A beginner-friendly painting night at The Wardrobe proved that artistic talent is entirely optional (with apologies for so few images – we have a little weekend glitch here and will add more of Lucy’s pics soon)
On Friday evening, I headed to The Wardrobe for one of Prime Pass’s Sip and Paint events. The painting we were trying to replicate for the evening was The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the iconic Japanese artwork known for its dramatic blue waves and striking composition.
Now, I should probably start by saying that I am definitely not an artist. While I enjoy being creative in other ways, painting has never been a skill I’ve particularly possessed. So, walking into the event, my expectations for my artistic abilities were fairly low. That being said, there was a small part of me secretly hoping I’d somehow leave with a masterpiece.
Arriving at The Wardrobe, we were welcomed into a dedicated space, tucked away from the main bar area. It struck a really nice balance; there was still enough of the venue’s usual buzz and atmosphere in the background to make the evening feel lively, but it was also quiet enough that we could easily hear the instructions throughout the session.
With just six attendees, the evening felt relaxed. What I particularly enjoyed was the mix of people who had come along. Some were attending independently, which created a friendly and sociable atmosphere from the outset. It didn’t take long before conversations were flowing around the room, and there was none of the awkwardness that can sometimes come with turning up to an event on your own.
Leading us through the evening was our artist, Ruth, who was fantastic from start to finish. Warm, encouraging, and with a fun sense of humour, she guided us through each stage of the painting while making sure everyone felt comfortable, regardless of experience level.
One of the things I appreciated most was how beginner-friendly the session was. Those of us who weren’t entirely confident in our drawing abilities had the option to trace the outline of the image before painting, while others could sketch it freehand if they preferred. Given my complete lack of confidence when it comes to drawing, tracing felt like the sensible choice.
Once our outlines were ready, Ruth talked us through the painting process step by step. Layer by layer, we built up the background, added depth to the waves and gradually watched our versions of The Great Wave come to life. There was also plenty of freedom to personalise elements along the way, which meant that despite us all working from the same image, each painting was unique and had its own sense of character.
About halfway through, we paused for a short break, giving everyone the chance to top up their drinks and stretch their legs. It was a nice opportunity to chat and get to know each other before going back to the painting.
As the evening went on, the combination of painting, conversation and laughter meant time passed quickly. In fact, we ended up running a little over schedule because everyone was so busy chatting. Not that anyone seemed to mind.
Throughout the evening, there were definitely moments where I stepped back from my canvas and wondered what on earth I was doing, but somehow it all came together in the end. By the end of the night, I was pleasantly surprised by what everyone had managed to produce. While my painting didn’t quite match the version I had envisioned in my head, that was entirely down to my own artistic limitations rather than the guidance we were given. More importantly, I had genuinely enjoyed the experience.
I really enjoyed the process of painting itself, yet what stood out most was the atmosphere that developed throughout the evening. The combination of creativity, conversation and a welcoming environment made it feel less like a class and more like a fun night out with a group of people who happened to arrive as strangers.
I left with a painting tucked under my arm, a smile on my face and an appreciation for just how enjoyable it can be to try something completely outside of your comfort zone.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who, like me, still struggles to draw a stick figure, Prime Pass’s Sip and Paint events offer a relaxed and enjoyable evening that’s as much about the experience as it is the finished artwork.
If you’re looking for something a little different from your usual night out, it’s well worth giving one a go.
Have a look for the next Prime Pass Leeds painting event here.
Photography by Lucy Joatyeh.
