Painting with a Twist

This place was such a great experience. Me, the bestie, some champagne and some really good music had us so ready to act up… and we did.
We walked in and were immediately greeted and told where we were seated. They have a ton of aprons to pick from and this particular class was small, 10 people. It’s good to arrive at least 10 – 15 mins before the session starts so you can relax, pour a glass and get all comfy. This allowed us to chat a bit and the instructors were very personable. They were even singing to the music, much of which consisted of r&b, pop and some rap. Some of the music will make you want to drop, drop, drop it low but after a few glasses, you may need help pickin it up… jus sayin. Lol
On to the art…
The instructor stands in the front on a platform and instructs on how to paint each area… section by section. Our instructor was Meghan and she was awesome. She made the evening fun and the painting so very easy. She fully explained all of the brushes we were going to use and walked through the paint options. There was a break in the middle of the session where we played a game for a prize (stemless wine glasses). That was a surprise and I thought it was a nice addition.
They have various rooms to host private parties. There was one going on when we were there and the setup looked very nice.
This was well worth the money spent. I had a great time and it actually reignited my passion for painting again.

Great fun. Great instructors. Would definitely recommend this place. They even let you bring snacks with your wine. Big thumbs up!!!

SETTING:
Clean studios with long tables that seat small to larger parties. Lots of beautiful artwork hanging along the wall for inspiration! You choose a picture to paint on their website and sign up for a 3 – 4 hour block per painting about $ 30 – 40.
EXPERIENCE:
This was my first time doing an activity like this, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was a bit nervous because I’ve never really painted (other than finger painting), but the step by step instructions and the accommodating pace made the experience a lot less stressful than I anticipated. I was able to enjoy painting AND create a memorable masterpiece that deserves its own place on my wall. We painted the Pittsburgh Skyline, and let me tell you, nothing I could buy that is Pittsburgh-​related would have the same meaningful value! This painting was a product of my sweat and tears!
Some other tidbits made this activity fun. For example, you could bring your own adult beverage and snacks. Music was also playing in the background. We also played a game where the winner won some prizes. The proceeds for this particular event went to the Animal Rescue League, which is amazing. I respected how they occasionally partner with local organizations to raise awareness and help those in need. It’s really just an overall fun way to spend an afternoon.
IMPRESSIONS:
If you’re feeling artistic, grab a friend or a group of friends and try this out! It’s definitely fun. Go out there and just paint! Don’t be too much of a perfectionist!

Love love, love this place. So much fun. The instructor leads step by step through a painting while you drink wine and unapologetically jam out to 90s boy bands (among other music ;)) they will also typically play a game like «Pass the cork» or «what’s the strangest thing you have in your purse» for a chance at a prize. I highly recommend it for artsy and non-​artsy types alike

Um, how about 10 stars!
Painting With a Twist was so much fun! My friend Brandi and I wanted to have a «best friend date» and figured this would be perfect! We looked at the online calender on their website to choose which picture we wanted to paint. We chose «signs of pittsburgh» which were signs of pgh neighborhoods with the yinzer accent ‘nat ;)
The studio is located in Robinson, but it was art week at the Galleria of Mt Lebanon so this particular painting was done there. We brought out bottle of wine and we were ready (& nervous!) to paint!
There were three other pairs of two in our class so that was great that this particular class was smaller just incase we had questions or needed advice. Our instructor was Jamie and he did an amazing job teaching us! literally step by step instructions as he did it with us and also included helpful tips. «just put paint on the tip of the brush» for example.
Music was playing in the background, wine was being poured and there were also a few games & prizes included.
It’s BYOB so you can bring wine, beer, even some tequila if you want, lol. Also I heard our instructor mention a new studio is opening in Mt Lebanon soon (not at galleria but another part of the neighborhood– Per the website, it will be on Mt. Lebanon Blvd)
I would recommend PWAT to ANYONE! it’s a great best friend date, couples date, birthday gift for family, or even mother’s day gift to take a class together! Also, some classes are offered for kids. They also do birthday parties, bridal parties, ect. Prices are about $ 35 for a 2 hour class & $ 45 for a 3 hour class. Ever since we left, I’m anxiously waiting to go back! It’s so fun and relaxing. not to mention YOUUU turn a blank canvas into beautiful artwork for your home!

I really enjoy Painting With a Twist !!! The instructors are good and make you feel at ease. I’ve gone to two painting sessions, the first was two hours and the second was three. What I noticed with the three hour session was that I got restless towards the end and couldn’t wait to be done with it. It was a picture of PNC Park so the details started becoming tedious to paint and frustrating to complete but it was overall a good time! The two hour session was a simpler painting and more enjoyable for me due to it being an hour shorter. The longer sessions are more expensive also. It is a pricey activity, ranging from $ 35 – 45, but there are many things that make that cost worthwhile! Such things include being able to BYOB and paint (how cool!?), to paint a picture you will decorate your walls with or give as a gift, to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and to take pride in your hard work! The instructors make it easy on you by giving you step by step instructions without having to do it for you. Other painting places draw the image and have you paint it. PWT lets you be the artist every step of the way, which I love! Also, PWT has really beautiful pictures. Other places’ pictures look cheap compared to PWT. The only thing that is frustrating is that sometimes if the instructors don’t budget their time right, they end up rushing you out for their next class, rushing your last minute touches on your new found masterpiece! Also, the space can be a little tight if you have a crowded class, but it isn’t overwhelmingly tight. The place isn’t very big so it is bound to happen, but on a less busy day, you have more elbow room! All and all, this place is worth the cost and is worth a try, even for those of you who don’t consider yourselves artistic! Painting With a Twist will always be my favorite painting place!

I enjoy the experience of being an amateur painter who can come out with a pretty nice looking piece of artwork. I’ve been here 3 times. My only gripe is that the first instructor that I had used foul language a bit excessively in my opinion. The other thing is time management. The classes are usually 2 or 3 hours but you may want to prepare to be there a little extra to finish things up. All and all, it is fun but for some, the language could be offensive. They also need some new games other than pass the cork. Once you’ve been to one session, you can kind of predict how the others will go with music/​games etc. I will still go back but I do think the instructors need to be senstive to the audience… not everyone wants to hear a professional that you are paying for services cussing, even if it’s an adult event..

I have never been someone who has enjoyed art or painting but I went here a couple months back for the first time. They made it easy, fun and a great way to spend time with friends. I have went back 4 more times and even booked my own party soon. All of the artists are amazing and the staff are super friendly! Their frequent painter program is amazing! I now have my own apron! Great night out!

I just attended my 3^rd class at Painting w/​a Twist. Each one has been phenomenal with fantastic, lively teachers. Everyone at the studio is super helpful if you have a question or need help with your painting. They take their time with explanations and make sure you have a great time. I loved my first one so much, I took my 9 year old niece to an all ages class. She had a blast and I can’t wait to bring her back too.

Came here for a 6 year olds birthday party. Yes! Even kids can do it and it’s so easy. Our daughter had lots of fun and her painting actually turned out good. The instructors and staff were awesome and were able to teach the kids how to paint to make it work.

What a unique and fun way to spend a girls’ night out! I recently came home to Pittsburgh for a friend’s wedding & we came here for her bachelorette party. The instructor was great! Very encouraging, and taught in a manner that allowed anyone to complete their painting successfully. I would highly recommend visiting for any kind of girls’ night out, birthday, or whatever excuse you can come up with to hang out and paint.