A good glass of wine has always had the power to enhance our creative abilities or to fool us into believing we had any in the first place. This perfect pairing of art and alcohol has finally made it into the mainstream, with “Sip n’ Paint” studios popping up everywhere, and becoming legitimate alternatives to the gal’s night out, date night, and even bachelor/ette parties. Inhibitions are lowered, free and easy conversation flows, and suddenly, we can paint!
What are “Sip n’ Paint” studios? They are magical spaces where professional instructors lead you step-by-step through the process of painting your own masterpiece. All the materials and music are provided; you only need to bring your own poison! This could be wine, beer, champagne, or juice, which you can store in the refrigerators on-site. These events are becoming highly popular, so I recommend booking your seat a few weeks in advance. What better way to enjoy some downtime with your friends, and get in touch with your creative side?
“Sip n’ Paint” studios are open to all abilities, from those of us who have never picked up a paintbrush before, to consummate professionals. The instructors leave a lot of room for creative freedoms, guiding you through the basic techniques used to achieve the desired effect but bequeathing the choice of colours, and the exact nature of the details, to you. This ensures everyone is working within their comfort zone while learning something new. It also means no two artworks are the same at the end of the session, and taking some time to stroll around the studio admiring the various interpretations of the original design is fascinating and enlightening, and an excellent ice breaker.
The concept has become so popular that there are even alternatives available for those who dislike wine or aren’t painters at heart. Prefer a beer? Then “Paint n’ Pint” events are more up your alley. Is painting not your thing? Try “Drinky Drawy” sessions instead. Are you bored with painting on canvas? Have a go at free-flow acrylic pouring or painting on your clothes. The truly fashion-forward venues even provide snacks, from cheese and charcuterie boards to full-blown canapes.
For your next night out in Brisbane, consider one of the following venues to get your creative juices flowing as you sip your favourite drink and chill with your favourite people:
CORK & CHROMA | SOUTH BRISBANE
Cork and Chroma have a pop-up studio in Southbank and a permanent set-up in West End, where they host daily workshops with fabulous instructors and cheese mezze board options.
NAÏM | PADDINGTON
Maybe painting isn’t for you? Then Naim’s Drinky Drawy sessions might hit the spot. They don’t have a regular roster of events, so make sure to keep an eye on their programme for upcoming classes! This one is slightly different in that the art supplies are BYO, but a drink is included in your $10 ticket cost.
VINE AND ART
All classes at Vine and Art are hosted by their resident artists Kaz Bull, and they offer private sessions as well as the group classes, where you can choose your own subject! And they have cheese boards.
AETHER BREWING CO. | MILTON
The Black Canvas Co. hosts monthly Paint ’n’ Pints events at the Aether Brewing Co., where you can try your hand at anything from plants to The Great Wave of Kanagawa.
MONTANA ART PROJECT | WEST END
This one is a bit different. Montana Art Project offers everything from free flow acrylic pouring to paint-your-own-jeans lessons, with a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, and the option to BYO beer, wine and soft drink.
BRUSH & BARREL | FORTITUDE VALLEY
Brush and Barrel are most famous for their “Paint your Pet” classes, but you can try your hand at Banksy, Picasso and signature Brush & Barrel pieces every other day.
PAINT ‘N POUR | VARIOUS
This one is slightly fancier. With a two-hour drink tab and charcuterie boards to snack on, a Paint n’ Pour event is sure to bring out the best and booziest artist in everyone. Paint n’ Pour also offer weekly sessions at both MD’s Italian Kitchen & Bar and The Belvedere, with over 30 themes to choose from.
YOUR CREATIVE PALETTE
This studio is the ideal location to spread your creative wings under the attentive, yet never over-bearing, gaze of industry professionals. Everything is provided, so sip-and-paint away!
TOASTED CAFÉ | EVERTON PARK
MK Gallery brings out the best in us with their perfect combination of our three favourite activities: painting, sipping and nibbling. Art materials and canapés created by Toasted’s own chef are provided, so all we need to worry about is our drink.