color me happy

last night i did something i haven't done since college. and no, it wasn't drink jungle juice out of a 24 gallon barrel that is lined with a trash bag. last night i found myself standing in front of an empty canvas, with a paintbrush in my hand, and an unlimited amount of colors to chose from. totally unbeknownst to me (i was instructed to wear sensible shoes (BORING!) and something i wouldn't mind getting messy), i was surprised with a trip to art jamz, and i have to say as soon as i walked in the door, my smile hit one ear and then the other, and it did not go away for the rest of the night. the concept is very simple and actually pretty cool: just a big art studio - a room lined with canvases on easel stands, a bar on one end (for what they call "liquid inspiration"), an endless supply of acrylic paint, and pretty much any kind of brush you could possibly think to need. they crank the music, keep the drinks flowing, and just let you have at your canvas. it's kind of intimidating to be face to face with what seems like a LOT of empty space and to challenge yourself to create something out of nothing. and it's SO fascinating to me to watch the different way people approach it...some people sketch first in pencil, or try to plan out a design, or manage to not get a single drop of paint on them, and some people (ahem, ME) pretty much start throwing paint down before they even have their smock properly tied and leave with paint in their ears. (i know, how did it even GET there??) it has literally been YEARS since i've painted anything other than a bathroom or bedroom wall, but as soon as i got started, it was like it had been no time at all. it's pretty easy to zone out and forget there is anything else even going on around you (well, except when they started playing that kanye song that i needed to dance around to), and two hours flew by in a matter of minutes. not that i created any sort of masterpiece by any means, but i was pretty excited about my finished painting and it was a really fun and unexpected way to spend a wednesday night. and to think i was going to just stay at home and watch the new cheerleading moms reality show on tlc. i'm thinking next time i go, i may have to get some friends together, get a little sauced, and see who can paint the most life-like self portrait. and by "self portrait," i mean "something that looks even remotely like a human being."