Create It - Sarah Barnes - Artist

01/22/2025

Never stop being willing to learn! Today I went to my first Art class at Bluff strokes downtown. It's a course that goes into Feb. It's a oil painting class. It's taught by a fellow artist I love her work. A surprise I knew a couple gals I have not seen in ages!
So why am I choosing to take this class? Well, so many reasons. I have not painted with oils in probably 20 yrs. My mother painted I. Oils a lot and something inside has been telling me to try it again. I inherited all my mothers old paints, brushes ect. Some are still very good.
I have decided It's time! Yes I could have played with them alone and figured it out. However when this class popped up. The idea of being in a class and on the other side of the seat felt like it would be a good opportunity!
I can tell you I was very much out of my comfort zone today and it pushed me in several ways! 1st was patients!
I usually attack the canvas soo to speak, just getting on lots of paint. Also I'm used to layering my paints and drying parts with mu dryer. Nope oils stay wet and easy to manipulate. That can be difficult to! To much mushing and you loose things.

Anyway this will be fun and educational in many ways on Wednesdays. Hopefully leading me to creating oil paintings that are beautiful!

2025! Push yourself out of comfort to grow in unexpected ways!!! 🥰

01/21/2025

I just finished! These are my favorite days of painting. When I choose what I like and want to paint. 2025 I have goals for creating new work to sell and what I love painting.
I took the time to take photos along the way of this one. I painted this in under 5 hours total. Including this morning touching up.
I haven't sealed it yet. Colors will become slightly richer after that.
I thought you might find it interesting what my plate looks like in beginning of a painting and at end! This is why I always say you have plenty of room on your plate when I teach 😆
The magic of the paint mingling is what's unexpected and fun! Don't get a new plate or pallet until your finished for the day!

Happy Painting!
This painting is for sale!
Sarah 😊

01/19/2025

I had a great afternoon painting with these gals! Cute snowman!
Hosting your own parties are a blast! Your family, your friends! We laugh, we paint, we drink and eat and have a great time!

Contact me to set up your party!
10 or more guests you paint free!

01/13/2025

2 new paintings! Who wants to paint something for Valentines day or a winter barn with glowing pink tones.
Barn 12x12 $25
Be mine jar 9x12 $20

Please comment if interested and what painting. 🥰

There's a bit a sparkling glitter in both but Pic doesn't capture it.

Let's paint together ❤️

01/09/2025

Hello, earlier I showed the window doodles. I wanted to show how at night the colors pop. Painting inside vrs outside makes a different effect to. I stepped out in cold and took a couple pictures of what looks like from outside.
Depending upon your desired experience for business or office or home we would discuss what you prefer. The large wreath with yellow flowers was completely free hand and me just playing around. As with roses and other flowers.
I do best when free handing. However I will put a look together that your wanting. I can create custom looks for you.

Please share with people who you may know or give me ideas who to approach to do some fun windows!

Thank you my friends 🥰

01/08/2025

Hello Friends, I'm up to something new. Well sorta new..... I need more income between parties and I am a muralist and artist and love to doodle. Hmmm so I'm thinking window doodles and small murals.
These would be great for small business or office or homes where there's glass or I can do a special occasion painting on a mirror Like a birthday mirror or anniversary or wedding.

The windows are washable! You can remove or I will for a extra fee.
Pricing will depend upon the scale and detail.
It will also depend on whether you want all white or additional colors. I also can do in just marker or add paint.
Lettering can be added but at an additional cost.

Pricing could be as little at $30 for a quick simple doodle. And up to a few hundred for a business with lots of windows.

These attract attention to you business and are a special way to add fun to windows

I'm only going to take a limited amount of clients.

My examples are on a small scale as I was practicing on my own windows.

Tell me what you think....? I'd love feedback or if your interested in a estimate I can talk it over.

Thank you!

All the ones in black and white I just took from internet for ideas so you could be inspired by what kinda doodles are possible!

01/06/2025

Happy 24th! Birthday parties are so much fun! Yes I do small house parties or can find a fun venue for your special occasions!
If you have a someone in this younger age range I would sure appreciate you sharing this idea or my business with them. I have a harder time reaching a younger audience. I'm not on Instagram, ha ha.
Let's paint together ❤️

01/01/2025

As we wrap up another year together, I want to thank you for 10yrs of support and business!

Your love and energy inspire me every day. I wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Here’s to endless possibilities in the coming year. I'll be taking a little time to figure out what this year will bring. Hopefully post a couple spring events in Feb and March.
Wishing you a safe holiday and a fabulous new year ✨️
Love,
Sarah

12/26/2024

Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄 ❤️
The winner of the gift basket drawing is.

Mary Jo Ayers!!!! Congratulations ❤️

Thank you for being a supportive customer! Your always sharing events and paintings and bringing me business!

I had 211 entries, thank you all for another wonderful year in business!

Please think of me for your private parties and special occasions!

I'm deeply grateful for all of you!

Sarah 🥰

12/10/2024

Customer picked up her snowman board order! I think these are the cutest boards! I didn't have a whole lot of extra time thos years for orders but I'm so happy I did these!
Please plan for next year! If you put your orders in early, like the summer ☀️ I can do a few! End of August I am already busy with fall!
They make great gifts!

12/10/2024

River Ridge Brewery Sunday afternoon paint party was a blast! These ladies are so fun! If you haven't driven down to Bellevue in awhile it's a beautiful winter drive and if you happen to stay past dark the river walk if full of lights! Rge Brewery has amazing special brewed beer! Every single one I tasted was delicious!
Not to mention the staff is warm and welcoming and friendly!
Thank you for co hosting and all that attended yesterday afternoon! MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄

12/09/2024

Saturday evening class was a hoot! We all had fun creating beautiful winter scenery and a cute little snowman! Thank you all for attending! Each get 5 entries to the basket drawing! Merry Christmas 🎅!

12/08/2024

Yesterday was a busy day and began with a class at Clinton Community College in Maquoketa! Such a fun morning/ early afternoon! Thank you everyone who signed up and especially Karen for initiating me doing classes there! I hope to go again in February!

Very cute snowman paintings!

12/07/2024

This week class at NICC was so awesome! Look at all these fun snowman paintings!!!
So much fun!

12/05/2024

Hey friends
Anyone interested in painting this Saturday evening 6-9 pm
Old Chicago Dubuque back room?

This event is in jeopardy of canceling?
Just need a few more?
I have projects starting at $15 per person and $20 and $30
No experience necessary

Treats, and music and dress up.in ugly sweater or Christmas attire!

Who wants to paint?

Also you don't have to put santa I have deer stencils or other options if you need

Contact me soon please 563-590-8404

Let me know asap!

12/04/2024

Here are prices of cut outs I have.
If you want to paint gnome the 7th at Old Chicago or 8th at river ridge brewing its only $15
The snowman or Santa cut outs are $5 if purchasing for stocking stuffers, I can give a little paint if needed or glitter. For a buck or 2 depending how much you want.
The ceramic santa and snowman are $3 each
Again makes a cute craft stocking stuffer or activity for kiddos!

Please message me as quantity is limited!

Thank you friends!

12/04/2024

12/02/2024

Who wants to paint pretty trees and winter wonderland??? The little elf is ready to get his Christmas Bob Ross vibes on!!! Pretty little trees 🌲🌲🌲🌲
Old Chicago 6-9 Dec 7th
Celebrating 10 yrs in business!
Prizes, extra chances to enter gift basket giveaway! This evening will be filled with winter Christmas fun. Music and fun atmosphere!

Sign up now!
563-590-8404