Brenda’s Creations is an art studio located in the Little Shops at Wonderland of the America’s mall on Fredericksburg Rd.  Aside from being an art studio, the proprietor, Brenda, provides art lessons and painting parties.  The painting parties can be for birthdays, showers, office parties or just a time to get together with friends.  There are also monthly themed public painting parties where anyone can attend for a $25 fee with locations subject to change.  Brenda provides all the supplies and all guests have to do is show up, relax and have fun.

Last night’s September painting party was held at Wonderland Mall and it had a fall theme. The group in attendance was small and that provided those in attendance with the extra attention.  Everything was set up as a classroom layout with the teacher’s easel at the front stage with an overhead light to highlight the work in progress.  The atmosphere was light and relaxed and there was little pressure to do a perfect painting.  Fall props, including plastic flowers and leaves were scattered around the table for guests to create their own scenery to paint.  Brenda guided them in a step by step demonstration of each stage of a painting including the first layer that covers the canvas completely to get rid of all the white and create a base.  From there the basic shapes are painted then those shapes are completed with shades, highlights and shadows.  The finished product was different for everyone since, this being art, it is open to the individual’s interpretation.

Overall, the night’s experience was relaxed and entertaining.  As a teacher, Brenda is approachable and patient with those who have little to no painting experience.  She is not patronizing or in any way intimidating and that makes it easy to ask questions or ask for help.  This is an excellent way to get some art therapy and interact with others who have the same interests.  Next month being October the theme is going to be a Halloween based painting and should be interesting.  The details will be posted at the studio and around Wonderland Mall.