Testimonials

"My experience in Melissa's painting class gives me time to think about the connection between my heart and the paint brush. The few hours of quiet space allow me time to relax, breathe, paint without criticism, and just see what flows. It's therapeutic, very relaxing and lots of fun! Melissa is there for coaching, but the unstructured environment she creates really allows you to be free with your creativity."

- Jamie Bernard

"Working with Melissa in her Fire Tree Studios allowed me to be present in the moment with my creativity without judgment. The process - whatever you want it to be - gives you the opportunity to engage your creative mind. I quickly entered a powerful meditative state, and regardless of the results of my painting I was inspired by my freedom attained during the class. Working with others at the same time, who are experiencing various levels of their own creative intuition, magnifies and enhances the process. I will endeavor to allow myself this creative time more often."

- Loren Kirkpatrick

"Melissa has created a such a safe, inspiring place to reconnect with our creativity. At first I felt a bit intimidated by the presence of other painters, but after only a short while, I got lost in my own painting and completely surrendered to the process. By the end of class, I felt centered, rejuvenated, and creatively curious. I felt like I could paint anything. It was wonderful."

- Kate McNallie

"The painting class has taught me that being creative is a choice is between love and fear. Love and express yourself freely and the painting comes alive in colors and shapes that satisfy the depth of your soul; fear is inauthentic there is nothing to fear, so just let go."

- Terry East

Firetree Studios - Melissa D'Antoni - Home

PAINTING CLASSES

"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."

-Mark Twain

Are you craving a creative outlet?
Are you willing to meet the creative unknown?
Are you willing to take creative risks in a supportive environment?
Are you willing to play like a kid again with curiosity and enthusiasm?
Are you feeling stuck and stagnant in your creative process and/or life?
Are you willing to explore your creativity and unleash your hidden talent?
Do you want to connect with others in a creative environment?

THE PROCESS

Honor yourself with three hours of unabashed creativity, passion and play. This approach to painting is focused on the process, rather than the end result.

Process painting is focused on the act of spontaneous expression and on listening to your intuition to guide you on the creative journey. The painting is the teacher. I am here as a facilitator of the space and to support your process with the belief that are all innately creative. In these classes, space is given for you to discover the joy of painting.

Through this process you may:

experience creative freedom
play
take creative risks
feel empowered as you explore unchartered territory
explore and exercise your imagination
experience a renewed sense of aliveness
discover creativity, possibility and potential
move through creative blocks
learn to keep your inner critic from sabotaging your creativity

Get in touch with your intuition and journey through barriers that keep you from tapping into the internal well of creativity, power and source energy that lies within you.

THE STUDIO EXPERIENCE

The studio is equipped with everything you need to support your painting process. We keep materials simple so the focus remains on the process. We use basic, non-toxic high quality tempera paints and thick large white sheets of paper. We utilize beautiful, high-quality brushes and palettes of all sizes.

During class, the studio is quiet so you can focus on listening to your intuition and bring awareness to the energy in your body. The simultaneously buzzes with the intensity and creative energy of the group. Painting aprons and smocks are provided.

WHO?

Anyone interested in creative exploration. First time painters are welcome! This includes trained studio artists who are ready to release traditional creative establishments and academic environments for a more inventive, creative pursuit; as well as first time painters who have not picked up a paintbrush since kindergarten. All you need is the willingness to explore.

Click here to see our latest schedule.