Paint:Lab

If you’re tired of the usual dinner-and-a-movie date routine, Paint:Lab might be just what the love doctor ordered. If you have just an ounce of creativity in your bones, you’ll love this cool concept and inspiring atmosphere.

At Paint:Lab, customers come with an idea and leave with a painting. The company offers classes like abstract acrylics, teens’ art workshop, toddler play-date, portrait painting in oils, landscape painting in oils, drawing anime, caricatures and cartoons, figure drawing. photo transfers and much more. The instructors are professional artists with loads of talent and experience. Workshops are $40 for adults, $35 for teens and $30 for kids, not including your canvas.

Creative people who are looking to unleash some deep-down artistic force, check out Paint, Wine and Cheese nights at Paint:Lab. For $25 you get unlimited wine and cheese, plus painting materials while you’re there. The only thing not included is the canvas. Purchase one at Paint:Lab or bring your own (which will cost you an $8 “corkage fee”). Nothing will have your creativity flowing like red wine, yummy cheeses and a funky artistic vibe.

Anytime Paint:Lab is open, you’re free to go in and paint. Your studio fee is $20 for open painting, which lasts all day and includes someone else cleaning up your mess when you’re finished. For avid painters (or those that want an excuse to paint more), check out the Paint:Lab membership where $100 a month gives you unlimited access to the studio, paints, brushes and friendly faces. These open lab costs do not include instruction, but you’re likely to receive smiles and encouragement along the way.

There are cool events going on here, too. Check the website for specific events and dates. Paint:Lab promotes many art forms, from movie screenings to live music and DJs. The last Friday of the month features live music outside on the Main street patio paired with Paint, Wine and Cheese.

Check out the Paint:Lab blog to see what to expect from your visit. You can also have a birthday party, event or private lesson scheduled at Paint:Lab. You might be surprised at what you can create!

HelloMetro Tip: Throw on some old clothes and head over to Paint:Lab. Make sure and bring your swimsuit, since you’re only a few blocks from Venice beach. You might want to take a dip in the Pacific while your painting dries.

- by Jessica Bates, Santa Monica Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.