In compliance with Governor Walz’ “Stay at Home” order for the State of Minnesota, we’re planning to close Wet Paint from Saturday, March 28th thru Sunday, April 12th, unless we’re asked by the state to continue providing services to the community. We’ll send an update outlining the scope of these services if we receive this request.
For today, we’re open for curbside pickup or shipping of orders placed over the phone, on our website (www.wetpaintart.com), or e mailed (sales@wetpaintart.com) from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Same thing tomorrow. If you need creative supplies to get you thru the next two weeks, we’re still here for you.
Please note that our custom picture framing services have been suspended for both consultation and production during this time. Custom work will resume as soon as we are able.
If nothing else changes, we will reopen on Monday, April 13th, when the “Stay at Home” order has concluded with this same level of service – curbside pickup & shipping, no browsing, with the eventual goal of bringing all of our staff back & reopening the store for browsing – back to “normal” – when the bars and restaurants reopen in Minnesota (tentatively scheduled by the Governor for May 1st at 5:00pm).
One week ago seems like six months ago with everything that’s happened in the past seven days. Most of us have never known the kinds of upheaval that – by many accounts – is just getting started. Many students and professionals are now setting up to work from home as best they can. If drawing, painting, or writing is part of your plan to weather the uncertainty of the times, we’re planning to be here to help. For now, that means we’re in the building from 10:00am-5:00pm daily fulfilling your phone, web, and e mailed orders thru curbside pickup while the sales floor is closed for browsing. We’re also shipping orders Monday thru Friday. Contact us with your needs or questions.
Most of our suppliers have closed, but there’s still a trickle of new supplies coming in. Many of you asked about paint-by-numbers kits and sidewalk chalk; we should have both in the next few days. We’re still well stocked on Ukrainian Easter egg supplies, relief printing supplies, and coloring books…perennial fun projects. And just because the store is closed for browsing, that doesn’t mean you can’t window shop…we’ve loaded the windows with all sorts of things to tempt you when you stroll by. Need other ideas? Watch our social media, or call for personal shopping services.
Just like you, we’re all nervous about the future and anxious to get back to a place of security and normalcy. Hopefully these temporary disruptions get us back to that place, healthily and hastily.
Wet Paint is open…kind of! We’re here to answer your calls and e mails, and fulfill your orders from 10am – 5pm daily, but the sales floor is temporarily closed for browsing. You can still get the creative supplies you need to continue working thru the pandemic, you just gotta order them for curbside delivery (pickup starting at noon each day) or UPS/USPS shipping (Monday thru Friday). We’ll even deliver…call to discuss details.
But browsing is half the fun!?! We can help. Browse (and order from) www.wetpaintart.com. Choose the “curbside delivery” shipping option if you want to pick up your order, UPS/USPS if you want it shipped. If you’re not already, follow us on social media(Facebook, Instagram). We’ll be “virtually browsing” the shelves several times a day to entice you with possibilities. Finally, put us to work as your personal shoppers…call or e mail what you want to do/make/achieve and we’ll pull together a selection of supplies that will get you there.
How does this curbside delivery thing work? E mail us at sales@wetpaintart.com (preferred), order at www.wetpaintart.com or call us at 651-698-6431 to place your order. All orders for curbside pickup will be followed up by phone or email to confirm stock, and/or notify of pickup ready status. Then, drive (or stress-walk) to Wet Paint any time after noon and call when you arrive…we’ll run your order out with respectful social distancing.
We’re closing the sales floor to protect the health of our employees and our community. The hardest part (of the many hard parts) of this decision is that I had to temporarily lay off most of our staff…friends, brothers & sisters all. Even though we know they’re coming back, it ranks right up there with “putting best friend to sleep” as the worst thing I’ve ever had to do. More positively, we’re all healthy and – hopefully – the steps we’ve taken will keep us that way. And, we have the very best customers in the world…so much support from friends old & new, from near & far. It’s humbling…and so needed, so appreciated.
I promised a little bit of inspiration. We were gonna skip the “e blast” this weekend, because…whatever. We’re just gonna hunker down and tend to the curb. But we changed our minds. This is a cool & inspiring story, and it’s something new. Happy First Day of Spring, y’all. -Darin
Three years ago, John Sabraw walked into Gamblin with a dream. His dream was to restore life to the most polluted rivers in America and, in so doing, create new pigments that painters and others could use to create art. This set is the realization of John’s vision. Every speck of pigment in these three tubes – Rust Red, Brown Ochre, & Iron Violet – has been painstakingly reclaimed from waters tainted by iron released from mines. Iron oxides make lightfast, natural, and safe oil paints. We want to put them where they belong. On your palette.
