Angel 1

Angel #1, difficulty = 2 (out of 3)
It's near that special time of the year - Christmas time! And what better time is there than the holidays to paint this beautiful angel. I started on a black background. From there we'll mix a fun array of metallic red and green paints as well as some warm golds and browns! It's painted on our unique 8"x24" canvases and would be a great addition to any hallway or doorway. I hope to see you soon - Jared

Wild Flowers

Wild Flowers, difficulty = 2 (out of 3)
This painting has a tie dye effect. I took the liberty of adding several colors in the flowers and in the tree. They all mix together for a vibrant final product. The key to this painting is the yellow base coat. After we have our yellow down we can define the sky and the clouds and then the tree and flowers. Bring a great snack and beverage and enjoy this easy masterpiece! - Jared

Tuscan Vista

Tuscan Vista, difficulty=3 (out of 3)
The reason I've listed this painting as a 3 is simply due to the several parts that comprise this beautiful painting. Don't think that you can't do it; a child can accomplish this painting within the allotted class time. I'll walk you through it. The sky is first then the ground. Next we'll place the building in the composition and then the cypress trees. After that we are left with a few details and taadaa!! So sign up for this one and have fun!

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland, Difficulty = 1 (out of 3)
It's close to the holiday season and we're ready with new holiday paintings. This fun piece starts with a light blue base on which we'll place some white clouds. Once the base coat dries, we're ready to add the black trees. The last steps are speckling with white paint and adding the text. Other words that could be added are "Noel", "Believe", and "Joy". Bring your eggnog and Christmas spirit! - Jared

Love - Tennis

Love - Tennis, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)

Whether you're young or old, male or female, novice or pro - there's a strong love for this game. This painting has a black base. Onto that we'll paint the racket and handle then the background colors. Adding the last details such as the ball and the nylon strings is a cinch. So ladies, come with your tennis leagues and men - bring your significant others! This will be an ace! - Jared

New Year's Champagne

New Year's Champagne, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
Here's a great piece to bring a little elegance into any room. We'll start by basing the entire canvas with a dark brown. After that, we'll paint our light gold background and label, add the glass, and finish with a few extra colors in the label and tabletop. This would be the perfect piece to add a clever saying or word on the label, such as your name and the date that you painted it. Remember, every thing can be changed, altered, or erased in minutes so don't worry. I'll see you there! - Jared

Fruits

Avocados Anyone?, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)
OK, I know that post header says "Fruits" but I'm not sure what avocados are, fruits or vegetables. One thing I do know is that they are delicious. This painting utilizes the white of our canvas. Shockingly, I will be measuring out portions of the background, notwithstanding my strong dislike of the Pencil and Ruler. Add these bright colors or select your own, either way it will look terrific in any kitchen or dining room! - Jared

3's a Pear, difficulty=1 (out of 3)
Once again I'll be using a black base for this painting. After that we will use a couple of greens and a few reds and browns to get the pears ready to hang. This painting is so easy you'll be able to relax, have a drink, and talk to a friend. Hopefully you'll never know that the time has past when you leave! Good Luck - Jared

Apple-A-Day

Apple-a-Day, Difficulty = 1
This is a fun painting and takes little skill. With a black base we use our plates to draw the initial shapes of the apples. From there it's just a matter of painting the pink for the tabletop and adding the checkered wall in the background. It's fun and a great back to school painting - a time when all parents and teachers should be receiving apples! - Jared

Hole in One

Hole In One, Difficulty = 3 (out of 3)
Now remember that a difficulty rating of 3 only means that it take extra time! Not that it is beyond the capabilities of a beginner! So for all you golf fanatics , we started on a black base for this painting. We then take our time and build up the landscape. Lastly, we add our small details such as the flag. This should be a great gift for yourself or friends and family members. - Jared

Dragonflies

Dragonflies, Difficulty=2.5 (out of 3)
With which color do you suppose we'll base this painting? ... how about GREEN! That's right! We'll add our blades of grass next and then the dragonflies. Lastly, we'll cover our base with a deep red. See ya - Jared

Pink Pantheon

Pink Pantheon, Difficulty=3 (out of 3)
This painting has a difficulty rating of 3 due to the several details that we'll be adding which are time consuming. It isn't hard in the least but it will have you wanting to add more and more and more. We simplify this Mardi Gras mansion by painting the pink first, then the sky and trees, and lastly the windows and ground. You can do it so don't sweat! I'll see you there - Jared

Dancing Martinis

Dancing Martinis, Difficulty=2 (out of 3)
This will be a fun piece. Starting out with a bright green base, we'll add these funky martini glasses along with highlights and zigzags. If you want to change the colors then go for it!! Remember: You'll score extra points for experimenting! Good Luck - Jared

