Easel Expressions

We had a Living Social deal about to expire so my husband and I ended up doing a class here recently. It was packed to the gills which I wonder if it was because of the deal. Thankful we arrived a little early so we could get our pick of seats. (Tip– Don’t sit in front of the table with paint or you will be scooting back and forth all night to accomodate people)
It’s located off Orange Avenue in a small little plaza of businesses next to Full Circle Yoga. If lot is full, you may have to park off street. As noted on our confirmation (we picked our painting and booked online), they urged us to arrive 10 – 15 early. Check in was simply letting them know our names and then we were free to pick our seating.
The studio did all of the work for the painters. Art canvases were set up and already painted the background color for the painting (dark blue to miror a dark sky) and plates of paint were set up under each canvas along with brushes and a bowl of water to dip brushes.
They don’t sell alcohol but DO allow guests to bring their own bottles for a $ 5 corkage fee. They do sell soda and water as well as bags of chips. So I would recommend eating beforehand because you will be here approximately 3 hours.
The actual class instruction was good. Our instructor was very on top of staying on schedule so that we didn’t run late. This kind of instruction may not be best for everyone especially if you are new to these kinds of classes. She would try to give guests a few minutes to catch up but would move on. But obviously you work at your own pace.
Unlike other painting classes I have been to, the instructor was the only one that could help and give suggestions. She walked around occasionally to check on paintings but she was definitely stretched thin especially with such a big class.
The painting was all free hand for everyone so we all had to draw exactly what she would draw on her canvas. I’m pretty amazed how well our paintings turned out. I loved the music playing– some 2Cellos but all current hits but classical style. Very relaxing.
At the end, they did a drawing for those who checked in on FB and/​or liked their page and gave away a free class.
This was probably one of the better painting classes I have been to. Would definitely checkout again with friends.

My friends and I just did a class after hearing about this place through a friend and we absolutely loved it. It was so much fun and we all went home with some really cool art. We had a class taught by Aimee, who was so friendly and helpful. Even a first-​timer can get the hang of this stuff. We’re planning another visit soon!

My sister and I have taken an adult class together and I also enjoyed a kids’ class with my two daughters as well. You get the chance to really give that creative right brain some much needed exercise and just have a great time. In the adult class we painted The Scream and in the kids class we painted a flower with ladybugs. Both times my paintings came out much better than I expected, especially considering I had absolutely no painting experience whatsoever. I can’t say that anymore :) My girls, ages 9 and 7, enjoyed it as well, and we got heirloom quality paintings from them!

Our group came upon Easel Expressions through a deal offered from Livingsocial and we all has a fabulous time! The deal was 35 for 2 people. This was my first time at an event like this.
Tip: If you don’t come across a deal such as we did, it seems like they offer discounts code from their Facebook website, so check that out!
On Easel Expression’s website, there is a calendar of which art piece each class will teach and you’re able to reserve the one you want. On some days they have 2 sessions — one in the afternoon and one in the evening. We chosen a evening one to attend with our group of 6 and they were easily able to accommodate us. In addition to our group, there were two other classmate that joined the class.
The store is bright and inviting as you walk in and the girls there including the instructor was sarcastic yet fun and also very encouraging.
Tables are pre set with a blank canvas and brushes on the table with a bowl of water to clean for your brushes. There is a table against the wall with a ‘ingredients list’ of the number of pumps you’ll need of each color that is lined up in huge jugs. «2 pumps of blue, 3 pumps of black, 2 pumps of white…» Very easy to follow. We all also got to wear cute canvas aprons to look the part!
The art of the night was ‘Hoot Hoot’ and it was the painting of an owl. The instructor said 3 hours long! However our group completed the mission in 2.5! Score!
She was very patient and taught us tricks on how to blend to make the owl more lively. Also you can add your special touches to your own painting (i added smiley faces to my shoot stars! :))
This would be an awesome place for birthday parties for kids, date night, and for groups too!
One thing I was unsure about, was gratuity. There was no tip jar and it seems like the store was the instructor so I’m not sure if thats why there was none. Maybe someone could elaborate on a future review.
I would totally do it again!

Since I have experienced this concept before already (and enjoyed it greatly), I wanted my fiancé to experience it as well– and good thing I found a living social voucher! :)
The perk of this place is that there is more time options for the classes. Normally for places like these there are only 2 classes per day (with one in the afternoon and another at night); but here they have midday classes too (at 3pm) so we were able to go home on time to watch my fiancé’s undergrad football team play!
The con of this place is that there is a $ 10 corkage fee. Other places do not have this fee (but I could understand why since most other places are more expensive this place). However I think its an unnecessary cost considering how people can pour wine themselves and open the bottle themselves… no need for someone else pouring the wine in~
Also note, snacks and beverages are provided for $ 1 each
Anyways, we decided to do Tuscany! Its an elaborate painting consisting of dimensions, and blending, but it was do-​able! Even my non-​artistic fiancé was able to do it. All of the supplies were given, and our instructor taught well (as everyone’s painting came out beautifully); but there was a time in which it was unprepared (the need for black when red and green didn’t mix well). All of us were able to finish our painting in 3 hours.
Just a suggestion though, maybe there should be hair blow dryers in the class so that the paint can be dried faster, and that it would be easier to fix mess-​ups.
Overall, it was a fun experience, and I would definitely do it again.