My hope was that we could keep things normal at Wet Paint, so we could all maintain that little piece of comfortable sameness; keeping things normal didn’t last very long, I’m sorry to say. With the “shelter in place” decree in the Bay Area on Monday (and the same rumored for NYC later this week), and the closing of bars, restaurants and the Mall of America right here at home, it’s increasingly obvious that – for the health and safety of our people, our customers, and our community – we need to close Wet Paint to browsing.
Our last – shortened – day of regular shopping for a while will be tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18th. Starting on Thursday, March 19th , our “new normal” will be a skeleton crew on hand daily to fulfill your curbside pickup and web orders…you can still get art supplies, you just can’t come into the store to get ‘em. How long does this last? I wish we knew.
Wednesday, March 18th
Open 10:00am – 5:00pm for browsing, curbside delivery, and web sales
Thursday, March 19th until ???
Taking orders via email: sales@wetpaintart.com (preferred) or phone: 651-698-6431 starting at 10:00am.
Orders fulfilled via curbside delivery from noon – 5:00pm All orders for curbside pickup will be followed up by phone or email to confirm stock, and/or notify of pickup ready status.
As pandemic best practices are changing daily, I want to update our friends and community on what’s going on at Wet Paint. First, I want to thank everyone that made Wet Paint a part of their weekend errands the last few days…we were really busy with folks stocking up for hunkering down. Speaking for Scott and the entire staff, I truly can’t say enough about how much your support means to us.
If you didn’t make it in – and you need art supplies – we’re here for you: Monday-Friday 10-8, Saturday & Sunday 10-6. As noted above, best practices are changing daily…our schedule might at some point, too.
We’re washing our hands, wiping down surfaces, and social distancing. Besides these considerations, things seem almost normal at the shop…but they’re not, of course. We worry about the unknown and the worst case scenarios. We worry about people we know & love getting sick and what we can do to prevent that. The Minnesota Department of Health is recommending that people who are 70 and older, or people of any age who are currently sick or have underlying health conditions that put them at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, should stay home and avoid gatherings or other situations of potential exposures. Whether you fit this description, or just feel nervous about shopping, here’s a few ideas for keeping your creativity flowing while also staying safe:
Shop wetpaintart.com 24/7. We’re still shipping daily.
Not sure what you want, but know you need a few “projects” on hand? We’ve hand selected a few assortments for your consideration (below). If you’re not seeing what you want, give us a call…a personal shopper is at your service! 651-698-6431
If you’re in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and want to pick up your order while minimizing exposure to others, choose “Curbside Pickup” as your shipping option; give us a call when you arrive and we’ll run your order out to your car.
We’re not equipped for full-scale delivery services, but if you need supplies and can’t get to us, we might be able to get to you. Give us a call and we’ll try to figure it out!
Wishing you peace-of-mind and comfort in these uncertain times,
Interesting times, eh? With so much uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought we should check in with the Wet Paint Community with a “State of the Store” address. The short version: as long as we’re able to keep things normal, we will. This means regular store hours will be observed, and the great mix of creative supplies and knowledgeable service you’ve come to expect will be unchanged.
We’re observing current best practices as directed by the CDC, WHO and Minnesota Department of Health. As these guidelines change, we’ll change our protocols along with them. For now, we’re washing our hands often. We’re wiping down frequently touched surfaces…frequently. If our people get sick, they’re staying home (yes, we have paid time off!). So far, so good.
It’s terribly unsettling to live amongst so many changes & unknowns; thru your continued support, we’re hoping to maintain a little piece of familiarity amongst the uncertainty of the coming weeks.
A note from our Programming Manager, Virginia McBride about classes and events at Wet Paint:
“In line with recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health that were announced today, Wet Paint will be postponing/rescheduling all classes and events that were originally to take place in the next few weeks.
I will be coordinating with each instructor as our options start opening up again and notify all participants of the new dates. I will be working through the class list in order of occurrence. You will automatically be transferred to those new class dates when they are set with the option to receive store credit to be used on another class within one year.
