Our Buffalo, NY - Cheektowaga Painting with a Twist Artists

Baylee

As early as I can remember, I would run and grab my purple tote box of crayons, paper, and a pencil and run to sit down in front of the TV every time I heard “…Pappy, Pappy Drewit…he drew Pappyland…”. My mom would let me watch this half hour program full of childhood type lessons, drawing and coloring and always encouraged me to “draw what you see”. Getting older, I would rush home from school to turn on PBS and watch Bob Ross and his happy trees emerge on the canvas and be absolutely mesmerized. When my family took our first trip to Walt Disney World, and took a tour of the animation building I knew I wanted to make art a part of my life forever. I decided to go to school for animation and attended RIT in Rochester and I have a Fine Arts Degree in Film/Animation. Joining the Painting with a Twist team has meant a lot to me in that I am able to encourage others to find their artistic side and some may even emerge with a talent they didn’t know they had. I love the fun, the atmosphere, and the encouragement Paining with a Twist brings and it has helped me to reignite my passion for my own artwork and style. With Painting with a Twist, I’d like to think I’m my own version of Pappy Drewit or Bob Ross helping to guide people in their art journey!!

Camille Russell

Just like Winnie the Pooh, I'm in search of honey-or the sweet things in life. Good cookies, good wine and good times. I'm a self-taught artist that takes a no rules, jump in feet first approach to creating. I love "making stuff" and I'm at my best when I'm sharing it with others. I'm as comfortable with power tools as I am rattling pots and pans. When I'm not making stuff I can usually be found adventuring around WNY with the hubby, taking photos of the nearest body of water including creeks, filling my pockets with treasures. I take relaxing very seriously, but I'm always up for a last minute adventure...provided I still have my bra on.

Chloe

When I was about 7 years old I drew a picture of The Cat in the Hat and my mom insisted that i traced it… until she realized that the paper wasn’t see-through. I’ve been drawing and doodling since I could write but i never really thought it would be more than a hobby until I was introduced to the Academy of the Visual and Preforming Arts at Lancaster High School. Currently, I am studying Graphic Design with a minor in Art Therapy at Buffalo State. One day, I hope to become a professional Art Therapist. Among my many goals, this is the most important to me. Being able to make a difference in the lives of others is something that is a true passion of mine and I could not picture doing anything else with my life. As I have grown older, I have learned to really push myself out of my comfort zone. Coming to Painting with a Twist and standing up on stage was a huge step for me and something I will continue to learn and grow from. The biggest lesson that I have learned while being here: After letting go of all of the unnecessary fears and worrying, life gets pretty good.

Katie Kokanovich

"If you hear a voice within you say "You cannot paint" then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent VanGogh Join me in class as we silence that voice and create a masterpiece together. As an experienced educator with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education, an artist and hobbyist we can develop your painting skills together. Raise a glass to a fun night, a new experience, and your own masterpiece! Katie Kokanovich

Macy Reyngoudt

I graduated from SUNY Brockport in 2014 with a BS in Social Work , and a coaching minor. I was a member of The Brockport Women’s Soccer Team for 4 years and an All SUNYAC Academic Athlete. I am currently an Assistant soccer coach at Genesee Community College for the Women’s team. I have been a painter and artist since the age of 4 when I drew and painted a mural of the Power Puff Girls on my parents’ basement drywall without permission! I studied drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and computer graphics. I love meeting new people, laughing with friends, filling boards on Pinterest and, of course, drinking wine. (If I could create paintings with ranch dip, life would be perfect.) My bubbly personality and ability to connect with people is sure to make visitors to the Lancaster PWAT studio feel comfortable and supported. I am delighted to be a part of something so new and exciting.

Melissa Reynolds

Every since I can remember, art is the only thing I wanted to do. Truly my passion. I took my first painting class my junior year in high school and it was love at first brush stroke. I continued painted at my time at Buffalo State College,where I obtained a degree in art education. In my paintings today, I am inspired by nature and the symphony of colors it brings. Aside from painting, I am also an extreme crafter, knitter, and flair bartender. To put it simply, I make stuff, and I love doing it.

Susan

We live in a world where saying no is easy. It takes the most courageous of people to forge forward and try new things; to say yes. Since I was very young it has been pointed out to me often, but I'm an oddball. Currently studying Fine Arts and Music education at Buffalo State, I continue to try to encourage others to be themselves, even if it means being on. Much of my inspiration for painting comes from everyday life. Our lives and our personalities make us different, so let's put that into our art! Nothing will ever compare to that freedom.

Crysta

Dan

Haleigh

My name is Haleigh Reinhardt. I grew up in Hamburg, NY, with a love for music and art. I always preferred to play classical piano or paint and draw as opposed to playing sports in school. I went to SUNY Fredonia to pursue music as formative training, studying under Fr. Sean Duggan as my piano instructor. However, I never stopped working with art mediums and paints. They just became my go-to hobby. From my bachelors degrees in music business and piano performance, I decided to attend SUNY Buffalo at UB for my masters in music theory. Here, I decided to create my own piano studio and teach children privately while attending school. I received a year of PhD coursework in music theory at UB before deciding to wrap up my college career with a graduate level initial certification program in music education. I just recently completed the degree in June 2018. Currently, I am a general music teacher, working with elementary kids in the city of Niagara Falls. Painting continues to be a fun hobby of mine, which is why I wanted to become a painting instructor part-time. I am so happy to join the Painting With a Twist team!

Melanie Gates

My name is Melanie. I am a proud cat mother of a fur baby, Joey! I attended Erie Community College where I received my associates degree in Visual Communications/Graphic Arts and Printing. During the day I’m a graphic designer for a jewelry company, and at night I teach here at PWAT! I’ve been creative since the age of 3, when I would use myself and the walls of the house as a canvas! I’ve been creating, drawing, and painting ever since. Art is the best stress reliever and outlet out there. I’m grateful that my passion can also double as my career. I love being a part of the PWAT family! As they say, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” When I'm not painting, I enjoy curling up with a good book. I also like to spend time outside looking at the night sky, kayaking, hiking, and hunting.