In this story:
- What actually happens at a paint and sip class?
- 1. Dreamy landscapes and sunsets
- 2. Colourful plants and flowers that never wilt
- 3. Abstract art you can make your own
- 4. Pet portraits with plenty of personality
- 5. Vibrant skylines and cityscapes
- Things you can paint at a paint and sip class: the ultimate cheat sheet
- Ready to paint your first masterpiece?
So you’ve decided to book one of our paint and sip classes across the UK, and now you’re stuck wondering “What should I actually paint?” – you’re not alone! A blank canvas can be a little bit intimidating, which is why we’ve rounded up some paint and sip inspiration for you.
You don’t need to come ready to paint a masterpiece – most of our paint and sip workshops are totally beginner-friendly, with an experienced artist on hand to guide you through. Whether you’re picturing a dreamy landscape or colourful florals, you’ll go away with a finished canvas completely unique to you. So if you're brainstorming things you can paint at a paint and sip class, hopefully this will give you an idea or two!
What actually happens at a paint and sip class?
If it's your first time, you can expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where creativity comes before perfection. Whether you're heading along with friends, planning a date night or coming solo, everyone starts with the same blank canvas. What to expect at a paint and sip class:
- A canvas, easel, paints and all the materials you could ever need!
- Step-by-step guidance from an experienced artist.
- A relaxed social atmosphere – many classes are BYOB, while others have drinks available to buy (including hot drinks if that's more your style!)
- Plenty of opportunities to personalise your colours and style, even if everyone's painting the same subject.
- A finished painting to take home at the end of the session!
There's no pressure to get anything "right". In fact, some of the best paintings come from adding your own ideas along the way.
1. Dreamy landscapes and sunsets
You can’t go wrong with pretty landscapes and sunsets – gorgeous clouds, oceans or glowing sunsets are easier than you’d think! The key to making them pop is blending colours instead of tiny details.
You’ll learn easy techniques for painting clouds and reflections, experimenting with warm oranges or dusty pinks. There’s plenty of room for happy accidents, too!
Why it works:
Landscapes are wonderfully forgiving, making them ideal if you're looking for easy painting ideas for beginners. They're relaxing to paint, satisfying to finish and look beautiful hanging at home afterwards.
Try it here:
- Paint and sip workshop in Battersea, London.
They loved it and we think you will too:
"We had a great time at this class and it was very informative. I am a beginner and it was very friendly to me and I felt empowered to paint what I wanted! All of the instructors were lovely and I would highly recommend to anyone." - Abu Ather, Paint and sip workshop.
2. Colourful plants and flowers that never wilt
If your home is already full of colours, you might be drawn to nature painting. From multi-coloured wildflowers to vibrant cacti, you'll have plenty of space to experiment with colour and texture.
It’s a nice subject to choose if you want to really express yourself, without worrying about making every brushstroke realistic. The more whimsical, the better!
Why it works:
Florals encourage you to experiment with colour and movement rather than precision, making them one of the easiest painting subjects for beginners.
Try it here:
- Sip and paint class in Manchester.
3. Abstract art you can make your own
Prefer creativity without any rules? Abstract painting gives you complete freedom to experiment. Instead of picking a specific subject, you’ll go crazy with colour, shapes and expressive brushwork.
No two paintings ever look the same, which is part of the fun. It's the perfect choice if you enjoy modern interiors or you’re keen to paint something completely unique.
Why it works:
There's no "correct" outcome, making abstract art one of the most confidence-boosting ways to discover painting for the first time.
Try it here:
- Sip and paint workshop in Glasgow.
4. Pet portraits with plenty of personality
For any passionate pet parents, it doesn’t get much better than painting your little bestie! Many pet portrait workshops let you work from a picture, with plenty of help from the teacher.
You’ll get to capture what makes them unique, whether it's floppy ears, curious whiskers or an enthusiastic tail, the finished painting becomes a lovely keepsake.
Why it works:
Painting a pet adds a personal connection that makes the whole experience even more memorable – and you'll leave with artwork you'll actually want to display.
Try it here:
- Paint your pet class in Tower Gateway, London.
They loved it and we think you will too:
"The class was fantastic. I was shocked at how good my painting turned out. The teacher was super lovely and accommodating. I was impressed overall and would definitely recommend this class to a friend!" - Nadia Moma, Paint your pet class.
5. Vibrant skylines and cityscapes
From colourful rooftops to iconic skylines around the world, cityscape paintings are a great choice for any travel lovers out there. You’ll build silhouettes and reflections, with plenty of pops of colour.
Whether it's somewhere you've travelled, a favourite city or somewhere still on your bucket list, painting a skyline is a lovely way to celebrate a place that's meaningful to you!
Why it works:
Cityscapes combine bold shapes with vibrant colours, helping beginners create dramatic paintings without getting lost in lots of intricate detail.
Try it here:
- BYOB paint and sip class in Edinburgh.
Things you can paint at a paint and sip class: the ultimate cheat sheet
| Painting subject | You’ll love it if you... | Why it works for beginners |
| Dreamy landscapes and sunsets | Want a relaxing, forgiving theme inspired by oceans, clouds, or glowing evening skies. | Focuses on soft colour blending rather than fine details, making happy accidents easy to embrace. |
| Colourful flowers or plants that never wilt | Love bright, expressive colors and want a vibrant canvas for your home. | Encourages free movement and whimsical brushstrokes instead of rigid precision. |
| Abstract art you can make your own | Prefer total creative freedom without any rules or expectations. | There is no "correct" outcome, making it a great confidence booster for first-timers. |
| Pet portraits with personality | Want to paint a meaningful, personalised keepsake of your furry friend. | Working from a reference photo with artist guidance helps capture your pet's unique traits effortlessly! |
| Vibrant skylines and cityscapes | Love travel, architecture, or celebrating a city that holds special memories for you! | Uses bold silhouettes and popping colours, creating dramatic artwork without complex detailing. |
Ready to paint your first masterpiece?
With so many fun things you can paint at a paint and sip class, it shouldn't take you long to pick what feels the most like you. And one of the best things about paint and sip classes is that they're about much more than the finished canvas. They're a chance to switch off, try something new and enjoy a couple of hours where creativity takes centre stage. If you’ve been looking for more screen-free things to do with your favourite people, this is it!
Whether you're drawn to colourful florals, glowing sunsets or vibrant cityscapes, there's a class to suit every style and every confidence level. All you need to do is pick the painting that speaks to you, grab a drink and give it a go for yourself.
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