Painting as Entertainment, February 2026

There are many reasons that people pick up a brush and paint.  Decorating your home could be one of them, but not really what I have in mind here.  Painting on canvas, board, or fabric is more interesting to me.  Some folks do decorative painting on furniture, which is quite beautiful as well.  Personally, I am compelled to paint.  It is in my nature to use paint to express myself in a visual way to the world around me.  Sometimes, events in my world inspire me to select certain subject matter that I use to make a point.  Places I have visited are also a source of inspiration for my paintings, as are the people I meet.  Mainly, I like to bring beauty into the world with my work.

  Not everyone is interested in painting as a form of self-expression.  Many people say to me, “I can’t draw a straight line”.  Frankly, neither can I without a ruler.  In fact, I often use a strip of masking tape in a painting to help make those straight lines.  People who wouldn’t normally pick up a paintbrush and apply it to canvas are beginning to look at painting as a source of entertainment these days.  While in St. Kitts this past fall, I attended a Sip and Paint class with my cousin Phyl.  We had a great time, and both went home with our little masterpieces. 

  Painting as entertainment really appeals to me.  Especially if I am the one leading the class, it is an opportunity for me to share a bit of what I know about creating with paint.  The painting included with this blog will be the subject of just such an evening.  Everyone will be painting the same picture with step-by-step directions from me.    We will talk about colour, composition, contrast, value, perspective and focal point.  We will paint the background colours first.  In the attached painting, a piece of masking tape was put on the canvas about one-third of the way up from the bottom.  The sky was painted first, starting with the lightest colour in the sun and working out.  When the sky was sufficiently blended, the water and reflections of colour were painted next.  Again, starting with the lighter colours in the middle and working out.  After this, the masking tape was removed, and the distant shoreline was painted using a grey/blue combination.  Next, the mound of land was painted in the foreground using a darker blue/black combination.  Lastly, the tree was added.  Some grey highlights help to give it some form and depth.  

  Everyone who copies my painting will have the opportunity to mix colours, blend paints on the canvas and create a little treasure of their own.  No two paintings will be the same, mainly because we all see things differently.  Perhaps I will inspire a budding artist who will carry on painting after the entertainment night is over. Take up the challenge and look for opportunities to try your hand at painting.  You may enjoy it more than you think.