There is a lot more to teaching a paint and sip class than just showing up with art supplies. You need to plan out exactly what you are going to teach.
Sometimes I begin preparing for classes months in advance, even before there are classes booked. I like to always be prepared, so I try to create sample paintings to have ready when someone decides to book a party.
This is just one of the things I do to be prepared for sip and paint parties, no matter what skill levels the guests are at.
If you are considering starting your own paint and sip business, planning each class is going to be one of the most important tasks.
Today we are going to take a look at how I prepare for paint and sip parties, including choosing art materials, choosing the painting, and more. Let’s get started.
#1. Talk to the Host
When someone contacts me to book a paint and sip party, I always ask if they have hosted or attended a painting event before. I also ask if the guests are beginners or if they have taken other art classes.
The more I know about the skill level of the participants, the easier it is for me to decide on the painting they will be recreating. It also helps me to decide which art supplies to bring.
If it is a beginner class, I don’t bring tools that advanced students would use, and vice versa.
#2. Choosing a Painting
As I mentioned in the introduction, I like to have a few paintings ready ahead of time. I don’t tend to teach at a lot of parties during the summer months, so this gives me time to create paintings that I will teach in the following months.
Consider the Skill Levels
Once I find out the skill levels of the guests who will be attending the painting party, then I can choose the right painting.
If the class is for beginners, I make sure the painting is attractive yet simple enough for beginners. These paintings are created using basic techniques that I teach in beginner classes.
If the guests have taken other classes or have painting skills, I try to use paintings that require increased skill levels. The paintings use some intermediate to difficult techniques.
Is There a Theme?
Ask the painting party host if there is going to be a theme for the event. If there is no theme, you may even want to suggest one.
Painting parties are often held for special occasions, such as bachelorette parties and birthday parties. These are just a couple of the themes that could influence the type of painting you are going to teach.
Other ideas for themes include seasons, holidays, anniversaries, friendship, romance, etc.
Take Notes While Painting
While creating the painting you plan to teach at a paint and sip event, be sure to take plenty of notes. Write down each technique you are using, which colors you are using, which brushes and other tools you used, etc.
The more notes you make, the easier it is going to be for you to recreate and teach the painting to the class.
Time Yourself
Most paint and sip classes are two to three hours in duration. So, you need to make sure that the painting can be completed in this amount of time.
Don’t just think about the painting time. Think about the various things you will be talking to the class about, and add time for questions from the students.
Generally, I like to use a painting that has taken me about an hour to an hour and a half to paint. That will allow for plenty of time to teach various techniques and answer questions in the three-hour period.
#3. Write a Script
It is always a good idea to write a script before a paint and sip party. You don’t need to follow this script word for word, but it will give you something to follow as you are teaching the class.
Your script should include all of the notes that you made while creating the sample painting. It should also include other things that you want to discuss with the class.
While writing my scripts, I also think about the types of questions that the students may ask. That way, I am prepared with the right answers.
#4. Prepare the Materials
Once I know how many guests will be attending and have decided on which painting to teach at the paint and sip party, I start making a list of all of the materials that will be needed.
Some materials, such as canvases, will need to be purchased for each painting event. I like to stock up on multi-packs of canvases so I always have plenty available and don’t have to rush to the art supply store before each party.
There are many art supplies that you will already have that can be used over and over again. This includes paints, brushes, palettes, and easels.
If you are anything like me, you may be a tad on the forgetful side. For this reason, I always make a list of all of the materials I will need to bring along to the party, from art supplies to cleaning materials.
I like to pack up all of the supplies and have them ready to go a day or two in advance of the paint and sip party. That way, when it is time to head to the party, I can load the bags of supplies into my car and be on my way without having to take time to search for certain items.
Conclusion
When it comes to teaching at paint and sip parties, the most important tip I can offer to you is to be prepared. In fact, it never hurts to be over-prepared.
Take your time when considering the type of painting you will be teaching at the class. Take plenty of notes. Time yourself to make sure you can teach the painting in the time allotted for the class. Prepare all of the supplies in advance.
The more prepared you are for a painting party, the easier it is going to be for you to teach the class, even if you have never taught an art class in your life.
There is one more important piece of advice I want to share with you, and that is to be yourself and have fun. If you are enjoying yourself, chances are your students will be having fun as well.
*image by Elnur_/depositphotos
Sari Green is a semi-professional artist and professional writer. She has been hosting paint & sip parties for the past couple of years, and truly enjoys helping other people to create their very own masterpieces. She loves to create, and you never know what she’s going to come up with next!