Watercolor Meets Mezze: An Anniversary Painting Surprise Inside Leila Detroit

I don't often paint interiors, but when I do, I try to include every possible surface texture, light fixture and signature cocktail on the menu.

This 8x10 ink and watercolor illustration was a first wedding anniversary surprise from a wife to her husband. The couple had their very first date at Leila (Detroit)--specifically, on the two barstools at the corner end of the bar, sipping the restaurant's signature Lebanita cocktails.

"I just got the painting and it is so BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm absolutely speechless!! I love everything about it and the drinks are such a special touch! We celebrated our anniversary at Leila and showed the staff your art and they were blown away!! My husband was in absolute awe when he opened the gift too! Thank you for making our first anniversary so special!!"

Leila sits in the heart of Capitol Park and describes itself as: "Where modern Beirut meets Detroit." I've never actually been, but I've stared at it longer than anyone on the staff probably has.

The focal point of the bar is the giant chandelier-like structure that hovers over like a marvel of engineering, topped with liquor bottles of all shapes and colors. Based on the number of textures I had to depict--rose-colored velvet barstools, geometric floor tiles, glass bar tops, brick walls, leather booths, tile columns and several lighting variations--I feel like I've earned a reservation!

The client texted me the night of her anniversary to let me know how much she and her husband (and the restaurant staff) loved the painting.

Turns out, barstools and watercolor brushes have more in common than you'd think: they both hold a lot of colorful stories.

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