“Drink creatively”. What comes to mind when you read this slogan? Try learning to paint while sipping a glass of wine or your favorite drink in a local bar (maybe one reminiscent of those good ol’ days). In just two hours, you’ll have your very own artist’s (ok, amateur artist’s) chef d’oeuvre. The activity is called PaintNite.
I attended a PaintNite event in late August thanks to a very good friend’s creative gift shopping: A PaintNite event at Hooley’s on Elgin Street for four. (Yes, Hooley’s is reminiscent of those good ol’days for me). The back of the bar was transformed into an art studio! All tables were placed in rows to form working spaces for more than 30 people. Everyone had their own station with an easel, water, three paint brushes and a palette on which were five dollops of paint: three primary colours, red, blue and yellow (Do I have to specify this or does everyone generally remember primary colours from elementary school?) and black and white. I walked in just in time to tie on my apron and listen to the starting instructions. Being a visual artist myself, I was excited to follow another artist’s directions and strokes.
The girls at PaintNite. From left: Céline Forgues, Geneviève Henrie, Jennifer Larocque and Michèlanne Benoît showing off their masterpieces. Photo provided by Jennifer Larocque.
As I began painting, I looked around the room. Hum, a fair mix of ages, gals and guys. (As a marketer, I tend to notice these things). Hats off to the founders of PaintNite. I admire a great business idea that caters to many, involves the arts and adds to the city’s coolness factor. The idea originated in Boston in 2012 and has since then spread across many continents. As I continued my survey of the place, I noticed everyone had his or her drink already. I was going to have to flag the waitress for a glass of wine before I got started on my masterpiece.
The presenting artist was relaxed and inviting. She gave plenty of time between production steps; we even ordered dinner and ate at a table removed from our workshop area. Others walked around to say hello, chat and check out people’s work as the workshop progressed. I curiously did so myself: some folks made their piece unique by adding a character in their painting or adding more or less of a colour, changing the feel, or the light of the painting. There’s room for creativity and exploration.
So, if you are a bar that would like a little bit more excitement on a slower night, this is a great idea to get people in. Venues are widespread, from Kanata to Orleans, including many downtown locations. If you’re looking to experience your creative side with friends, PaintNite has many events each month facilitated by local artists. You can check out the event calendar on their website and select your PaintNite based on the painting you like most. Every painting is rated with a level of difficulty. But, don’t fret; presenting artists are so good at walking their audiences through the steps that everyone can paint a piece they can actually display. Or give to a close friend as a sentimental handmade gift he or she may feel compelled to mount on their walls.
Happy painting!