Thanks for your love of classes at Wet Paint and your patience as we work out all the details.”
(Re)Visit the Wet Paint Weekly Workouts
Looking for something creative to do while at home? Why not check out the Wet Paint Weekly Workouts! We created these a few years ago, but the Workouts are still a fun way to get those creative juices flowing! All of these are archived on our blog and select Workouts will be posted on our social media over the next few weeks, so feel free to join us (virtually) by sharing your work or cheering on those who are. Happy arting!
National Craft Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate an artist who honors folk art traditions, both through her connection to the craft and her dedication to teaching others. Julie Anderson has worked with various forms of decorative painting since the late 1980s; in addition to Rosemaling (a tradition based in Norway), she also works the style of dalamalning/kurbits (originating from Sweden) and bauernmalerei (German). She has studied with master American, Norwegian and Swedish artists including mentors Ann Nilsson, Judy Kjenstad and Shirley Evenstad. Julie teaches classes regularly at Wet Paint, an art supply store in St. Paul, MN, as well as Community Education. She has also taught at the Vesterheim Museum’s Folk Art School.
A Craft Rooted in Culture
Before we learn more about Julie’s work and relationship with Wet Paint: what exactly is Rosemaling? Rosemaling is a traditional form of decorative folk art with an artisanal background that originated in the rural valleys of Norway, featuring stylized designs inspired by metalwork, carving and embroidery. Key elements include flowing patterns of curves, lines and swirls that often incorporate natural elements like flowers or landscapes. As early as 1750, rural folk decorated everyday objects with the classic S lines, C lines, flowers and stems, transforming dark, interior spaces into colorful works of art. Surfaces they painted on included hope chests, clocks, corner cabinets, walls and ceilings and chairs.
Julie first discovered the craft (or as she puts it, the craft “adopted” her) in the late 1980s when her friend Ann was going to start teaching a Rosemaling community education class. Ann needed one more student to enroll in the class, and she asked Julie to join. Julie hadn’t done any art since high school, but had always loved art; she took the class, and her relationship with the craft began.
What got you hooked?
“Part of what I love is the history of the craft. It requires study of historical artwork, to understand the structure of the design. It’s also very challenging: you can’t just sit down and do it, it takes practice and diligence. I really enjoy that kind of challenge.
What is something unique to Rosemaling artists?
“We really pay attention to the objects we paint. There is the connection between the wood, brush and the materials. The wood piece will often influence the design work. For example, the way the piece is structured or the way a bowl is turned will impact the design. Sometimes woodenware (a wooden object) will sit in my studio, un-painted as I’m still bonding with it and deciding what would work best.How will different design elements work best on the object? What components do I want in the different spaces? If you have a trunk, a corner cupboard. Each aspect of the piece needs to be considered in designing and executing the painting.”
What are some of your favorite pieces you’ve done?
“There are a couple of pieces that I am really connected to. A tankard (or pitcher) that was constructed by Dick Enstad and designed by Shirley Evenstad. I painted it in her class. Another one is a piece I painted with Torun Rod Frasund when she came in from Norway to teach at Vesterheim, Norwegian American Museum, she is the fifth generation Rosmaler from the Bergen area. I have a plate that I painted with her in my kitchen…I would do a better job of it now, but it’s one of those things that is so bright, so cheery, it makes me happy.”
Talking to Julie about her love of Rosemaling, the role of community is apparent. Not only does she quote her mentors and reference the influence of history, when she describes a current project she is working on it is clear that the practice inspires connection. Her daughter loves to cook; so she designed a cookbook holder, had it built by woodworker Mike Lusk, and she’s painting it right now. An intricate process, from the designer, the woodworker, the painter and the person it is created for, infuses individual objects with a collective meaning.
Tankard made by woodworker Dick Enstad, painted by Julie
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
“People tend to underestimate how they use creativity in their lives. Teaching and being able to share what I know gives me an opportunity to show others their creativity. I get to talk about color theory, art, design, history, heritage. Someone always has a fun story about their connection to the craft. There is something really wonderful about seeing that connection.”
What are typical challenges your students discover?
“There are a lot of people who will come in, take a class or two and think, ‘I’m going to paint a chest for every grandchild’ or ‘I am going to decorate my kitchen.’ And then they realize, ‘Oh, this is going to be more challenging than I thought.’
