By Arlene Sanchez

Every other Wednesday after school, room F4 undergoes a magical transformation. What was once a normal classroom becomes a place of comfort, where students can leave their worries behind. This transformation is due to the creative partnership between Painting with a Twist and the After Hours Activities (AHA) Office. The result is a class filled with joy, creativity, and the opportunity to channel one’s artistic side. Even better, this journey is available right on campus and completely free.

Painting with a Twist is an outside company that usually requires going to their studio for an evening of art. However, thanks to its unique collaboration with GHC, students can now go on a creative adventure right from campus. 

The heart of the after-school class lies in the hands of two talented instructors, who greet you with a smile, setting you up with a canvas, paints, and brushes. Once the class begins, the instructors serve as your artistic guides, leading you step-by-step in creating your own masterpiece. They also help novices with techniques and color mixing. However, since it is art, you can either choose to follow the instructions to create a painting as modeled or, as instructor Lissa Favela says, “go rogue” and follow your own muse. 

Often the most remarkable aspect of the class is the freedom you have to create your own art. Going rogue might include modifying colors, introducing additional elements not in the model, or even creating something entirely unique.

Painting with a Twist offers classes where the instructor teaches the class step by step through a different painting each time. There is no prior painting experience required and everyone’s paintings, regardless of skill level really do end up looking great!

 The class’s instructors teach a variety of concepts, but they all center around acrylic painting basics. The instructors there help the students connect to the painting world and provide a place of comfort while doing so. 

“I want to help teach high school students to paint because teenage years can be troublesome and awkward times, and they often face life changes that can be difficult to deal with,” instructor Stacy Anderson said. “Art has an amazing way of bringing youth out of their shells and helping them express themselves and make discoveries of who they are and who they want to be.” 

One memorable session held on October 11 focused on exploring dimensions, as they painted the Eiffel Tower. Although the task might seem difficult at first, the instructors transformed the complex structure of the Eiffel Tower into a simple assembly of dots and lines, turning each canvas into a three-dimensional masterpiece.  

Painting with a Twist allowed students to unlock hidden talents and appreciate art in a new light.

“I would absolutely recommend this class to others, even if you have no art experience,” junior Elizabetta Orsi said. “The tutorials are super easy to follow and you’ll always leave the class with something you’re proud of. I really enjoy the calm atmosphere that the class provides, it’s sort of a way for us students to get a break from the stress of school. Plus, Ms. Espinoza and the other teachers are all really nice people, and they do a great job of providing a friendly classroom environment.”