Paint and Sip Parties.. Have You Tried One? - July 2015

Have you heard of these popular shops or venues that are offering "paint with wine" "champagne and canvas"? It's a phenomenon that is growing at a rapid pace and it's officially called the "paint & sip" industry. Places like Pinos Palatte, Corks & Canvas, Paint Nite all capitalize on mixing social engagement with food, wine and art.

I've actually participated in a few myself, for fun. Being an artist its interesting to me to hear friends and colleagues get excited about painting with their friends while relaxing with a drink. What is attracting us as a society to this type of social engagement? The concept behind it is to follow the instructor (artist's) pre-completed painting. As guests arrive they each have their own painting station with canvas and usually acrylics. The instruction divides the painting into quadrants and will note to measure certain spots on the canvas and to mark for the subjects included in the art. Drink some wine, pick up that brush and go. You'll find that even people who don't think they have interest in trying to paint, or some that are but haven't got a chance to do it seem to get absorbed in this activity. Why?

I venture to say that this form of art is an acceptable way to tap into our humanity. Art at it's very core is liberating - expressing one's emotions and ideas in a creative way that requires no structure, just your mind, heart and soul free-flowing. Let's be honest how often in our busy harried lives do we do something so, natural?

When one creates art is allows others to see what's imprinted in the mind of the artist. After all, it shows the viewer of the art a certain perspective, a feeling, a moment. No two people can create the same art even as they paint the same scene- it's really a miracle and what it does, especially in these paint and sip classes is it gives people the freedom to be who they are and be accepted and appreciated in a setting that's pretty non-judgmental. Forget the art rules, no need to have been educated in art, just pick up that brush, take a sip and start creating.

Go, have fun!

~M