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Dedicated to providing artists of all ability levels the opportunity to learn and experience new art techniques.
From the minute I stepped through the door of Hawaii Fluid Art Smith Mountain Lake, I could tell that it was a place where magic happens! It's welcoming owner, Celeste Bailey (left), has a knack for convincing the most paint-and-canvas-challenged client (me!) that they can indeed create a stunning masterpiece.
My afternoon experience began by choosing the canvases and mediums I would be working with. Celeste, an eight-year fulltime lake resident and prior to that, a thirty-year happy vacationer here, walked me through the sizing and practicality of the different options, and I decided on a small square canvas and a tall, skinny travel mug. There were also charcuterie boards, wine glasses, various insulated cups, wooden oars, and more to choose from…
The canvas was up first so that I could try my hand at their signature offering: fluid art. Anybody who knows me (and my home), knows that I love to be surrounded by soft, neutral colors. I was worried, at first, that I wouldn't be able to work with my palette of choice because all of the example art was so saturated and vibrant. But, fluid art can indeed be really soft and subtle, if that's your vibe! I selected my colors and chose the technique I was most drawn to from the sample wall - very reminiscent of a natural agate. The preparation of the paint is pretty straightforward - you “blurp” your colors into a cup one by one, determining order and ratio as you go.
After that was ready, it was time to spread my floating medium - aka the stuff that makes the magic happen - all over my canvas. I used my fingers for this sensory experience which transported me straight back to childhood! Then for the scary part (though Celeste assured me that you are able to scrape the paint back to the center and have another go if you're not happy with the result): quickly pouring out your cup of paint and fully committing to the process. Apparently, I like to proceed slowly and with caution, because “going for it” was so hard! But pour I did - with equal measures of reckless abandon and anxiety. Ha!
Thankfully, the mesmerizing step that followed instantly erased any residual worry: manipulating the paint around the canvas as it stretched and changed and blended and morphed, floating to each of the four corners and then waterfalling down the sides. I could watch that all I day, I think. But at some point, ya just gotta call it, and allow your design to settle. I was so pleased with how the colors I chose played together and created a concentric, yet organic pattern. Off to the drying rack it went.
Next up, as I was still riding the creative high of my newly minted masterpiece, Celeste got me all set to start on my travel mug. With this project, I would be combining resin and mica pigments rather than using paint as my medium. I so appreciated how she walked me through each step, demonstrating as we went along. There were parts I wasn't quite comfortable with (like how to get a nice smooth edge), and she gladly stepped in to help whenever that happened. Her former career as an educator shone through her easy instructional style, the genuine way she empowers clients, and her willingness to take the lead/offer advice - but only when requested.
Once my colors were layered on in a design that I was happy with, the final step was to apply a heat gun to the cup which sort of marbled everything together. Much like with the painting technique, there's an element of surprise as the pigments begin to swirl and dance! If you're a fan of bling, you are welcome to add some textural accents if you choose (glitter, for example). But since I'm a “less is more” kind-a person, I gave the thumbs up at this stage, and my travel cup was left to slowly revolve for 24 hours so that the resin would set into a smooth, hard finish.
Suffice it to say, I'm already dreaming up all the excuses I can think of to go back and create: when my nieces are in for a visit, for a wine club girls' night out, to make original Christmas gifts for friends and family… So many possibilities!
Let me add here that there is also a retail boutique in the front of the studio that offers a variety of wares from artists as close as the lake and as far away as developing countries around the world. Another fun creative option is their hat patch bar - which are all the rage at the moment! Truly, there is something for every member of your group to enjoy at Hawaii Fluid Art.
They are located in the same Bridgewater shopping center as Vinny's and LAT Fitness.
You won't want to miss it!
To book your experience, call or text: 540-525-4249 to check on availability and find out what specials are going on (these rotate frequently). If you reach the answering system, just leave a message and they'll call you right back! In celebration of their opening, Celeste is offering readers of The Current a special coupon code for $10 off. Just enter OHANA10 when you book online! This special offer is only valid through September 30, 2024.
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