There’s only one rule tonight: there are no mistakes. Rather than a workshop with a faint tinge of paint lingering in the air, we are in Alx&Co.’s serene room swathed in blues and whites filled with white clothed tables set with cut glass and antique plates, almost as if we’re sitting down for tea, but instead of sandwiches and small cakes, each plate has dollops of watercolors awaiting. We are surrounded by Alx&Co.’s gorgeous creations which truly set the tone for an elegant evening of wine and watercolor benefiting Volunteer Alexandria.

The vibes are upbeat and inviting. Meaghan from Alx&Co. is handing out glasses of bubbles from Fontaine Caffe and encouraging everyone to enter the raffle while Kelly from Kelly Swain Design and Jackie Huelbig from Volunteer Alexandria welcome guests. As we grab our seats in cozy directors chairs, Kelly joins us and shares how watercolors have been an escape for her, especially during the pandemic. Compared to her project management day job, where exactness and preciseness are crucial, watercolors rely on the movement of water, making perfection unattainable. As a recovering perfectionist, I was both terrified and thrilled to learn how it worked.

We get started with a couple of practice sheets to work on our technique. Kelly flawlessly describes how to hold the brush, when to get more water, more paint, and how to use a napkin to dab away extra water or even erase, a comforting fact to know. After a few practice rounds, we are ready to work on the masterpiece, a floral-inspired bouquet of something lavender-esque. Remember: no rules! Alx&Co.’s creative team, the people who spend their days working on bespoke designs, mill about the room topping off champagne glasses and gently encouraging us to embrace our inner creative because we all have one inside.

Style Spotlight: Kelly’s stunning dress! Elegant, tailored, and dramatic all-in-one look with a classy navy and pink print, cinched waist, and flowy floor-length skirt. It reminded me of this beautiful STAUD dress on sale now at The Hive.

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of your day and enjoy trying something new in a comfortable space where mistakes are encouraged, and every brush stroke has a purpose, even if it’s not exactly what you intended. I was pleasantly surprised by the lightness and easy effortlessness of watercolor. Kelly captured it perfectly when she says the paint and the water are just as in charge as you. Stay tuned for another Wine and Watercolor workshop later this year! In the meantime, check out Alx&Co.’s reoccurring After Hours series - it’s a serene and elegant affair just like this one, featuring specialty crafts like elite spirit making.

Photos courtesy of Alx&Co.