Paint Me Away at Intrinsic Brew Pub

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Twenty blank canvases propped up on tabletop easels were lined up classroom style, surrounded by business as usual at the rustic Intrinsic Brew Pub. The painting party was being conducted by artist Linda neNeileigh. Linda owns a little shop at 603 Main Street in downtown Garland. The artist specializes in paint parties, but her little store front can only accommodate 12 or less, so larger parties are held in other locations.  The name of the shop is “Paint Me Away”, and that pretty much describes Linda’s business as an artist. She paints pretty much on anything that will stand still long enough for her to decorate it.  Aside from the normal painting on canvas, which she also does, Linda creates murals, paints benches, makes lamps out of wine bottles, decorates furniture, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Linda paints away everyday in one way and on one thing or another.

We watched the paint party unfold at the brew pub as Linda provided step by step instructions to her party guests. The organizer of this particular party had provided Linda with a photo of the subject she wanted her party guests to paint. Beside each easel were the paints, brushes, dabbers and whatever else may have been needed to complete the picture. Linda also provided her painters aprons she had made from men’s shirts she had found in local thrift shops.

Linda’s paint party goers are usually invited to bring wine if they wish, but since this party was taking place in a brew pub, the participants were offered beer, as well. A few hours after they started the paint partiers were ready to depart with their completed paintings, all of which bore a strong resemblance to the example Linda had been leading with. Not only did the group, which consisted of ladies and one gentleman, have a fun evening, they also went home with a precious, semi(original painting of their own. This is a great way to determine whether or not one has a hidden talent just waiting to be discovered…or not.

Nancy ghirla

Email: [email protected]