Painting with Brenda

My dear friend, Brenda (from www.BrushedByAnAngel.etsy.com), is a wonderful decorative painter.  She makes beautiful ornaments, decorations, wall hangings, and more.  In fact, if it stands still long enough, it will likely get a coat of paint, a cute little face, or a beautiful rose added to it!

Brenda recently mentioned she could teach me to paint.  (I had attempted before.  Sorry Donna Dewberry, but you helped very little on my past attempts!)  Brenda was optimistic and with her encouragement.  I agreed to try again.  Time flies when Brenda and I chat on the porch swing.  Well, if the worst that could happen would be us spending an afternoon together laughing and chatting, and I might learn to paint a simple shape,  then I'd take the chance!  Brenda got the brushes and acrylic paint ready!

I did it!  Snowman Sled by Rebecca

I was stunned to see my first project when I arrived.  A painted sled  awaited me.  Brenda gave me a book to choose an idea of what to put on it.  The ideas in the book looked difficult.....a santa face or a snowman face?!  How was I going to do this?  Brenda was still looking optimistic as she put the sled in my hands, so I didn't share that I  actually thought I'd return home later that day with something that looked like it was  from my son's kindergarten art class!  It was my first real painting class after all!

Brenda is quite a teacher.  She has taught many projects to her local artist group.  She gave me a list of necessary supplies and explained painting terms to me.  She taught in an organized step by step manner and explained as she went.  Brenda slowly worked the techniques, like shading, and then had me practice the same.  She has many painting tricks from her years of experience, and is quite happy to share them, unlike many crafters that I've met who know, who guard their craft closely!  It was a pleasant afternoon.  And like time chatting on the porch swing, the time sped by!

I got home that evening and amazed my family with the sweetest snowman face painted on a sled wall hanging.  Brenda taught me to create eyes with a lively little sparkle, and make a unique grin for my little snow guy.   My snowman actually resembled a snowman!  Just like it was supposed to be!  I have much yet to learn, however, I'm not intimidated by the mighty paint and brush anymore.  The next time Brenda happens to mention "You could paint that",  I might even believe her!  In the meantime, I'll be practicing my painting and probably running to Brenda for help with the right techniques and tips often!

Check out Brenda's latest.  She's filling up her etsy store for the upcoming holidays.  She does beautiful work.  You are invited to view her etsy store and blog site!   She has a tutorial on her blog about how to paint a light bulb Santa!  It's fascinating how it progresses from a burned out bulb into such a jolly character!

www.BrushedByAnAngel.etsy.com   and www.BrushedByAnAngel.blogspot.com
Make sure you leave her a comment and tell her where you read about her!

(Isn't this a fun ornament?!)   www.BrushedByAnAngel.etsy.com

www.BrushedByAnAngel.etsy.com