Painting Lounge offers a fun, casual experience where an artist teaches the group to replicate a featured painting step by step. It requires absolutely no painting experience either, and nearly everyone leaves with a great rendering of the painting.
You first choose a class based on your availability and the painting you’d like to replicate. They post a calendar of classes for the next couple months online, along with an image of each painting. So you can just pick something that appeals to you, that you’d want in your home/office, or that you could give as a gift. There are four locations of Painting Lounge: Chelsea, Midtown, Harlem, and Williamsburg. Because each location offers multiple classes daily, you’re sure to find a time and a painting that suit you.
On your scheduled day, you don’t have to do anything to prepare, aside from dressing down a bit. When you arrive, you’ll find a room full of individual stations set up. The studio provides all materials you’ll need (canvas, easel, paint, brushes, and aprons). You’re also free to bring your own drinks (beer and wine are allowed) and food. The vibe is very laid back, with good music playing. And you can either keep to yourself/your group or socialize with others.
The instructor hangs the featured painting at the front of the class, next to a blank canvas that the instructor will use to show you the steps. The instructors are all skilled artists, most of whom actually paint or create art professionally. They provide clear and easy to follow instructions, walking you through step by step. And don’t worry – if you use up the paint, more will be provided.
What I loved about the class is how encouraging the instructor was of each person’s own painting preferences. You can choose to replicate the painting exactly (same colors and images) or take as many artistic liberties as you’d like (use different colors or add/subtract details). If you needed help, the instructor was always available. So if you have a question, just shout it out! While he checked in with people and occasionally offered suggestions, you were free to take them or leave them.
Each class lasts 2-3 hours depending on which painting is featured. At the end, you aren’t rushed out. If you have a few more details to add, you can stay a bit over. And when you’re leaving, they provide bags in which you can carry your painting home.
The vibe is so casual, but there’s a structure in place. You’re never left hanging, but you have as much autonomy as you want. You can come and go as you please, eat and drink, use the restroom, take a break and chit chat. Even if you’re not particularly into painting, the time really flies and you get absorbed into your creation. I don’t think anyone in the class wanted it to end. Ultimately, it’s a really fun way to spend a couple hours when you want a low-key activity. And you can either do it by yourself, with a partner or group of friends, or even reserve a private party for a special event. Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays, some of their classes start after 10 pm, so if you’re looking for a different type of late-night activity, this is a great option (and remember you can BYOB).
We had a great time at Painting Lounge and definitely recommend that you give it a try!