Rosemaling looks simple, but it is quite complicated. Eye-hand coordination is very important. When your painting is done, the linework is what really brings it all together. You end up with three major layers: the surface that has been prepared in a color, the initial design and the linework.”
How do you help students navigate that initial hurdle?
“One of my mentors, Judy Kjenstad always says, when someone looks at a piece, first we see color, then design, then technique. People want to jump to the technique. But if you got a great design and colors you love, you are doing okay! A few imprecise strokes actually make it more handmade. The imperfection is appealing.”
Julie tells me more about the connection people have to heritage when it comes to this craft:
“It’s not uncommon for me at all to have students who have Rosemaling in their home and have family members who painted it. Students will have had a piece that came in with their family from immigration, or they had a family member who actually painted. But that’s not always the case, I mean, I don’t have Norwegain or Swedish heritage, I like to say I’ve just been adopted…but because folk art is so prevalent in every country, we all have a feel for it.
What is the wider Rosemaling community like?
“In classes there are opportunities for a little conversation here and there, getting to know each other personally, what is working right or could be changed in the painting, practicing and demonstrating. In the broader community, we’ve got people all over the nation.
People are very open to sharing their expertise…there isn’t a lot of ‘territory,’ because individuals develop their own signature and style and you can usually can tell who painted a piece.”
What’s your signature, then?
“Fairly precise. I want it to be representative of original work. There are times where I do like to totally break tradition. One example was when I decorated Virginia’s Sorel boots at Wet Paint!”
What is your studio practice like, outside of teaching?
“I work full-time so I’ll snatch an hour here and there. I have a dedicated studio space in my basement. If I have it set up I’m more likely to go and paint. I almost always give an ornament to family members each year. They make for a very elegant gift. The ornament classes at Wet Paint are actually very appealing to all kinds of students as I believe they find them approachable and a great way to give Rosemaling a try.”
Okay, now I’m itching to try it! What do people need to get started?
Wooden surface, though other options can be used
2 round brushes: a good strokework brush 4 or 6 and liner brush
Palette and palette knife
7 essential colors of paint: Titanium White, Yellow Ochre (or Oxide, either is fine), Raw Umber, Mars Black, Prussian Blue, Burnt Sienna and Red Oxide (Venetian Red or English Red any toned red will work). For green mixes, add Cadmium Yellow Light, Hansa Yellow Light or another Cadmium Yellow substitute.
Paper towels
Chalk
Background paint and background painting brush
Sandpaper
Acrylic medium if working with acrylic, boiled linseed oil if working with oil paint
Cleaner for brushes, water for acrylic and solvent for oil
Varnish
Julie points out that Wet Paint classes are really conducive—not just for painting (the supplies are right there!), but for networking and building community. Rosemaling classes are offered throughout the year at Wet Paint. Julie’s Rosemaling Brush Techniques class, offered quarterly, is a great starting point if you are new or returning to Rosemaling.
As 2019 comes to a close, we thought it would be fun to look back on some of our favorite art supplies of the past year. Not all of these were new products, but nearly all of them were new to Wet Paint. Read on to see what made our list (in no particular order)!
We’ve been asked forever for supplies that are appropriate for the very young artist. Australian manufacturer Micador has delivered! Designed for a full handed grip, developing motor skills, safe use & washability, Micador’s “early stART” range is perfect for artists as young as one, while the supplies & kits that make up the “Micador jR.” range were created with the needs & abilities of kids 3-8 in mind.
Wet Paint has been a fan of the German paper manufacturer for years, but these two 100% cotton, cold press watercolor blocks have become a new favorite at the store. Choose Cezanne is internally & externally sized for greater versatility, while Turner is internally sized only for wet into wet watercolor techniques.
German brand, Kaweco, is known at the store for their portable “Sport” series of fountain pens, but the 70’s Soul is less “sporty” and more like the classic fountain pen you’d expect with a name like that. Fun orange and cream colors with brass-colored accents makes it totally groovy.
Kaweco 70’s Soul Fountain Pen
Good Luck Minis
Good Luck Minis
Not new to the world, but new to Wet Paint. Tiny rubber critters…lots of tiny critters! What do you do with them? Anything you want. Why are they “good luck?” Because they are.
New at Wet Paint, Endless Recorders are medium-sized, hard-covered notebooks featuring ink-loving Tomoe River paper pages in four styles: blank, ruled, square grid or dot grid.
