This weekend, capture some Northern Nevada beauty in color.
When I was as young as 5 years old, if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have told you, “artist.” (Well, astronaut too, but most of the time, artist.) I drew any time there was a blank sheet of paper in front of me. I carried a box of 100+ crayons with me everywhere. But what I may have loved most was watercolor. At the time, I enjoyed this style of painting so much because I could start painting with something in mind and end up creating something completely different, yet the blending and bleeding of the colors together made it turn out beautiful regardless. It was only much later in life, when I took a watercolor painting class from a renowned local landscape artist, that I learned the most stunning and vivid paintings require quite the attention to detail.
Then there’s the fact that this teacher, plus so many here in Northern Nevada, may just be among the luckiest in the world. Why? Inspiration for incredible art literally surrounds us. From the pristine blue stillness of Lake Tahoe to the snowcapped Sierras to the abandoned desert ghost towns, there’s no shortage of still life scenery to immortalize in art.
What’s that? You’ve never taken a crack at painting yourself? Well, I have good news — this weekend might just be your chance!
There are two opportunities to explore your artistic side in a group setting, whether you’re your own Jackson Pollock or new to painting entirely. First up is a weekend-long watercolor workshop with local artist Colleen Reynolds at downtown’s Artsy Fartsy Gallery. Dive right into the art form and get enough practice over the course of the workshop, you’ll impress yourself! This workshop focuses on floral watercolor paintings, and you’ll get a chance to experiment with colors, master the prickly details of floral watercolor and paint your own floral bouquet to bring home. Plus, there’s the fun of learning in a social environment, and lunch will be provided! Sign up through Artsy Fartsy; cost is $180.
Photo: Artsy Fartsy Gallery Facebook
Alternatively, this Saturday in Genoa is an outdoor painting workshop with artist Peggy Wynne Borgman, hosted by Gallery on Main. As I’m sure you know, there might not be a more beautiful or relaxing place to paint than Genoa. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. you’ll the chance to paint a variety of different subjects with watercolor, oil or acrylic paints--whichever suits you best. And if you’ve never touched brush to canvas, the individual help and guidance of Peggy Borgman will get you a result you’ll be proud to hang up at home and show off to friends — your own personal celebration of Carson Valley’s great outdoors. And you’ll get a delicious boxed lunch from Genoa’s Pink House as part of the workshop.
Photo: Peggy Wynne Borgman Facebook
Even if you’re not quite so serious about picking up a new hobby in painting, there’s still a great way to have a blast with it. Grab some friends this weekend and visit Mona Lisa & Wine in Carson City. The capital’s version of the trendy paint-and-sip venues, Mona Lisa & Wine has a calendar full of classes featuring a different painting each night. No need to have a single artistic bone in your body; the painting is guided step by step, leaving you to relax with a drink or two and have a great time, complete with a take-home souvenir at the end of the night.
Photo: Mona Lisa & Wine Facebook
If all else fails and even the thought of attempting to make art gives you anxiety, I completely understand. Luckily, there are so many amazingly talented artists in our area, leaving you the chance to take a Saturday afternoon to check out a few of the dozens of galleries Carson City and Carson Valley have to offer.
I recommend seeing what’s new at Carson Art Gallery in downtown Carson City. It's full of the wonderful work of local potters and landscape painters just like the ones teaching this weekend’s workshops. Or, there’s the eclectic Charlie B Gallery, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind sculptures, glasswork and photography of the surrounding landmarks. In Gardnerville, there’s gadZooks!, a museum-like collection of the work of Carson Valley’s most unique creatives, all in one spot. You'll find jewelry, woven baskets and, of course, some of the wildest paintings you’ll find in the area.
Embrace your most artsy self this weekend and enjoy the colors of Northern Nevada. For the rest of this weekend’s events, check out our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
