As 2023 draws steadily to a close, I’m still following my promise of trying new things each month, and in November, I accidentally stuck to a previous theme…
Thank you, algorithm
The infamous algorithm is much-maligned by many small businesses, but it does know what it’s doing. Back in the summer, I saw a sponsored post for a new studio setting up in Brighton, and browsed through with curiosity. Pinot and Picasso is an Australian brand which has travelled to the UK, with venues now open in Shoreditch and Liverpool, as well as my local one in Brighton.
The concept is simple: book your place for a tutored painting experience… where drinks and snacks are also available to buy! It’s set up as a fun activity, with music playing throughout, and ideal for groups or parties.
First visit to Pinot and Picasso in Brighton
One of the unique things about this brand is that some paintings feature a “glow in the dark” element. When I booked, there were loads of fun designs available, and I decided to pick one which I thought would be fairly easy, and that I’d ultimately like to see on my wall! So I chose “Femme Fatale” and secured my spot.
I was one of the first to arrive at the studio, and got to choose my seat at an easel. There was plenty of space to hang coats, with aprons also provided, and following a bit of housekeeping, the session began.
The painting was well-tutored, with instructions given for each step so that we created our masterpiece. I found the experience quite mindful, and it was great to have good music blasting over the speakers whilst painting. There were also some difficult moments for me – I’m very inexperienced as a painter, and judge myself for being “bad” at it, so I found it challenging to relax and let the painting happen, plus be content with it.
At the end of the evening, I carried my painting home very carefully – the down side at the moment is that the studio has no way of drying paint before you leave, other than via air (they’re working on it!). The next day, upon further contemplation of it, I was really happy with it, and am looking forward to hanging it on a wall one day.
Another painting opportunity
Shortly after I visited, the studio ran a giveaway via Instagram… which I won! I’d nabbed three places at a Saturday evening workshop, and took my Mum and my sister with me to take part in the “No 5” session. I love perfume, and this picture is of a glass bottle with flowers in it, so it was right up my street.
The other bonus this time is that I wasn’t the one driving, so I made the most of the alcoholic options at the Pinot and Picasso bar! The non-alcoholic options are brilliant, and I was very happy on my first visit too.
Attending with others definitely improved the experience – this is the first time I’ve attended something alone and wished I’d had company. I sat next to my Mum and sister as we all developed our canvases and, with the same instructions and tools, created three very different pieces of art. It was of no surprise to us – we’re all very different people!
I had a real issue with my paint at one point, accidentally creating a very bad colour and putting it on the canvas. Fortunately, it wiped off fairly easily, and I was able to do some clever blending to fix it. The best part of this painting was my decision to put my own choice of design on the bottle’s label, rather than following the “No 5” suggestion. Before leaving the house, I’d taken a photo of the logo of my favourite perfume.
When it came time to add the logo, I took inspiration from my tile painting experience the previous month, and practiced first on my paint palette before committing to canvas. Once I was happy with the shape and my control of the brush, I took a deep breath and added it to my painting – I’m really pleased with the result.
A third coming soon…
I’ll be making another trip to Pinot and Picasso in 2024! Next time, I’ll be going with some friends, and ticking off the aim of completing one of the “glow in the dark” options. If you want to find out what I do, keep an eye on my Instagram page come March…