We brought in all sorts of new Japanese journals made for writing, planning, and general notes. The Kleid Noble Note features subtle white grid on cream paper that is excellent for fountain pens. If you are looking for something to help organize your life, but don’t want a traditional planner, check out the Stalogy 1/2 Year Notebook. For folks on the go, the Kokuyo Trystrams Field Note Grid Books are slim, pocket-sized notebooks with a sturdy cover and light grey grid lined paper. Stop by the store to see our full selection of Japanese journals!
If you’ve been in the store in the past year or so, you’ve probably seen these beauties at the front counter – the magpie in all of us can’t help but be drawn to the shimmer and shine of these metallic watercolors! While we’ve had the Finetec sets for years, we added the full line of individual open stock colors just this year, so now you can create your own set, or just try out a new color! Shiny!
Eight new neutral watercolors from our best-selling watercolor manufacturer, Daniel Smith. These colors were created with help from well-known watercolorists Jane Blundell, Joseph Zbukvic, and Alvaro Castagnet, so you no longer need to mix that neutral on your palette each time.
Another item on the list that is not new to the world, but is new to Wet Paint: Leuchtturm in soft cover. This series has your favorite dot grid, blank, or ruled in new sizes that are perfect for travelling with you.
Although Holbein’s Designer Gouache has been around for years, we FINALLY have it at the store! This paint has become a fast favorite with staff and customers and it is easy to see why: high pigment load for clean mixes, unique colors, and velvety finish. Lovely.
Embroidery Thread
Okay, so this product is not new to anyone, but we just brought in a modest selection this year and it is quickly becoming a popular spot in the store. We also have a few accessories such as needles and floss bobbins, so you can maybe skip a stop at one of those other places that sell them…
Embroidery Floss
Jewelry Findings
Jewelry Findings
Also new to us: jewelry findings. We’re now stocking a basic selection of jump rings, ear wires and tools to get you started.
These high quality fountain pens come in a unique range of styles, and can be filled with your favorite ink in several different ways. Check out the Planet Series for a range of colors inspired by the planets, and the Brass pen for a rugged, yet elegant option.
For an out-of-this-world new ink, look no further than the cosmic-themed ink selection from ColorVerse. Sold in a pack of two, you’ll find a large 65ml bottle of the main color, paired with a cute 15ml bottle of another color. And with pairings such as Photon & Gluon or Matter & Anti-matter, you’re unlikely to find anything like it in the universe.
Need to get dry ink off your dip pen or fountain pen nibs? Our friends at St. Louis Art Supply are making a homemade pen cleaner that we stock in 16oz and 4oz bottles. Works great, and supports another independent art supply store.
Ever wished you could bring ALL THE COLORS when you’re out urban sketching? Well, Australian company, Etchr, has made it possible! The Etchr Mini Palette holds up to 37 watercolors in its tiny porcelain wells. Also new from Etchr are their watercolor Sketchbooks which feature 100% cotton 230gsm. watercolor paper in an elegantly bound landscape format. Available in cold or hot press.
Your favorite Pentel Pocket Brush Pen now with sepia or gray pigmented ink! Features the classic synthetic brush filament to create thin or thick strokes, and 2 refill ink cartridges. A staff and customer favorite!
We are big fans of all things Stonehenge, and this year they came out with the first ever black watercolor paper! Rich dark color on a classic 140lb cold press that looks amazing with Finetec metallic watercolors and gouache!
These came out this past spring and we’ve been excited about them ever since! Ideal for the urban sketcher or artist who likes to paint in panorama, these books have a heavy watercolor paper folded as an accordion so you can paint on one half of the page at a time, or unfold it for an extra-wide landscape!
It’s been a great year of art supplies and art making at Wet Paint! Thanks for being part of it and here’s to another creative year in 2020!
This press release was written by Savannah Sepic of Minnesota Retailers Association; photo of Darin Rinne being filmed for 2019 award winner video.
St. Paul (September 30, 2019) – After reviewing dozens of applications from across the state, the Minnesota Retailers Association is pleased to recognize Wet Paint with its Customer Experience award in the 2019 Minnesota’s Retail Champions program.
