Source – Virginian-Pilot,  HamptonRoads.com and PilotOnline.com

"Virginia Beach business allows novices to try painting"

Posted to: Community News Virginia Beach and Virginia Beach BEACON. 

(Photo - Jacki Byrtus, left, and Dawn Burns pay close attention to their canvases at Let's Paint Fun & Easy Art. On the wall behind them, hang some of the Let's Paint - Fun & Easy designs. (Irene Bowers, correspondent)

By Irene Bowers
Virginian-Pilot correspondent
© February 2, 2011

VIRGINIA BEACH

-- When it comes to painting koi, intermission arrives after three lily pads.

Ten art novices at Let’s Paint Fun and Easy Art had just learned how to paint a watery background on their canvases and watched art coach Andy Revell demonstrate how to add lily pads.

“Stretch your legs, step back and look at your piece,” Revell said. “We’ll be adding fish and details after the break.”

Breaking down art into doable steps is the goal of Let’s Paint owners Robert Baker and Pamela DePaoli. They developed the concept after taking a painting class together on a trip.

“After it was over, I realized I hadn’t thought about my construction work at all,” Baker said. “It was completely relaxing, in an entirely unexpected way.”

The couple opted to open a unique entertainment venue. “We want to put 'art’ back into 'party,’ ” DePaoli said.

The Oceanfront residents chose an airy, two-floor studio at Thoroughgood Commons to house their new venture, which aims to make painting accessible and enjoyable for individuals and groups.

“So many of us think we can’t paint a thing,” she said. “Let’s Paint proves that you can.”

Baker and DePaoli hired a cadre of seven local artists and asked each to contribute designs that easily translate into steps. The couple purchased 200 of the designs and assigned one per day over the course of each month.

“You find the painting that you want to paint, and sign up for that day,” Baker said. “Our artists can coach all of them.”

The month’s 30 paintings adorn the walls of the ground- floor studio. The front window also bears some of Let’s Paint’s designs, which are typically landscapes, sunsets, florals, animals and still-lifes.

On a recent Saturday, the fun art was a koi pond.

Virginia Beach residents Emily Gagnon and Lisa Taylor signed up. “I was looking for something different to do with my boyfriend, but when I saw the fish, I knew Lisa would love it,” Gagnon said. “Her sign is Pisces.”

The venue allows for individuals or groups to attend. All supplies, including smocks, paint, brushes and canvas are included in the fee . The cost is $45 per person. Designs take roughly two hours to complete, and frames are available to purchase for finished paintings.

Private parties require 15 or more attendees and receive a discounted rate. The party host chooses the design from the studio’s book of 200 images.

Jacki Byrtus of Virginia Beach has visited four times, coming away on each occasion with a new painting for her walls and a renewed sense of confidence.

“I just feel so good when I see that painting and know I did it,” she said. Her finished pieces include a sunset with palm trees, butterfly, landscape and koi pond. She plans to paint a beach scene next.

“I might have to build an addition on the house to hold them,” she said

(NOTE - This story is a sample from the Virginia Beach Beacon, which is included in The Virginian-Pilot every Sunday and Thursday in Virginia Beach, VA.)

What Let’s Paint Fun and Easy Art

Where

1642 Pleasure House Road, Suite 105

Thoroughgood Commons

Hours Call for Session dates and times

Phone 615-9025

Visit www.letspaintfun.net