Denise Champion and Kara Welsh, of Fox and Turtle Creative, hope to prove that art is for everybody at their painting workshops, hosted at Rodda Paint in Battle Ground.
As professional paint party hosts, Champion and Welsh have experience instructing aspiring artists of all ages and skill levels.
“The coolest thing about paint is that you can always start over. You can paint over it. You can fix what is considered ‘mistakes,’ and art is subjective,” Champion said.
Welsh and Champion have known each other for 15 years and created Fox and Turtle Creative to host paint parties and similar artistic workshops, Champion said.
During their first Rodda Paint workshop, Feb. 1, Champion and Welsh instructed participants to paint blue skies using gradient brush techniques.
Participants were welcome to paint according to their inspiration, but Champion provided a demonstration of how to paint dandelions.
Champion and Welsh hope the workshop provides local artists of all skill levels with a stress-free learning environment.
“There’s always somebody who will be like, ‘I can’t do this’ or ‘I’m not an artist,’ but everybody can,” Welsh said. “Nobody here is going to be judging anybody. This is a learning experience and a therapeutic experience.”
Painting is good for motor-skill development, cognitive development and hand-eye coordination, according to Champion. She said that seniors, young children and those with special needs can benefit from the painting workshop.
Upcoming workshops will include heart-themed paintings for Valentine’s Day. Champion and Welsh also plan to teach attendees how to paint dragonflies and flowers using creative brush techniques.
Fox and Turtle Creative’s workshop costs $10 and runs from noon to 3 p.m., every Thursday at Rodda Paint, 803 SE Second St., Battle Ground. All paint and project materials are provided. Parental supervision is required for children under 13. The workshop is open for drop-ins. For more information, email foxnturtlecreative@mail.com.