“In an industry where there is intense instore and online competition, Wet Paint on Grand Avenue in St. Paul wins with is unique, welcoming environment and knowledgeable, committed staff,” says Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association president. “Wet Paint truly has something for everyone. Regardless of age or skill level, customers find the advice and products they need to be creative. Wet Paint has a great studio inside the retail store, where customers can learn new techniques and try products. While that is important, the key to the customer experience there is the employees. They are not only experienced in what they teach and sell, but it’s clear they care deeply about customer experience and the success of the business. It’s an honor to recognize Wet Paint and its team for their commitment to happy customers.”
“Wet Paint has been helping a wide range of customers since 1976. From students and their classes at school to hobbyists and people exploring art, to professionals, we love them all and want to make sure this is their go-to store,” says Darin Rinne, Wet Paint co-owner along with Scott Fares. “Our customers know they are going to get the advice and help they need beginning the moment they set foot in the store. Our staff thrives on connecting with each and every customer, a relationship that lasts beyond the sale. We truly want to make the customer’s experience at Wet Paint one in which they immediately want to come back.”
Darin Rinne and Scott Fares will accept the award in person during the Retail Rally event on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at the Brookview in Golden Valley beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event features seven 20-minute practical, game-changing, cutting edge retail innovations strategies and ideas. Speakers include local favorite and award-winning news anchor-reporter Robyne Robinson with fiveXfive Public Art.
Wet Paint is the sole recipient of the Minnesota’s Retail Champions Customer Experience award. Seven other organizations will be recognized in other categories such as Social Responsibility, Outstanding Achievement, Vendor Partner of the Year, Best Place to Work, Retail Employee of the Year, Retail Innovation and Retailer of the Year.
About the Minnesota Retailers Association: The Minnesota Retailers Association promotes, preserves and enhances the retail industry in Minnesota by taking a leadership position in development of public policy and regulatory measures that impact members. MnRA also works to enhance the public image of the retail industry by providing information, services and support that adds value to its members. http://www.mnretail.org.
As many of our local customers and neighbors know, we recently added a vibrant mural to the back of our building, and we asked our mural artist, Jeffrey Nelson of Jephemera Illustration to tell us a little bit about his experience painting with Montana Spray Paint, artistic process, and the happy accidents along the way.
Q. What is your process when starting a mural project like this? Did you do anything different for this mural vs. previous projects? What is your process for getting the drawing from the sketch to the wall?
Jeff Nelson: First of all, thank you for inviting me to Wet Paint World Headquarters. The fireplace is a nice, unexpected touch. The first thing I do when I begin a mural is panic. It’s a healthy panic, but panic nonetheless. A mural is often a person’s introduction to a business, organization, or neighborhood and, contrary to the cliche, one can tell a lot about a book by its cover. That’s why my favorite part of the whole mural process (and this is where the panic melts away) is where I get to sit down with the client or clients and work from whatever seed of an idea they may have. It may be as limited as a color combination they like or a feeling they want to convey all the way to a mock-up that was born in the marketing department and has already made it through countless rounds of revisions. Including those two extremes and everything in between is where I have my most fun: helping people turn their ideas into extremely large paintings. As far as how I transfer an approved final sketch to a wall depends on the level of exactitude desired by the client. Sometimes I’ll use transparencies and an overhead projector. With odd shapes and logos, I’ll use an old-school sign-painting pounce pattern. Less accurate is a grid system. And then, in the case of the Wet Paint mural, I use the time-tested and approved method of ”winging it.”
Jeff making plans for the wall
Q. What was your inspiration for the design and colors?
JN: The back of the store used to have naked limestone-colored brick with windows and doors trimmed in Wet Paint Blue. Due to the wall’s location at the back of the store, but still in an area that receives a huge amount of both foot and car traffic (thanks to its proximity to a busy retail corridor of Grand Avenue) I thought it would be the perfect candidate for a riot of color. I had a difficult time coming up with a design because I wasn’t sure whether I should accentuate the many windows, doors, chimneys, and other random enforcers of right angles, or go in the complete opposite direction and ignore all of those things and go with a more organic design. We opted for the latter. That became an increasingly wise choice as the mural progressed.
That’s all nuts and bolts, though. The idea of filling the space with a wide range of Minnesota perennials (not annuals!) and over-sized bumblebees was meant to be symbolic of the symbiotic relationship between local artists (hearty perennials — dare I say “weed-like”?) and the staff of Wet Paint (bees, pollinating and cross-pollinating with ideas, materials, and connections to other artists). Not shown, but implied, is the art (honey) that results from this relationship.
