Mardi Gras season is in full swing, with all of its facets being celebrated throughout the South: the food, culture, tradition, music and most importantly, art.
Baton Rouge’s Painting and Pinot is holding its own Mardi Gras-themed art class Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. The cost of the class is $35 and those participating will be guided through the process of painting a Mardi Gras lady.
While classes vary, the Mardi Gras lady painting will be easy and is perfect for all skill levels — amateur or advanced. Participants will be provided with all needed materials, including a pre-stretched 16×20-inch canvas, paint, brushes, an easel and an apron.
Participants old enough to drink are encouraged to bring their own beverages, as alcohol is not provided. Painting and Pinot is conveniently located next door to Martin’s Wine Cellar, which is open Tuesday through Saturday.
“A lot of clients tend to worry about their painting, but that’s what the wine is for,” Painting and Pinot employee Amber Harrell said. “Of course, we’re always there to help and we like to make sure all the paintings look beautiful before heading out the door. We try to make sure that everyone has a blast.”
Painting and Pinot, owned by husband and wife Chris and Violet Tremblay, opened in
December 2010. Violet began her art venture as a hobby and transformed it into a career. She said she strongly believes if she, a colorblind former environmental scientist, can paint, anyone can.
Harrell, Denise Ducote and Bradley Bernard complete the Painting and Pinot team. Ducote, the lead painter, is a master watercolor painter and has won multiple national awards.
Harrell, Violet’s sister, has been involved in the business since the beginning. Bernard is a student studying art and psychology who says he aspires to be an art therapist.
“A typical day at P and P is full of excitement,” Harrell said. “I love meeting new people from all over the state, and even out of state.”
Harrell admits that she has very limited art experience outside of Painting and Pinot. She picked up painting just by working. She is colorblind but has trained herself to know what the colors look like.
The business offers many holiday related classes. Harrell admits that the team loves celebrating the holidays with new paintings that accent the homes of clients. Painting and Pinot loves to celebrate and glorify Louisiana culture and tradition as well.
“Louisiana, to me, is home,” Harrell said. “It’s a place where everything turns into a party and everyone has a great time. In Louisiana, everyone is family. There’s always sweet tea and crawfish is a way of life.”
When registering for a Painting and Pinot class, use the promo code “REVEILLE” to receive $10 off.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Greta Jines

Painting and Pinot is holding an open class Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. where those in attendance will be painting a Mardi Gras Lady.