I have always wanted to, but have yet to experience a you paint night. That is until today, and it was amazing as my first.
You paint is basically a follow along and paint experience. Every brand has its own style, and accompaniments to the actual painting. “You and I Paint” is surely the fanciest of them all out there. Established in Toronto by two sisters who arrange the session in the most elaborate and refined or locations, then host and teach the class themselves.
They have since expanded to Vancouver, and their first locale, of their first paint series in Vancouver, is the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver. A popular event space, holding a variety of functions across the last 10 years. Beloved for their high ceilings and original beams, and named after the fact that they use to be a pipe outfitting shop in the 1940’s.
A lovely destination for today’s event. At the centre of the hall, there were two long tables set up feasting style, with real rose centre pieces. Each seated station comes with its own easel, individually wrapped set of paint brushes, a paper plate of paints in primary colours, a plastic cup of water for washing the brushes with, and a personal box of charcuterie.
Guests were welcomed with a glass of sparkling. There was an event bartender pouring wines and mixing cocktails, as guests wanted and requested. Although truthfully it was hard to drink and graze, while painting, and I should have done one or the other, instead of struggling to do both. To be able to enjoy both in its entirety.
Especially as the bar was open, the Charcuterie Vancouver box included prosciutto, fig, fresh, strawberries, and a spicy chilli jelly. And there was live music to enjoy it all with.
You need zero art experience for this and you get an apron if things get messy. As a hosted session, you get a step by step tutorial on how to complete your own work of art, to then take home and cherish. You are encouraged to get creative and make the painting your own, citing there is no wrong way and the art is how you interpret it.
Today we would be recreating a vase of flowers on a table. However, if booking their services, you can choose from over 77 different paintings, and can even google and submit your own.
Our host made the painting process approachable, going step by step and coming around with her work as an example. She was encouraging and kept the activity light hearted. I was happy with my personal take on the project. Inspired by our host’s reinterpretation, on the original inspiration piece, black outlines and all.
Overall, this was a great first painting experience and I can see why they are so popular. We were so spoiled today, that I don’t think I can attend any other not at this caliber, they truly raised the bar for all other paint nights.
For those interested in doing this for yourself, they will be hosting more such events in this venue and others. and also host private parties, a minimum of 10 and up to 100 people. For more details check their link below.
The Pipe Shop
115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC V7L OB2 • 9.3 km
(604) 985-2191
youandipaint.com
