She's All That Date: Painting With a Twist

All that and a bag of chips.

Anyone remember that 90’s throwback vernacular, used when referencing something very special? If not, perhaps you remember the 1999 film She’s All That. For that, my friends, is where the inspiration began for this date that truly was all that and a bag of chips.

In the film’s opening sequence, we’re introduced to Laney Boggs, an unpopular and socially awkward high school senior, amid her favorite pastime of painting. Then it was time to meet Zack Siler, the most popular kid in school, though the soccer-playing jock gets dumped when his girlfriend hooks up with a so-called star of The Real World during spring break. (Sorry Zack, but not really. She was a piece of work.) Almost immediately after his public dumping, Zack accepts a bet that he could turn any girl into prom queen within six weeks. And so, his shallow pursuit of Laney begins. (He gets better. I promise.)

Though there were no shortage of She’s All That date ideas, I kept coming back to Laney’s number one hobby, remembering rave reviews about this thing called Painting with a Twist. As someone lacking an ounce of artistic ability, the ultimate date selling point was that no painting experience was required. Or so I heard. But either way, I was about to find out. After finding a nearby Painting with a Twist location, my wife and I perused the upcoming class schedule. We first narrowed it down based on our availability, though the ultimate deciding factor was selecting a class where we’d actually hang our completed artwork on a wall. We decided against painting animals or people, leaving us with the scenic works of art. Coincidentally, our chosen work of art happened to be on February 14th. We had a Valentine’s date!

We were first. Entering our art studio room, we were impressed with the prep. Our names were written on paper plates near our canvases, which also included our painter’s palette with a cup of water containing three paint brushes of varying sizes. As an additional Valentine’s touch, there was a chocolate rose for each participant. (And since my wife treats chocolate like the plague, more for me). Before painting my first stroke, I had a hunch this wouldn’t be our last date into this new artistic world. The world of Laney Boggs.

Happy Valentine's Day!

After the other seven couples arrived, the fun began. Crystal was our fabulous instructor, who was joined by an equally fabulous assistant. And sure enough, Crystal ensured us that no previous painting experience was necessary. Even with her reassurance, I still had my doubts that she was referring to stick figure artists like me.

Now, I’d be lying if I wasn’t a wee bit nervous for this date. And it was more than just trying something new. We picked the type of class where my wife and I were creating the same painting. Meaning, I was painting the left side, while she was tasked with the right. Hence, I was worried about screwing up our masterpiece, disappointing my perfectionist partner. Did I mention I was just there for the experience? 😊

Crystal was our example, staying at the front of the class, painting the exact same piece of art. She led us step-by-step, starting with the sunset, and slowly moving on to the clouds, reflective water, and eventually, the trees. I learned about blending and mixing colors, as well as how to use brushes for different strokes. My wife was a pro when it came to the clouds, while mine left much to be desired. As for my trees, well, let’s just say my wife helped me finish those up. Even the kind assistant joked, “I see that man there,” indicating my first tree attempt looked to be human form.

Halfway through the two-hour class, Crystal granted us a short break. She then walked around holding a glass container filled with wine corks. It was a classic guessing game, where the person with the closest guess without going over would be the big winner. And would you know it, my wife who claims to never win anything did just that. As for her prize, she got to select from a handful of other paintings to take home. So fun! We got a bonus painting out of this date, which our 12-year-old has already called dibs on it going in her room. 😊

Despite my nerves and lack of painting experience, in the end, we were proud of our work of art. But not at first. It didn’t look good. The mountains looked off. The reflection didn’t blend well enough. The sky was too dark in spots. And on and on and on. That is, until we took Crystal’s advice to step away.

Coming back to our work of art, our fresh set of eyes led to a change in perspective. It was our masterpiece. In fact, it was deemed hanging worthy, as the question of “where to hang it” was all that remained. Rather than hiding it in our bedroom or hallway, it sits right above our family room television, indicating how proud we were of our creation. It took the place of our “Families are Forever” sign which had been there since…forever. Like creating our family, we created out first painting…together!

Our Masterpiece

In the end, it was an incredible all that and a bag of chips Valentine’s date. One that we’ll remember each time we turn on the TV. Though I doubt Laney’s hobby will become my favorite pastime, I also don’t think I’m a one-hit wonder. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator, “we’ll be back.”

Until next time, keep dating.

Brent

BUILD YOUR OWN DATE – She’s All That

Note: The following ideas all came from the movie. Feel free to use one, all, or something else. The choice is yours.

Locations:

• Painting with a Twist

• High School

• The Beach

Activities:

• Play soccer or volleyball.

• Hacky Sack

• Attend an Improv Show

• Create your own Spring Break

• Watch The Real World

Food:

• Mediterranean Food

• What did you eat in high school?

Brent Bonus:

• It would be a blast to create your own prom. Or simply attend a dance, pretending it was that iconic high school event experience.