Daisies on Black - Nel Whatmore

Daisies on Black 1&2 (Nel Whatmore), Difficulty=2 (out of 3)
These two paintings by the artist, Nel Whatmore, are fun and easy creations. We will start both paintings with a black base. This will allow our colors to appear bold and dynamic. Have fun by changing the colors of the flowers to match your taste.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus, Difficulty=1.5 (out of 3)
We will start this painting off with a light sandy brown base. The flower is painted with lots of pigment so expect to have colors mixing with each other on the canvas. This will give us that energetic look and thick texture once dried! Relax and have fun! - Jared

Italian Garden

Italian Garden, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
For this painting we start with a cream base coat. After adding the blue door and window we begin to plant our garden by globbing paint onto the canvas. Remember - it's better to add too much paint instead of too little! Go for it; you'll enjoy! - Jared K.

Summertime Paintings

La Hacienda, Difficulty = 2.5 (out of 3)
This was one of our first paintings at Corks and Canvas. There are great warm, bright colors to capture your attention and the reflections are a fun trick to learn. Though there are small details that need some extra time, the steps are simple and easy to follow.

Bikini Clothesline, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
This summertime painting is simple and fun. Change the colors of the bathing suits to match your favorite colors. Experiment with different patterns for the water or wherever. There's a lot of room for embellishment.

Beach Deck, Difficulty = 3 (out of 3)
While this has the highest difficulty level, it is only due to the extensive outlining that we will do at the end of the painting. There aren't many colors so don't be afraid. It's a great summertime piece.

Pink Marlin

Pink Marlin, Difficulty = 1 (out of 3)
This marlin was created to pair with our first marlin painting which the owners though was too "masculine". So if this fish doesn't scream out "feminine" then I don't know what does. For a guy or a girl, these marlin paintings are great fun and now you can see how it can be changed to compliment your mood.....or gender:) - Jared K.

Lavender Fields

Lavender Fields, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)
I absolutely love this painting! The classic Italian landscape is a cinch to complete. We'll start with a black base coat. Next we'll fill in the top half (which has the most details) and save the best and easiest part for last - the purple lavender fields. The key to this painting is to have a loose brushstroke and not to obsess over every move. Let the paint work for you! Can't wait to see you - Jared K.

Christmas Friends

Christmas Friends, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
It's getting closer to that special time of year and Corks and Canvas is preparing by adding this new painting. We had a great turnout for our snowman last year so we thought we'd give it another shot. This crafty painting only has a few major colors but the details are up to you. Yellow snow is generally a bad thing but not for this painting. We'll add warm browns to this holiday piece giving it a nice antiqued finish!

More Landscapes

Desert Plams, Difficulty = 1 (out of 3)
This is one of the first paintings that I taught. I love how easy it is to do these palm trees! Just divide the sky, mountains, and sand and your more than halfway there! It's a bright, modern piece to hang up anywhere.

Farmlands, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
Also among the first paintings that I taught, this landscape has a quilted feel to it due to the patches of farm terrain and the patterns found on each patch. It's simple an void of intricate details. Add as many trees as you'd like or change the colors in the fields. No measurements necessary!

Bamboo, Difficulty = 1 (out of 3)
This is almost an abstract painting. However, I'll show you how to execute the short brushstrokes that give this painting its characteristic bamboo look. Have even more fun at the end of the painting when we get to "splatter" paint, or speckle the surface with colors!

Abstract Sunrise, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
Though ambiguous to a degree, this painting still appears to be a sunrise at the beach or lake. The fun part of this painting is the color application. No thought is needed for placement of fine details because there are none. Just sit back and follow me and have fun!

White Daisy on Black

White Daisy on Black, Difficulty = 1
You know what I love the most about this painting?..... It only has 3 colors!! That's right, with just black, white, and yellow ochre (dark yellow) you can put together a very contemporary, stylish, yet simple painting that will become an instant focal point on your wall. Best of all - it'll have your signature on it! Come see how easy it is to do this painting!

Purple Hyacinths

Purple Hyacinths, Difficulty 2.5 (out of 3)
We start with a black base coat - my favorite. Then we get sloppy with the violet paint, throwing globs of purple onto the black background. I will show you how easy it is to create this glass vase. It will be one of your favorite paintings to hang in your home after you finish - I promise! I'll see you soon - Jared

Sea Life

Off the Hook!, Difficulty = 3 (out of 3)
This painting incorporates several individual elements which lengthens the class to the full 2.5 hour mark. However, the colors can be changed to virtually anything. Go Fish!!

Crustacean #1, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
This is one of a three part painting series. If you want something fun to hang in that beach house then sign up for this series. The background color is your choice. We'll keep it loose and fun so don't fret.

