which rested the challenge at hand, brushes, water (which I initially thought was for drinking-oops!), paper towels and a paper plate adorned with puddles of brightly-colored acrylic paints.
I chose my spot, donned a mustard yellow apron and set to work painting within the outlines of stars, comets, trees and sky that Sharon had drawn on each canvas.
I chose my spot, donned a mustard yellow apron and set to work painting within the outlines of stars, comets, trees and sky that Sharon had drawn on each canvas. It might sound like color by numbers but there’s much more to it than that. Creating texture with each dot, dash and stroke and contrast by mixing blue with white or yellow is what guarantees 15 completely different renderings of the same painting.
A large example of Starry Night was placed at the head of the tables as Sharon and Kathy fluttered about the room throughout the night offering assistance (I saw them both A LOT). While I’m no Monet, I could see how the rhythm of my strokes had caused a textured appearance in my landscape that Kathy said added depth.
There were actually five men at this Friday night event proving Sharon’s Paint & Pour is not just for ladies
Sharon’s 35 years as an art instructor is evident in the patience she shows and the encouragement she offers each Paint and Pour participant. Hesitant murmurings gave way to full blown excitement as, one after another, canvases were completed. Selfies were being snapped and bragging rights ensued. Of course, I’m sure Gary’s fine wine-making skills had a little to do with the boost in confidence as the night wore on and, while my finished product won’t be finding a new home on Gary’s art wall at Gougér Cellars, it looks pretty darned good on my mantle if I do say so myself (squinted eyes and dim lighting optional).
Sharon’s Paint and Pour classes happen all over Clark County. Reserve an upcoming event and remember “it’s fun art not fine art” as Sharon likes to say.
**If you like what you’re reading, follow Corks & Forks by clicking the ‘Follow’ button on the bottom right-hand corner or follow Corks & Forks (News/Media Website) on Facebook.
Viki
I am a Clark County native. I am Level 2 WSET (wine and spirit education trust)-certified and enjoy pairing wine with my passion for travel and fondness of food. My most prized possessions are the memories of places I've been with my husband, the chance encounters we've been blessed to have along the way and my carry-on bag. I can often be seen around town and in tasting rooms with our two beautiful, double-Merle Australian shepherds, Challenge and Baby Girl.