Paint Nite brings out the inner artist in a fun and creative way

I’ve never considered myself much of an artist, per say.

Though I am an avid photographer and writer, I always found it hard to say I was an artist with those mediums. When I think of an artist – I think traditional, such as a painter or sculptor or somebody along that line of work.

In fact, in high school, I wasn’t much of anything when it came to art class. Sure, I did OK and got decent grades, but I wasn’t the next Picasso or anything.

Maybe times have changed?

A year or so ago, I came across a website called Paint Nite. Have any of you heard about it? If not, let me tell you – it’s fantastic. The idea is simple – people get together in a bar-type atmosphere, have some tunes and paint.

Simple, right?

The idea is to drink creatively. In other words, have a few cordials and create some artwork. It had been something I had wanted to try for a while, but never had a chance. It’s affordable (website is $45, but there are often deals and you can get it much cheaper on Groupon) and it’s a good way to try something different.

I recently signed up for a class with a friend who is an art teacher. It was a good way to check this out, as well as give me a reason to finally go do this and blog about it. The one I picked out was good because the art was supposed to be pretty easy. Turns out it was.

There were about 20 people for this one. From reading and looking at other events, I think they are often much bigger. This was a perfect size for a first-time person, though. The instructor, Toni, was excellent. She was fun and made sure people were enjoying themselves. There was music playing throughout and a waitress made sure you could get a refill or two, if you so desired.

As part of your experience, Paint Nite supplies the following:

• Smock
• Paint brushes
• Paint
• 16×20 canvas (which you obviously get to take home at the end)

So basically, you come, grab a drink and paint.

As noted, the painting we did the day I was there was pretty easy. The only thing I would have liked was if it was a little more social. It seemed like people were in their groups and kept a little to themselves. I wonder if the group was bigger or if the painting was a little different, if that would have made it more social.

It was nice a few times when there were breaks to go around and check out the other paintings. Some people had some amazing work. Mine was rather simple, which I was OK with. The painting was about being unique and the instructor offered a free class if you did it in another language.

I dug deep and remembered my French days and did it in that (if I remember right, unique is the same in English/French) and earned myself a free Paint Night class, so that’s cool. I also filled out a survey online and received a code for like 40 percent off or something for a class.

What I truly found out was how relaxing painting can be. I’ve seriously thought about buying a few canvases and some paint and brushes and just seeing what I can do. I know I’m never going to be the next Picasso or anything, but it’s a way to relax, be creative and maybe have some things to put on my walls – or to give to somebody else. I’ll have to see what kind of investment I’d be looking into. Or, maybe I’ll just stick to Paint Nite events.

On another note, take a peek at the Paint Nite website and see if there are any events in your area. It’s heavily on the female side, so if you’re a single guy, it might be worth grabbing a couple of friends and checking it out. At the event I was at, I was one of two males there – and the other wasn’t painting. What’s the worst thing that happens? You go, have a hoot and a few drinks and socialize some.

It’s an affordable and fun evening and well worth doing. I’d encourage anybody to try it as it gives you something outside the normal zone for fun. The best part is when looking at events, you can see what you’ll be painting and what they rate it (from easy to hard) so you can decide if it’s something you can handle or not.

Paint Nite was a heap of fun and I look forward to doing it again sometime in the future.

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