Local Color Art Gallery & Studio

I’ve been on a quest the last few months – a quest to summon my inner artist (surely I have one, right?), and to challenge it in various creative environments.

First, I painted a portrait of our dog Micky.

Then, I created a serving tray from glass pieces.

Next, I signed up for one of Local Color Art Gallery & Studio‘s “Vino and Van Gogh” classes to see how I’d do recreating a masterpiece of one of the world’s most iconic artists.

Good luck with that, said my left brain. I heard it snicker, too.

Have fun! said my right brain. Just relax and allow the creative energy to flow through you and onto the canvas.

My right brain is a bit New Agey.

But while driving to Local Color on the night of the class, the only thing that was flowing through me was cortisol – a byproduct of my frenzied day filled with deadlines, federal tax prep (a major flow-killer), and juggling kids’ schedules. I was not in the mood to create.

Then I saw this.

This glimpse of natural art in the city was just the inspiration I needed before I walked into class.

The class was taught in the studio section of Local Color. The rest of the space is dedicated to displaying the work of a cooperative of local artists.

And they are really good. Intimidatingly good.

I spotted Carrie, my date for the night, and joined her at the table. Going to this Vino and Van Gogh class was a good opportunity to have a girls’ night out while learning something new – a multitasker’s dream.

Margie Moss, one of the talented instructors at Local Color, came over to me to get me started. First, I had to decide which of Van Gogh’s works I wanted to paint: Vase with Cornflowers and Poppies or Starry Night over the Rhone?

I chose to paint the flowers, a decision that later seemed predestined when I brought home my completed painting and realized that I already have several paintings containing poppies hanging on the walls in my home. Hmm, what is my subconscious trying to tell me, Doctor Freud?

Margie then gave me piece of paper with the completed Van Gogh print (my “research”), plus a canvas with grid marks on it.

My next task was to take a piece of chalk and outline the main parts of my picture, using the grid marks as guidelines.

Maybe I have a future as a cartoonist, because my chalk outline looked a bit like Peppermint Patty.

When we were finished sketching, we started on our backgrounds, painting with the darkest color first and leaving areas for the lightest colors.

At this point, Peppermint Patty morphed into a cartoon squirrel.

Then it came time to start painting the vase and the flowers.

I froze. Where in the world should I start?

Suddenly, as if by magic, a Local Color teacher appeared by my side to guide me through the next step. Once I got going on that, I began to relax  – feeling the creative flow.

Of course, sipping on some wine also aided in the relaxation. Yes, the vino certainly helped in creating my Van Gogh.

While I painted my poppies, I chatted with Carrie and our two other table mates (who were also enjoying a girls’ night). It was nice to meet new people and socialize while we all learned a new skill.

Another aspect of the evening that I enjoyed was getting input from the various art teachers: Margie, Percilla Penner and Jesse McCormick. Each one demonstrated different techniques and offered unique perspectives.

And all throughout the process, they were patient and encouraging. Never once did they laugh at my painting, and I’m eternally grateful for that.

I felt like an apprentice, absorbing the extensive knowledge shared by these gifted local artists. How wonderful is it that we have the opportunity to work with such accomplished artists right here in Joplin?

Time passed quickly that night, and before I knew it we were taking photos with our finished works of art. It was interesting to look at other students’ interpretations of the paintings and to see which areas they chose to emphasize.

Assessing my own painting, I realized that my poppies formed a heart-shaped outline in the vase.

Being that the following day was Valentine’s Day, I wondered if maybe my subconscious was trying to say something.

Had I painted a subliminal hint to my husband?

If so, then thank you, Local Color, for helping me find a new (oh-so-subtle) way to communicate with my spouse.

And for an educational and enjoyable evening.

Local Color is located at 1027 South Main Street, inside the Gryphon Building. Click here to follow Local Color on Facebook.

Images: Peppermint Patty (peanuts.wikia.com) and squirrel (pixabay.com).

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This article was commissioned by the Joplin CVB, however the opinions expressed are purely my own. The purpose of Joplin MO Life is to highlight all the best that our area has to offer, and when an article is written about a restaurant, business, attraction, or event, it is because I have had an enjoyable experience and want to share it with others.

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Living Life to The Fullest!

I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.

I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.