I Can Paint : The Urban Art Bar

I have a new obsession.

It's called Art Bar.

Have you heard of it?

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Urban Art Bar in South Boston last week to try it out. 

Now, I can't paint to save my life.  Literally, my students often pick on me for my drawings on the board.  I teach English, not art, so whatever, but I have a few friends who LOVE going to art bars so I've been itching to try it out.

The way it works is that you go online to their calendar, pick out a picture you like, and register online!

What is nice is that there are no tickets involved, you just show up and give them your name.

For only $45 they provide you with everything you need for the experience: an apron, the canvas, the paint, an instructor!

I picked out a really great Boston skyline picture.

Gorgeous, right?

Way above my capabilities but I loved it.

The website repeatedly said "NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY" so I figured I'd put them to the test.

I called up my friend Kristen and we made our way up to Southie. 

It's a little place with plenty of (free) parking on the street and when you walk in you are immediately greeted by a fully stocked bar!

Don't worry if you're not a drinker though, I spent my time sipping on Shirley Temples!

We got there early so we got great seats right near the front, but the studio is set up in a way that you can see from every seat and you are encouraged to get up and walk around to see what others are doing and to get a better look if you need.

Our instructor, Terrence was amazing.

Before we even started he introduced to each type of brush and how to manipulate the brushes in different ways.

He repeatedly emphasized that it wasn't about "copying the painting", it was about "experiencing the art".

When you are as bad at art as I am, it's nice to hear that no one's will look the same and you can change it however you want!

Terrence led us through step by step, giving us a few minutes between each to let the group get to where they wanted to be and here's a quick progression of my painting!

Kristen and I were amazed at how different our paintings were from each other!

The whole thing, with a 15 minute break for lunch (Dominos is right next store! Plus they keep a menu book of local places so you can order lunch ahead if you want!), took just under 3 hours. 

I am ridiculously obsessed and am already thinking about planning my birthday party (next month!!!) there.  I think everyone would love it!

The group that was there ranged from little girls no more than 8 or 9 years old, to grandparents who were easily 70, and everyone seemed to be having an amazing time. 

Wouldn't that be the most fun birthday party?!

Thanks again Terrence, we had the most amazing time!

Can't believe we were actually able to do it!

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend a class for free in exchange for my review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own: I love this place!!