Sienna on the Mic Check

“Deanna from Denver – Welcome to the BIG TIME, girl!” is written on the gold star that was sitting on top of the pink roses. My Secret SNAPper was listening to my mic check!

It probably would have been hard not to hear me since the wings were loaded with the next scene and the sound is available in ever speaker backstage. Earlier, I had asked someone, “Why does everyone count when they do a mic check?” 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…. we’re on stage because we’re creative and talented. If there’s a mic in hand, use it!

At the end of rehearsing one of our numbers, the guy at the sound board asked each us to test our mics. “And, Dianna… #13… (Hello, I’m Dianna!)… keep talking…”

I had created a character for the show, Sienna Momo. She has a particular voice- high, squeaky, a little nasally. She began talking. She rambled on about she was excited to be in her first stage production, how her parents would be there sitting in the balcony, and how the high altitude of Denver affected her voice. There was laughter from the house and laughter from the wings. Miss Momo had her moment on stage!

It’s fun to play different characters by changing my voice, speech pattern, mannerisms, the way I stand and walk. My voice coach thinks I would be great in drama. She has recognized that I see art in everything, and this is true. I already study everyone and everything around me.

We’ll see where Sienna Momo goes from here. I think she’ll be around for a while.

Happy Little Trees!

I have a new addiction. Painting with Wine and Canvas!

Working on the Red Tree.

Wine and Canvas … “is a mobile business that brings the party to your favorite venues, corporate events, or living room! We make painting easy and exciting. Our talented artists will instruct you step-by-step through re-creating the featured painting of the day. At the end of the event, you’ll take home a work of art that you created. [...] ‘Life is too short for blank walls; unleash your inner Picasso’”

I was introduced to the business through a Living Social deal a month or so ago. Looking at their website and looking at all the happy people in the pictures, I figured it would be rewarding and a lot of fun. My assumption was correct!

All done painting Red Trees

I’ve always loved going into the art supply stores. I can get lost fairly easy in Blick or Utrecht. Seeing all the colors. Feeling the different handmade papers. Imaging myself with a large art studio. I have wanted to be an artist like that. However, looking at my little stick figures and doodle flowers, I remember that I don’t have the hand of an artist. Just the mind of one. Jason and his wonderful instructors at Wine and Canvas helped me be an artist for an evening.

The first class I took was at Luce in Powell. It’s not anywhere close to where I live, but I really wanted to try my hand at the “Red Trees” painting. The second class I took was at Black Olive in the Short North. I painted Bob Ross’ “Happy Little Trees.” That was so much fun!

Channeling my inner artist.

I remember watching Bob Ross on TV when I was little. He made me want to paint happy little trees. I watched all the strokes he made and how he mixed titanium white paint with everything.  Wine and Canvas gave me a chance to finally take part in a childhood dream!

I was happy that my friend Tabitha came with me to this class. I know she was quite reluctant because she proclaimed a lack of any artistic skills. Well, she painted, and she did great! Everyone leaves with their rendition of the same painting, and everyone leaves happy.

The “Red Trees” painting was hung on a wall in my office. “Happy Little Trees” is at home. Each time I walk by it, I stop and look, and I’m quite pleased. I’m already looking forward to next month’s schedule of paintings. I must paint again!

Oh… I just remembered that Blick is having a 20% off sale this weekend. Hmm… perhaps it’s time I create my studio.

Showing off our final works of art!