Last, but certainly not least, is that our city, though vibrant and wonderful, looks the same in color photographs as it does in black-and-white photographs for six months of the year and I thought it would be nice to park back here in February, listen to Margaritaville for a few minutes, and then go about my shopping.
Mural brings in lots of color to the Wet Paint parking lot… painted with Montana Spray Paint.
Q. Most artists do their work inside. Any challenges to working outdoors? Do you like working this large?
JN: Rain. Bees. Wind. Heat. Cold. Sun. Sweat. I Love It.
Q. Have you ever worked on a project like this with community involvement? Any challenges or happy accidents that came from that?
JN: I’ve gone from loathing the idea of working with others to actively seeking out opportunities to working with others. It’s like going from checkers to 3-D chess. It’s fun to get people who are enthusiastic about making something to the point where they’re confidently wielding a brush or a can of spray paint regardless of what their age, skill level, or degree of confidence may be. Bob Ross was partly right: there are happy little accidents, but there are happy big accidents as well.
Tucker preps the staff for the Mural Painting Event
The public was invited to help block in areas of color
Tucker Russell and Jeff block out the mural
Q. How was it working with the Montana Spray Paint? Have you worked with it previously? Was this a challenge?
JN: Going from garden variety spray paint that you can get at a hardware store to Montana Spray Paint is like learning to drive your family’s station wagon and then getting to drive a Tesla. I’ve used it many times before as a tool on large pieces, but I had never done an entire mural with spray paint. It took some getting used to, but the miracle of spray paint is that if you screw up, you go over it again until you’re happy. It’s a joy to work with. My only tip would be that if you’re using a lot of red and it’s windy out, and you have a propensity towards hypochondria, to remember when you’re getting into the shower and look at your arm and irrationally think, “Have I contracted a rare, tropical, flesh-eating rash?” that the answer is no. It’s just paint.
Many cans of Montana Black Spray Paint
Q. How many hours to finish a piece like this? How many cans of spray paint did you go through?
JN: This wall took about 50 hours, not including design time. I used a lot of spray paint, but I stopped counting how many cans I used. Which reminds me: There is no such thing as too much ventilation or lung protection.
Q. And the classic question: If you had it to do again, any changes or additions you would make?
JN: And the classic answer: no changes. No additions. Everything went perfectly and according to plan.
Ha!
Right.
We had to be nimble with the palette on the first day of the mural, which was the demonstration day. That was simply due to the huge number of people who showed up. That made things a little difficult on the tail end when I had to match colors. Other than that, the only thing I would have done differently was to wear better shoes.
I would add one thing: there is a chimney in back that is begging for a huge, puffy dandelion on it, so if anybody knows somebody who knows somebody with a scissor lift, let me know. And one last free-floating thing: painting a mural on an art store full of art supplies and accomplished artists is an opportunity everybody should have, just for the sake of knowing what it’s like to have everything you would ever need for a project.
Jeff adding the final touches
Jeff’s last day working on the mural
Check out our fantastic mural the next time you visit the store (or are in the neighborhood)!
Thanks to Montana Spray Paint, Tucker Russell, Cassie Brehmer, and everyone who helped paint this mural with Jeff!
Interested in working with Montana Spray Paint? Wet Paint stocks the full lines of Montana Black and Montana Gold, and offers quantity discounts when buying 24+ cans!
One week ago seems like six months ago with everything that’s happened in the past seven days. Most of us have never known the kinds of upheaval that – by many accounts – is just getting started. Many students and professionals are now setting up to work from home as best they can. If drawing, painting, or writing is part of your plan to weather the uncertainty of the times, we’re planning to be here to help. For now, that means we’re in the building from 10:00am-5:00pm daily fulfilling your phone, web, and e mailed orders thru curbside pickup while the sales floor is closed for browsing. We’re also shipping orders Monday thru Friday. Contact us with your needs or questions.
As pandemic best practices are changing daily, I want to update our friends and community on what’s going on at Wet Paint. First, I want to thank everyone that made Wet Paint a part of their weekend errands the last few days…we were really busy with folks stocking up for hunkering down. Speaking for Scott and the entire staff, I truly can’t say enough about how much your support means to us.
From the owners, Darin Rinne and Scott Fares:
Looking for something creative to do while at home? Why not check out the 
Before we learn more about Julie’s work and relationship with Wet Paint: what exactly is Rosemaling? 
