Get ready to unleash your creativity and step into your artistic journey, right here in NYC! It’s no secret that our city is full of culture…from art exhibits and museums to even outdoor public art on view! But if you want to take things into your own hands, we have some places you can do it! From serene studios tucked away in charming neighborhoods to renowned institutions, here’s where to find the best painting classes in NYC right now!
1. Unarthodox’s Immersive Painting Experiences
Unarthodox offers “painting experiences” rather than painting classes, which are immersive experiences using the arts. Their most popular one, A Night With Picasso, allows visitors to create their own paintings inspired by Picasso. Surrounded by music, aromas, and moving visuals of Picasso’s incredible works, you’re able to create a masterpiece of your own.
Their other painting experiences include Intuitive Art, a sensory painting experience as well as a traditional Paint and Sip.
🎨 Buy tickets to A Night With Picasso here!
🎨 Buy tickets to Intuitive Art here!
Where: 547 W 27th St #300
2. Happy Medium
This unique art cafe located in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Manhattan is not your typical cafe. Once you arrive, they’ll hand you a menu of art experiences that you can choose from, ranging from $15-24! Customers can pick from all sorts of classes, including late night “Art Noir” sessions and still life watercolor classes…among many more! It’s open on weekends only (Friday and Saturday 12-11pm/Sundays 12-9pm) and requires a reservation through their Instagram DMs. Learn more here.
Where: 49 Market St
3. The Arts Student League of New York
The painting classes at The Art Students League of New York are one of the most affordable opportunities for artists to have access to studio space in the heart of NYC. Their 100+ studio classes offer flexible arrangements for all skill levels, with variation in instructors and curriculums. Some instructors even very well-known, like Sharon Sprung who painted the official White House portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama or James Little who was included in the 2022 Whitney Biennial. If you’re looking to master the craft with regimented programs, this is your best bet. Check out all of their classes and workshops here!
Where: 215 W 57th St
4. Neon Brush
These retro Neon Brush sessions are less classes and more an opportunity to let your creativity flow and stir your own originality. However, a professional artist is present for attendees looking for more guidance. You can choose to paint a simple sunset, explore more abstract shapes, and more while enjoying a drink and listening to a bangin’ playlist. Read more about this sip and paint experience here.
Where: Cat Sports Pub
5. Paint ‘N Pour
Paint ‘N Pour in the Lower East Side takes paint parties to a whole new level. They’ve taken the “drink and paint” class concept and stepped it up another notch. With their boozy painting classes, you can enjoy booming playlists, chef-curated bites, and an open bar all while you go to town on your canvas! Classes are 2 hours long and private sessions for large groups are available too. Learn more and see classes here.
Where: 53 Delancey St
6. RESOBOX
This cultural center and studio in the East Village is a hub for Japanese culture, and it’s reflected in their painting classes. Their Japanese Ink Painting Class in particular is one of their most popular because you’ll learn how to ink paint using the ancient art of Sumi-e. However, they offer all kinds of Japanese classes here too like sushi-making and origami.
🎨 Buy tickets to the Japanese Ink Painting Class here!
Where: 91 E 3rd St
7. The Art Studio NY
Many highly regard The Art Studio NY as the best in NYC and it’s because of their limitless range of classes! Their classes aim to have customers “explore authentic self-expression, creativity and artistic techniques”…whether they are picking up a brush for the first time or the thousandth. This art school does it all, including adult classes, children art birthday parties, corporate event classes, private lessons, virtual classes, and more! Plus, the sessions range in style from watercolor to acryllic and beyond. See classes and learn more here.
Where: 145 W 96th St #1B
8. Painting Lounge
Painting Lounge’s classes are BYOB and hours of fun and laughs! With the help of an instructor, you can sit back, relax, and learn how to paint the evening’s featured work. It’s stress-free, therapeutic, and an easy way to tap into your creative side. Plus, whether you want to plan it as a date night or just go solo, it’s great for just about any occasion. Sessions are typically 2 hours but can run up to 3 hours depending on the booking. See classes and learn more here.
Where:
Chelsea – 39 West 14th St, Suite 401
Midtown – 40 West 38th St, 2nd Floor
Harlem – 15 West 116th St
Williamsburg – 309 Roebling St, Brooklyn
9. The Paint Place
The Paint Place on the Upper West Side is another studio that has a little bit of everything! No matter what kind of painting class you’re looking for in the city, they probably have it. From casual paint and sip options to family painting excursions, you can surely find some entertainment here. Check out their calendar of upcoming happenings here.
Where: 243 W 72nd St