On the last Monday before Christmas, I took a bit of time out of the hecticness to have a go at Pub Painting with a good friend. Trying a new festive craft together has become an annual tradition!
If you’ve read about some of my other attempts at new painting and drawing experiences, (such as when I tried to draw a caricature of Rick Witter), you’ll know I’m not naturally gifted when it comes to art. However, I’ll always have a go, even if the end result looks like the sort of thing a parent sticks on the fridge.
Consequently, I didn’t hold my breath that I’d be coming away with anything impressive.
Pub Painting; What It Isn’t -
- Painting the interior of a pub.
- An overly boozy experience (unless you choose to make it so).
- Overly serious.
Pub Painting; What It Is -
- A brilliant and well thought out class.
- Taught by a patient and attentive teacher.
- An opportunity to learn how to build a painting step by step, stage by stage, layer by layer.
- An encouraging way to create art you didn’t think you could.
- Good fun!
Expectations
I hadn’t really been sure of what to expect from Pub Painting. I thought it could be a bit lively, but that maybe the alcohol would have a positive effect on my art skills. If it didn’t enhance my ability to paint, it should at least make me think I’d created something better than it actually was!
It turned out to be a brilliant session!
Recommendations From A Regular
As if to reassure us that we were in for a great night, the lovely lady we sat next to was full of praise for Pub Painting.
She showed us pictures from the previous sessions she’d attended and they were incredible! From northern lights and landscapes to lions, she had pictures to be proud of! This was a good sign, there was hope for me yet despite my lack of skill!
Preparing To Paint
18 of us took our places at the easels. We were painting the same thing, – a little fluffy robin sitting on a branch amongst some holly, berries, and snow.
Not an outline was in sight. Equally, this was not painting by numbers, and there were no pre-drawn guides to help us here. We were absolutely starting with a blank canvas.
We each had a small picture of the final image we were aiming to create. A bit like having a picture for a jigsaw, it was helpful to have something to refer to.
All of the equipment was provided including a cup of water – which thankfully nobody confused with their actual drink – and a festive headband, afterall it was nearly Christmas.
Paint was brought round as and when we needed it, which helped to make sure we were following the steps as intended.
Patient Pub Painting Teachers
Rebecca and David were our expert teachers for the evening. Together they worked as a great team whilst being an entertaining double act.
It was clear that they had thought through how to teach us the steps in the simplest ways possible so that we would eventually all create our own masterpieces.
Firstly making sure everyone was ready before moving through the next steps, whilst also offering hints and tips to us all individually, they seamlessly guided us through the painting process.
Brush Stroke By Brush Stroke
Rebecca took us through each step, creating the image herself so that we could see exactly how she was applying the paint. Once she’d shown us the technique, she turned up some Christmas tunes to add to the festive spirit as we put it into practice.
Easle-y Does It
Creating the background was the first step. This was nice and easy and incredibly satisfying as we swept the big brush across the whole of the canvas to make a fading sky.
Next, we started to layer up the image. Surprisingly, the robin was not the hardest part! It was in fact the holly was the trickiest addition. Rebecca expertly instructed us, telling us when to use the different brushes, and sharing a great top tip which made it much easier brushing on the green paint to look like the prickly leaves.
Mistakes Weren’t Too Much Of A Problem
Inevitably, there were occasional specks of paint and brush marks which were not quite as intended. We used acrylic paint, which it turns out is fairly forgiving. Some mishaps could almost be washed out, whilst others could be painted over. It was reassuring to know that mistakes were mostly salvageable!
The Last Strokes
After I’d given my bird a beady eye and a pointy beak, all that was left to do was add any finishing flourishes and a signature. Although I didn’t autograph mine as I didn’t trust that my scrawl wouldn’t ruin it!
Finally rounding off the night, we had a group photo taken with our artwork.
This was a chance to see everyone’s paintings and they were really, really good! They were all slightly different in subtle and unique ways, and they were all certainly worthy of hanging on the wall.
You Don’t Have To Drink To Enjoy Pub Painting
Drinks were not included in the event, which meant there was no pressure about the actual drinking side of things. There was no expectation for people to drink, and the workshop was in a separate room away from the main bar and customers.
We bought a drink before we began, and only went to the bar again at the one official break. Throughout the two and a half hours we could have gone to replenish our drinks at any point, but to be honest, we were so engrossed in what we were doing and enjoying the moment, that we never even thought about it!
Don’t be put off pub painting if you’re not a drinker because alcohol is not compulsory at the event, nor is it a key part of the night.
Pub Painting Exceeding All Expectations
So it turns out that I thoroughly enjoyed our evening of pub painting. It was relaxed, fun, well structured, and a great way to switch off from the busyness of the festive season.
I loved how it was stripped back and delivered. It’s been a long time since I was taught art at school, but I don’t remember that our lessons were quite so straightforward and easy to follow, or that they were as encouraging and engaging!
Whilst I don’t think I got my robin quite right, (it’s tall and thin rather than round and fluffy), I’m really pleased with how it turned out!
Want To Try It Yourself?
Our pub painting experience was with the brilliant Rebecca and David from Pub Painting. They offer events across Yorkshire, as well as private hosted sessions for birthdays, hen-dos and corporate events.
There are other providers across the country so check online and don’t forget to stop off at any local notice boards to see if there are any near you.
Cost Of Experience
- The session we joined was held at Yates in York.
Our Pub Painting experience cost £27.80 per person in December 2023.
This included all of the materials for the painting.
Drinks were not included in the price of the ticket.
Recommendations
- Have a look on the Pub Painting website for any upcoming events.
- Take a look on eventbrite for any events happening near you.
- Pub painting happens throughout the year so you don’t have to wait until December to give it a go.
- Although aprons are provided, it’s worth wearing something you don’t mind getting paint on.
- Don’t forget to take a picture of your masterpiece and let me know how you get on if you give it a go!