Painting with a Twist

After my initial bad experience in November, the manager of PWAT downtown sent me an email with an apology and gift certificate for another class. I was really impressed with her timeliness and decided to give it another try with a different instructor. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to return until June – but I’m so glad I did! Our instructor was Donna, she is a career school art teacher and was FABULOUS. Great job with that hire, PWAT! She was funny and easy-​going, and I definitely understood all her instructions. Another good aspect of this experience compared to last time was that another PWAT employee/​artist was on the ‘floor’ helping people and making sure no one got too far behind throughout the whole class. She regularly walked by us and offered suggestions and positive feedback. Her presence was a game-​changer. My class was pretty full and there were moments when we felt a little rushed, but overall – a huge improvement over the class last year!
I have a much prettier and more complete piece of art that I’m willing to hang up in my home now, and had a great evening out with a friend. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to have a laid-​back, fun night in Knoxville!

My first experience with painting with a twist, and I have to say I’m incredibly disappointed. This is not my first experience with painting in a beginner, group setting. The location of this venue was not hard to find and was able to find parking very close. However, when the class began I noticed several things missing from this class that was present at the last painting class I did. First off, this location did not have dryers. Having participated in a class that had dryers compared to this class that didn’t, it makes all the difference. I found myself getting agitated with the fact that my colors kept combining and when I would voice my frustrations, she would say it was okay that it was supposed to do that. It obviously was NOT supposed to do that, because I ended up with teal flowers when they were supposed to be white. Another big disappointment was the lack of participation and interaction that we had with our teacher. There was a podium she stood on what seemed like the entire class. It was rare she even left the podium, and didn’t help out with a single person’s painting until the very very end… after the damage had already been done. Plus, the location of her and the podium was not placed well. There was no light shining anywhere near her, so several times I would have to get up and walk over to see what she was doing because it was so dark. The teacher seemed to have an attitude the entire time, and it really ruined the day for my party. At the end of class, I even compared the teacher’s painting to the painting that was on display, and there were several noticeable differences (and I know that is normal) but it just seemed that the painting on display probably had use of the dryer. I went home with a wet canvas and had to line my car with paper towels so it wouldn’t get it on the interior of my car. I paid $ 175 for 5 adults. I won’t be coming back.

As a double date, we came here looking for a new idea for date night and thinking of something new to do. And it was tons of fun. The process of registering, finding what painting you would want to do, everything was so simple. The instruction was very comforting as well as very insightful. Our teacher, Grace, was so helpful. Our painting was of a moon behind a big tree on top of a hill and everyone’s painting came out so wonderful. We chose this painting as a group looking from their website and thought it would be easy enough for everyone to do.
Walking in, I had no idea what would happen. All I knew was that I was going to walk in and come out with some sort of painting. I was greeted by our instructor, then told to go sit down as well as get a painting apron. We played games, friends drank wine (I forgot to bring a bottle), and we had a great time while painting our masterpieces. If you’re looking for an activity to do with anyone, I would highly recommend to do this!

I’ve painted here several times since they opened this summer and have not been disappointed yet!
I’ve had the same instructor for each class I’ve attended (Hannah) and she is very professional, entertaining, knowledgable, and easy to follow. If you’ve never painted before and are hesitant about signing up, no need to worry! In my experience a lot of the class participants have never picked up a brush and do fine! The instructor takes you through the painting, step by step, using easy terms to follow, all while keeping you entertained and assured that your painting will be just fine!
I also like that you can bring in outside food and drinks to enjoy while you are painting. It’s a neat venue to host a birthday party, bachelorette party, or just a get together with friends. I especially enjoy the group karaōke that results from the awesome music they play while you are painting!
The theme events they host add that extra special something to your overall experience. I had a blast at the Dr. Who class this past week (some people wore costumes, trivia was Dr. Who themed, we painted a Tardis). can’t wait to see what themed classes they have to offer next!

Came here on my first trip ever to Knoxville for a friend’s birthday and had a great time! The theme was Doctor Who and everyone was so enthusiastic. This was also my first experience painting so I definitely would want to go again! Thanks to everyone there who made this such a wonderful day of firsts for me!

Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, from a past visit to this locale, I went with her and another friend to check out Knoxville’s Painting With A Twist — Central for the first time. This was not only my first visit to the PWAT Central location, but it was also my first PWAT experience in general so I was a bit nervous when my friend suggested we tackle a Monet painting right out the gate. Thankfully I had nothing to worry about as the instructor was incredibly helpful — thanks Hannah! — and the priority for PWAT was and is clearly fun above all else. Despite any errors or misplaced brush strokes on my part, I certainly did have a lot of fun and I would recommend a visit to Knoxville’s Painting with a Twist Central to anyone! I know I’ll be returning again once I figure out which of the many amazing paintings they have available that I want to try next! :D