For quite some time, I had been wanting to bring together a group of ladies who might share in my introspective interests - and partake in the most frilly and feminine of activities. So I decided to take a leap with this new-found group and host a painting party!

Party Prep

Now I am not usually one for hosting, not because I don’t enjoy gatherings with conversation and finger foods, I just want things to be perfect. So in preparation for the event, I created a mood board as a part of a larger slide deck (yes, I am that person).

I gathered everyone’s birthdays ahead of time so I could put together their unique palettes before the party (each lady’s birthday color determined her painting palette). The morning of, I flitted off to pick up several bouquets of flowers ensuring I had as many color options as possible - orange and pink tulips, blue thistle, purple phlox, and a few others.

The Guests Have Arrived

The ladies began trickling in, each with their favorite bottle of wine in hand. After a bit of socializing, I went on to explain the evening’s activities. I wanted to keep things a surprise up until this point, so I only told my guests it would be creative and introspective with a hint of springtime.

Everyone claimed their bud vase and went through the flower bar. Our arrangements served as inspiration for our paintings, but really the ladies could paint whatever they like.

After taking our seats, we went around the table and each read what another woman’s birthday color said about her. We discussed our readings and how we might incorporate them into our lives - maybe we’ll wear that color more, paint a room with it, or simply feel delight when we see it out in the wild.

Our birthday colors (aka our code names) were so adorable! Apricot Nectar, Green Tea, and Opera Mauve - to name a few. Apricot Nectar painted her arrangement with her unique palette, Green Tea embraced her color and created a landscape, and Opera Mauve channeled Dr. Suess and painted one of my favorite pieces of the night!

When we completed our paintings, we noticed our water cups (used to clean our brushes throughout the night) almost perfectly matched our birthday colors! As most water cups turn muddy (since every color combined makes brown), this was just one benefit to the palettes I prepared.

Upon Reflection

“Wholesome, delightful, sweet, and thoughtful.”

I was blown away by how well received everything was. Living in Madison for over a decade now, it hasn’t been easy to find peers who share my interests. I am so fortunate to spend time with these new friends who welcomed the introspection and expression that comes with creating art.

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