Big Ideas, Real Impact

step 1: paint the background

Step 1: Paint the Background
We're going to start by mixing yellow and white until you get a beautiful butter yellow

We're going to paint the outside edges of the canvas
The background should look soft and textured.
Then in the center we're going to mix pink, white and pink white and red

to create a gradient soft pink color

Now Cover the entire canvas with a mix of:
Light pink
Peach
White
Use vertical strokes.
Don't blend completely.
Leave visible texture.

Instructor Tip:
"Think ice cream swirls, not smooth walls."
"We're creating texture, not smooth walls."
Leave brush marks visible.

Step 2: Build the Drink Shape First (5 min)

Now we're going to mix red and a hint of yellow to create an orange base. Using orange paint and the medium flat brush:
Paint a large "U" shape in the center.
Think of a giant rounded bowl.
This becomes the drink
Leave space above for the rim.

Step 3: Add the Aperol Colors (5 min)

Using the large brush:
Add:
  • Red around the bottom edge (start to slight blend upward)
  • Now add Orange through the middle 
  • Last we’re adding yellow-orange near the top
Don't blend too much.
The color changes make it look vibrant.

Step 4: Create the Ice Cubes (10 min)

Using the medium flat brush:
Paint chunky rectangles.
Use:
  • White
  • Light pink
  • Peach
Place 4-5 cubes overlapping.
Tell guests:
"Think chunky ice, not perfect squares."
Some cubes should go outside the drink color slightly.

Step 5: Add Citrus Chunks (5 min)

Using the medium brush:
Add yellow blocks between the ice cubes.
Then touch one side with orange.
These become the orange slices floating in the drink.

Step 6: Paint the Glass (10 min)


Using the small round brush:

Mix white with a tiny touch of lavender.

Paint:

Rim

A wide oval above the drink.

Sides

Two curved lines down.

Stem

A single thin line.

Base

A flat oval.

Remind everyone:

"The glass should disappear in places. We don't need a perfect outline."

Step 7: Add the Straw (2 min)

Using the medium brush:
Paint a turquoise line leaning slightly right.
Using your detail brush
Add one white highlight beside it.

Step 8: Lemon Slice (5 min)

Using the medium brush:
Mix green and white to get a sage green
Paint a green half-circle on the rim.
Then add:
  • Yellow wedges
  • White sections
  • Green rind
Finish with a dark green leaf.

Step 9: Bottom Lemon (5 min)

Using the large brush:
Paint a yellow circle at bottom left.
Add:
  • Pale yellow center
  • Orange edge
Add a leaf.

Step 10 : Shadows (3 min)

Using the medium brush:
Mix:
  • Lavender
  • White
Paint:
  • Shadow under lemon
  • Shadow under glass

Step 11: Highlights (3 min)

Using the small round brush:
Add white highlights to:
  • Ice cubes
  • Glass rim
  • Straw
  • Lemon
These little touches make the painting come alive.

Step 12: Signature Lettering (2 min)

Using blue paint and the small brush:
Write a message to yourself:
Aperol
Spritz
Let go
SUR BITES
Pure Sunshine
in the lower right corner.
Wrap up by signing your work. 
Thank you all so much for coming and spending your afternoon with us. We hope to see you at our next event in June. If you’d like to secure your spot see (client manager).

Supplies Needed

Colors
  • White
  • Light Pink
  • Peach
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Bright Red
  • Dark Green
  • Light Green
  • Teal/Turquoise
  • Light Purple (or mix white + tiny bit purple)
  • Brown (for lettering)
Brushes
  • Large flat brush 
  • Medium flat brush 
  • Small round/detail brush