Crustacean #2, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
The only tricky part to getting this painting finished is following closely the steps to drawing the sea horse. We'll keep it more simple than you think - a few circles, a swirl, and some squiggle lines... that's it! The background is your choice in color. (I like the green!)

Crustacean #3, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)
This is the last painting in the crustacean series and perhaps my favorite! We''ll be basing the canvas with plenty of color (your choice) and then we'll draw a simple starfish. The texture on the starfish is the result of THICK paint application so don't be stingy! Have fun.

Blue Marlin, Difficulty 2.5 (out of 3)
This is a fantastic piece because we have special canvases (8"x24") on which to paint! This will be the painting you'll hang over your kitchen doorway or cooking range. Hook, line, and sinker!

Happy Fish, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
Are you looking for a splash of color to add to your summer decor? This is a bolt of bright color. I've kept the design simple and free for interpretation. Choose your colors or follow me while you enjoy the music and wine!

Beach Time Paintings

Beach House Trio, Difficulty = 1
This is a cute summertime painting that will decorate you lake or beach house perfectly. The brushstrokes are sloppy and the colors few. Come and put your own spin on things.

Beach Umbrella 1, Difficulty = 2.5
This is a simple composition. The only challenge with this painting is deciding how large to make your umbrella stripes and keeping the perspective just right. The smaller your umbrella stripes the more of them you'll have to add so start large.

Beach Front Condos, Difficulty = 2.5
There is a lot of freedom for color change in this painting. Change the color of the condos to whatever you'd like. The violets in the ground shadows are a perfect compliment to the warm browns of the sand.

Banana Leaves, Difficulty = 2
This painting is loose and free flowing. The leaves are general and nonspecific making it easier to paint. Have fun!

VanGogh

Starry Night, Difficulty = 3 (out of 3)
We start this painting off with a brilliant ultramarine blue base coat. Once that dries, we lay out the tree, the mountains, and the stars and clouds. The trick to this painting is the characteristic short brushstrokes that van Gogh is known for. Of course, these small strokes fill the entire 2.5 hours of class but are only time consuming, not difficult. Come to this class and walk away with a Master replica!

Autumn Birch Trees

Autumn Birch: Difficulty = 2
This painting appears complex yet it is easily achieved within the 2 hr class, even if you've never picked up a brush in your life! Bring some hot chocolate and get ready to learn some paint tricks.

Kandinsky and More

Square Abstract, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)
The only reason this funky abstract isn't a #1 in difficulty is because of the pin-striping and extra tiny squares inside the larger ones. These small details aren't hard to do but require extra time and push the class to the full 2.5 hours. This would be a good sister painting to Kandinsky's circles below.

Wassily Kandinsky Circles: Difficulty = 1
Luckily Kandinsky kept this creation extremely loose; the brushstrokes are sloppy and the colors are spontaneous. Choose your own colors but make sure to contrast lights with darks.

Abstract with Circles and Leaves: Difficulty 2.5
This painting incorporates tranquil colors such as sage and warm siennas. Adding the leaves is as simple as 3 brushstrokes. As usual choosing different colors is your prerogative!

Snow Bro

Snow Bro by Jared Kelley, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)

I decided that this Snow Dude would be a cool addition to anyone's home holiday decor. We'll use a plate to outline the round head of our snowman after we've based the canvas with black. It'll be simple, you'll see. So bring your eggnog and get to painting! (And tell Carol that you want to hear more Christmas music!!!)

Wine and Grapes

Wine & Grapes, Difficulty: 1 (out of 3)
Here's a simple and easy painting that will look entertaining in your kitchen, dining room, or bar. The colors are few and the details are simple. This allows for personal expressions to surface by adding all sorts of extras like label designs or new colors. Have fun!

Posies on Black

Posies on Black: Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)
This painting starts off with a black base coat, my favorite. This instantly allows you to create a dynamic piece with a lot of contrast. Choose your own colors for the posies or follow me as I recreate this image in class. Bring a friend!

Blue Tulips

Blue Tulips on Yellow: Difficulty = 3 (out of 3)

This painting is simple to follow as long as you don't let the perfectionist in you come out to paint. Every brushstroke is "sloppy" and should not take much thought. Once you mix the color just throw it on the canvas and let the paint do it's thing. The several small elements of the flowers and leaves raise this painting to a 3 due to time.

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise by Jimmy Longacre, Difficulty = 1.5 (out of 3)

Jimmy Longacre is one of my favorite daily painters. I am always amazed at his bold use of colors. This painting will surely be a fun summertime focal point in your home. Come and have fun and bring a friend while you're at it.

Scarecrow #1

Scarecrow, Difficulty = 2 (out of 3)

Here's a perfect painting for your Halloween season. With a warm color palette and subdued imagery you might even want to leave this one up for Thanksgiving!