Corks & Canvas: A Moonlit, Cityscape

Friday night. Just the sound of those two words feels good. That was definitely my perspective last Friday. As I finished up those last few minutes of work, I could feel the night’s possibilities opening up to me. The plans had been constructed weeks prior to this moment. As part of my new year’s resolution, I was going to take a painting class at the 567!

In high school, I was home schooled. I filled so much of my free time with drama and music classes but always wanted to try my hand at painting. Growing up around my family’s art gallery, Ocmulgee Arts, I had a strong appreciation for gorgeous artwork. I was spoiled with breathtaking beauty hanging on the walls of my bedroom. I wanted nothing more than to exist harmoniously inside those brush strokes.

So as I sat, staring at the blank canvas in front of me, good company (my friend and local photographer, Mark Thompson) to my left and the art instructor, Beth Smith, to my right…I was both nervous and excited. The class was full and one glimpse of Beth’s glorious painting would tell you why. A moonlit, cityscape view with a bridge that seemed to stretch from the bustling daily lives we lead to the magical possibilities before us. As a night owl, I’ve always been a fan of this illumination.

I love the premise of the class, Corks & Canvas. You throw yourself into creating your version of a model painting for two and half hours, working under the guidance of the instructor and making and visiting with friends. You can bring a drink if you want or just feed off the energy of the experience. And the experience is completely worth it.

We were given step by step instructions. I traced my moon, shaded one side with blue and the other with purple. I filled in the night sky with dark gray, mixing it with a deep gray-blue for a gradient effect. The part that intimated me the most was the bridge. My table of painters shared my fear. “My bridge doesn’t look right!” Her friend was encouraging, “Yours is just a closer view.” We all laughed at our own mistakes but also found the beauty in them. I reminded myself that my painting was meant to show my character and not be a carbon copy.

It was exciting to see this work of art come together, sketch by sketch and stroke by stroke. It was even more gratifying knowing that even though I had had very little experience, I was making it happen with my own two hands! Beth came around the room with her own painting as well as leaving the model up for a reference point. She offered help to every person and also managed to brilliantly keep us all on track.

As a perfectionist, I was working until the last minute. I’m sure my face wore an intense expression as I evaluated each section. When Beth announced it was time to take the group photo, I finished dotting the last few stars.

We all did it! Every person’s painting was a unique take on Beth’s work, allowing their own personalities to shine through. I took photos and sent them to all my friends. I considered it a good sign when my mom, who sees so many stunning works of art daily, praised my painting. I took it home and hung it on the wall. Perhaps I could finally graduate from the world of stick figures! And I have the 567 and Beth Smith to thank for it!