Plaid's Let's Paint Live: Under the Sea

I love painting, but don't do it often enough. Sure, I frequently use paint on cardboard tubes and other kids crafts, but it's not the same as actually painting something representational. But now that I am a Plaid Ambassador, I receive the supplies to paint along with Plaid's Let's Paint Live events, which means I'm more motivated than ever to get out the paints and play! 

Plaid sponsors Let's Paint Live nights on the first Thursday of each month. It's just like the Paint and Sip events that are so popular, but you don't have to go anywhere (a major plus for me) and you don't have to pay (another major plus). Sipping is optional. I've done two now, and they've both been great. And the best part is that if you can't attend when they're live, just watch the recording when it's more convenient and paint along then! 

June's painting was this starfish. 

I knew it would be a great challenge for me, because I'd never done impressionistic painting or intentionally left visible brushstrokes on a project. And I'd never used Floating Medium (affiliate link), so it was particularly fun to try a totally new-to-me product in a structured way. I'm a fan. That stuff is really cool. I can't wait to play with it again.

I tend to be a fairly quick painter, almost always waiting for the next instructions when painting in a group setting, so I decided to doubly challenge myself. In addition to creating a painting where I followed the directions closely, I'd paint a second version simultaneously with a more blended style. Same design, same colors, same brushes, both done following along with the live instruction. 

Trevor painted also. Here's the proud artist:

A closer look:

In addition to Let's Paint Live, Plaid has two other Let's Paint series. I am dying to do some of those projects, particularly Lemons and Luau Pineapple (I like to paint fruit.) If you are local to me and are interested in painting with me, let me know! I'd love to host a lemon- or pineapple-themed paint night. If you aren't local, consider hosting your own event. Plaid makes it so easy!