Fun Styles of Painting Classes for Adults to Try in NYC

Are you looking for a new creative hobby that will also help you decorate your home with some vibrant colors? At painting classes in New York City, you can have a blast getting out and experiencing some of the best things to do in New York City while learning how to paint from professional artists. Held at art studios across all five boroughs - and even into Long Island - painting classes make excellent options for solo weekend outings, date night ideas, or even team building activities. If you're looking to pick up some new skills and improve your mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing, painting classes for adults are what you need in your life! 

The last few years have been tough on all of us, and if you've been feeling a little blue lately, an exciting painting class for adults is the perfect antidote. It’s 2022 and it's time to swap boring Netflix reruns and Instagram scrolling for an unforgettable artistic adventure! Not only will you benefit from improved wellbeing (the meditative rhythm of brushstrokes grounds anxious minds), but you're bound to meet plenty of like-minded people who will become your most enthusiastic cheerleaders.

The final piece isn't important because you'll feel better for simply showing up and trying something new. Strengthening your creative muscles through an engaging hobby builds confidence that filters into all areas of your life, making it easier to find innovative solutions to personal and professional challenges. Do you know someone in need of a pick-me-up? New York City painting classes for adults are meaningful gift experiences for stressed city dwellers, transporting them a million miles away from concrete jungles to balmy, tropical islands and magical landscapes.

With a treasure chest of painting classes to choose from, how do you know which one is best? You might want to stick with the classics and animate canvases with eye-catching oil paints or produce zanier dreamscapes in whimsical watercolors. Non-traditionalists are sure to adore resin art that showcases epoxy mixtures overflowing with sparkling gemstones and metal.

Keep reading as we highlight several styles of painting classes for adults in NYC to try this weekend. Every art course is beginner-friendly for budding Rembrandts, and an accomplished local teacher is on hand to help every step of the way. If you can’t make it to an in-person class, we also have a collection of interactive online courses. When you party in the Zoom room, we’ll send you a lovingly-prepared DIY kit alongside a link to the high-quality live stream – it couldn’t be easier!

Relax, paint and sip at painting classes for adults

Are you organizing a team building activity, birthday party, or looking for bachelorette party ideas? If so, book an informal paint and sip class where you'll practice your painting techniques while sipping on your beverage of choice. Wine and paint nights are less about perfection and more about giggling over a few glasses of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay!

Paint and sip parties are ideal for nervous novices because there are no expectations. You'll feel more comfortable letting your hair down and producing a masterpiece after a drop of pinot, and your instructor will answer any questions you may have. Under their protective wing, you'll master blending, layering, and mixing so you can continue emulating the greats at home.

Rather than heading out for post-work drinks, how about calling your colleagues for a unique night out? Painting together is a thoughtful team bonding activity that boosts morale and creativity. After diving into a Wonka-esque world of rainbow gradients and tones, you'll feel rejuvenated to tackle tomorrow's deadlines and to-dos with a smile.

Stick with classics like watercolors, oil, and acrylic

Discovering your individuality is half the fun of painting classes for adults. Perhaps you'd like to tap into your inner Vincent van Gogh and recreate bold scenes like the "Seascape at Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer"? Alternatively, combine ethereal twirls and swirls in a watercolor workshop, carefully layering translucent pigment until images burst from the canvas in vivid detail. Each innovative medium requires different tools and skills, so why not try a class in each to decide which one you like the most? 

In a watercolor painting for beginners class, you'll tackle two primary techniques: wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry. The wet-on-wet method produces soft edges and easy blending, whereas wet-on-dry leads to well-defined lines and shapes. If you're captivated by Leonardo da Vinci's famous "Mona Lisa", join an oil painting class and master the iconic Renaissance and Baroque styles. Although linseed mixtures take longer to dry, they hold their color for years to illuminate the gloomiest interiors.

We can't forget about acrylic painting – a popular option for those who have never wielded a paintbrush before. Acrylics build confidence because they’re easy to use for fumbling fingers. By the end of your art lesson, you'll possess a cherished keepsake to show off to friends and family. Even better, invite your loved ones along and create precious memories that last a lifetime.

Go your own way and experiment with resin art

Painting is about breaking boundaries and redefining what’s normal, so ditch the standard tools for an inventive resin art class! Here, you'll learn to mix and pour liquid paint onto unusual surfaces to create stunning shapes and patterns. If mom wants to revamp her living space, spoil her with a DIY tie-dye table dripping in shiny silver and gold glitter. Have you got a birthday coming up? Create statement resin jewelry for your nearest and dearest using fancy molds, sandpaper, and a touch of patience (drying usually takes 24 hours). 

DIY resin art may look complicated, but it really is easy to learn for beginners. Under the guidance of an expert teacher, you can learn how to make gorgeous, textured pieces of art that are as fun to touch as they are to look at! There are so many options for what you can make when it comes to resin crafts. If you love to go to the beach in the summertime, you can collect some little shells and incorporate them into a cool seascape-themed piece of resin art. The possibilities really are endless. 

Above all else, resin art classes make thoughtful experience gifts for avid DIYers (mixing one-of-a-kind epoxy furnishings beats a boring box of chocolates any day). If you're treating a busy parent or professional who can't travel to Greenpoint, Greenwich Village, or Williamsburg, we also offer online courses for unbeatable convenience.

With so many painting classes for adults in NYC to browse, we have something to please every personality. New York painting classes for beginners will nourish your inner artist while developing your skills. Once you've mastered the basics, your newfound painting prowess will ensure a professional finish for all your complex DIY projects. What's more, painting classes make exceptional team-building activities, date night ideas, and birthday celebrations. Who needs hangovers and busy bars when you can unwind with a pallet and paintbrush in hand?