Design and Dine presents abstract art at Oneo Wine Bar. For me personally, the Westin Mina Seyahi location conjures images of pools and palm trees rather than abstract shapes and designs. However, our night of abstract art at Oneo wine bar gives the pools and palms a night off in search of something more creative and just as relaxing.
I’ll admit to feeling a little daunted as I take my seat with, literally, a blank canvas in front of me. As groups of people fill the room, however, the mood is relaxed and friendly. It becomes even more so as my friends arrive and we grab a glass of bubbles and a plate from the fine selection charcuterie to kick off our night.
Whilst we settle in to sipping and nibbling, our Dine and Design host takes us through the much simplified steps of creating an abstract painting for the evening. With a suggested color palette, step by step instructions and all the tools supplied, there are no more excuses to delay once the demonstration is over.
Colour & Canvas
After deliberating over my color palette for a bit, I finally settle on a red based theme and launch in. Boldly mixing red, white and a splash of a darker, burnt sienna hue, I pretend confidence as my brush spreads color across my canvas. Worst case scenario (I bargain with myself), it doesn’t have to come home with me.
After a few strokes I’m pleasantly surprised. I continue on with more color as I mix and paint, paint and mix. A few top us of bubbles along the way helps the confidence and moves the process along. Eventually, I concede (to myself) that more paint is unlikely to bring about drastic improvement so I top up my glass again and engage in conversation which is far superior to watching paint dry.
Next comes the gold demonstration. How to apply the gold leaf for a shiny finish. This reflects light, highlighting the chosen theme with the added bonus of hiding any minor flaws. What’s not to love? Perhaps just the glue required for application and the ensuing mess that I make. This results in a gold leaf encrusted mini stress ball stuck to my fingers. Not a whole lot is stuck to my canvas! I note varying degrees of success with this method as I glance around the room and decide to be content with the amount that has been convinced to stick where intended.
Masterclass
One more round of charcuterie is a good excuse to canvas the room (pun intended!) and I decide I’m not displeased with my efforts. Amanda’s vast blueness is transformed last minute with a splash of extra colour. The addition of gold really does set it off nicely.
All things considered, I’m actually rather chuffed with my attempt by the end of the night. It could just be the bubbles talking but we’re all happy to pose with our masterpieces. Photos are being captured for marketing and social media purposes (as well as posterity). After a fun night with the girls I have also had a bit of a creative experience and have a painting to take home. I decide not to gift it to the taxi driver after all.
The next morning my boys are both surprised and delighted by my efforts. I decide that while different, the experience has also been rather surprising and delighting.
Good To Know
Design and Dine host social and corporate interactive art events across Dubai.
Would I Return?
Yes. I would give it another go. After all, there’s simply a canvas to ‘lose’ if it doesn’t quite go according to plan…