VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - You may see paintings with details and designs made by professional artists and think you could never achieve to produce such renditions. But as Virginia Beach-based artist Heather Donis said, it starts with some creativity and ambition.
"The first thing they say is, 'I can't even draw a stick figure.' I say, 'Just you wait,'” Donis said. "By the end, you'll have a masterpiece."
With Christmas roughly five days away, if you're short on holiday gift ideas, you could consider painting something as a gift.
"It's homemade, which means more than going to the mall or TJ Maxx and getting that gift,” Donis said. “It comes from the heart too, so anything that comes from the heart is always the best."
You might start to feel inspired to paint something, but may need help. Donis also teaches people how to paint and hosts painting parties where you, friends and coworkers can come together to paint.
She said paint-party guests tend to feel tense at first because they may have never painted before. But, she added, they tend to relieve their tension and have fun while they paint.
If you plan on painting solo, Donis has these tips: "Take your time, it's all about playing, exploring,” she said. “You can use anything, cardboard, paper, if you're just starting out and get a feel for it."
If you're struggling for ideas on what to paint, Donis said ideas can come from anywhere.
"You know, this jar, a paintbrush, or a family member's photo, just really anything, what speaks to you,” Donis said.
Also, don't worry if you think you are doing something wrong, because Donis explained each person has their own style to painting.
Donis instructed News 3 reporter Julio Avila on how to paint a llama, a feat he'd never tried before. She guided him through the process until he had his own completed llama painting.
"There's many different styles out there,” Donis said, looking over his llama painting. “You are having, I mean, I'm loving your texture and colors that are coming out. So this is you."
If you would like to inquire with Donis about a painting session or paint party, more information can be found on her business website – click here to be directed to her website.
Paint parties are held at local restaurants and businesses where signing up is required. Paint parties can also be privately reserved in person or virtually.
Donis said in-person paint parties adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines.
