Our Des Moines, IA - Urbandale Painting with a Twist Artists

Alex

My driving force in life is art, in all its forms and I wear many hats as an artist. I am a painter, a photographer, certified art therapist, and most recently a soap maker! I live and breathe art. I've been a workshop style- teacher for over 14 years, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. I have been working at Painting With a Twist for over 7 years and absolutely love what I do! In my spare time I like to bake, hang out with my boyfriend and our dogs, go rocking climbing and watch movies. I can't wait to see you in one of my classes!

Andrea

Andrea is the owner of the Urbandale studio. Most of Andrea's professional career has involved editing for various magazines and marketing agencies ... and she dabbled in painting instruction as a fun side gig. Now she's happily replaced her red pen with a paintbrush, and leads the Painting with a Twist charge in the Des Moines Metro. She has degrees in journalism and art, and has traveled extensively to immerse herself in the art and cultures of many destinations. Her goals include providing central Iowa with the best painting experience in town and learning how to not get so much paint in her hair. Andrea lives in Des Moines with her giant dog, Zeus.

Anne

Hi, my name is Anne. Ever since I was little, I was always creating something: painting, drawing, or writing a story. These days, I enjoy creating landscapes and plants. I love teaching art to others because I get to experience how others view art and see their imaginations come alive. Meeting people is on the parts I find the most at Painting with a Twist. When I'm not working, you can find me taking pictures with my camera or painting at my desk.

Autumn

Hi! I’m Autumn, and art has always been a huge part of my life. I started painting when I was a kid and never put down the brush. I have a degree in Theatre, Dance, and Performance studies — specifically prop-making and scenic painting. So when I’m not painting here, I’m building sets and pieces for local theatres. I am a very hands-on person, and I love to mix media and try new things. Creativity and artistic liberties are always welcome when you’re with me! When I’m not painting, I’m obsessing over Disney, Star Wars, or Marvel so if you ever want to nerd out, I’m your girl!

Brooke

Howdy and hello! I'm Brooke, and I am an artist from Ames, Iowa. I graduated from ISU with a bachelors in Architecture (Go, Cyclones!), and love creating paintings that include nature and animals. I teach art for the connections it provides to the community, and the lasting memories made when a new skill is learned. I believe art is a skill, and something anyone can learn to do with enough practice! When I'm not teaching or creating art, you can find me performing musicals to entertain my newborn son and dog, Zeppelin (neither know how to talk, so they can't complain!), driving dump trucks and heavy equipment for the family business, playing volleyball or softball, or singing "Man in a Box" at karaoke night (oof!).

Carisa

Hi, I'm Carisa! Art has always been a part of my life. My passion is inspiring and encouraging others to be creative, so I am excited to do that at Painting with a Twist! I grew up in Swea City, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Art Education. I was a middle school art teacher for 24 years. I love to paint with watercolor and acrylics, and enjoy creating illustrations. When I'm not teaching, I love to go on long walks while listening to podcasts, reading, and watching Star Wars and Marvel movies. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, two sons, and cat named Sheldon Cooper.

Claire

Grace

Meagan

Hi, I’m Meagan! I am a Des Moines-based artist, though I have experience in California as well. I live with my cat, Peenelope, and he is a traveler, too. I like to use acrylics to paint on canvas, as well as air brushing. I enjoy art as a social event, whether it be in a class, body painting or makeup.

Roman

Hi, I'm Roman! I like to experiment with different mediums whenever the opportunity arises, but spend most of my time working with acrylic, watercolor, and digital art. I love to create fun and funny art that brings a smile or is off the wall, and love drawing animals. I also do a fair amount of photography, volunteering for special needs families and hospice patients, as well as photographing local concerts. I have a house full of inspiration for my art, with two dogs and four cats.

Taylor

I turn to art to balance out my very left-brain job as an accountant. I’m especially drawn to dreamlike concepts and art depicting the pieces of life I find most beautiful. Some of my biggest sources of inspiration include artists like Monet, Rodin, and other French impressionists, although I’d describe my own personal style as “early American suburban housewife.” After living on three continents and moonlighting as an opera singer, bartender, aerial performer, and ice sculptor, I’ve found my favorite passion is my latest one: raising my newborn son with my husband and our handsome Aussie in Urbandale, Iowa. I look forward to helping you channel your own personal experiences to create art you can truly be proud of!