Dylan YoungI didn’t think of myself as the artistic type (I could only do stick drawings), but then, I befriended artistic people who convinced me to go to painting classes to decompress and learn new skills.
To my surprise, I realized that I actually do like to create. I’m no Van Gogh, but there’s something peaceful about stroking a brush on a blank canvas or mug.
I’ve lost count of the number of painting classes my friends dragged me to, but these are the ones that stand out in my memory. So, I’m recommending them if you want to learn more about painting as well.
Pinot’s Palette
– From: pinotspalettetoronto
Address: 2866 Dundas St W, Campbell Street Lofts, York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—2 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167698585
Pinot’s Palette is probably my friends’ favorite place to go for painting classes, and I can understand why. After all, we get to sip beer or wine during the session, and being tipsy makes the experience all the more exciting.
What I love about this place is that there’s always a theme or a specific image that we have to follow. I don’t have to worry endlessly about what I’m going to paint; I can just try to mimic the picture in front of me.
So far, I love the sessions that are themed around certain painters like Monet and Van Gogh. These sessions let me know more about these painters, and though I’m no professional artist, I love learning more about art history.
| Pro Tips: If you don’t want to travel to the physical location, you can have a painting session at home instead.Book a private painting session for a birthday party or any other special occasion! |
Toronto School of Art
– From: jackie.evershed and tsa_art
Address: 24 Ryerson Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—9 am to 7 pm
- Friday and Saturday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14165047910
Toronto School of Art (TSA) is technically an institution for people who are serious about art, but this place also offers programs that casual artists and non-students are welcome to attend.
One program that I attended with my friends was the Open Life Drawing and Painting program. This one was such a fun time, even for someone like me. I got to learn about observation skills and drawing/painting techniques that I actually found helpful.
Sometimes, my friends also attend any of the public workshops hosted here. I personally haven’t gone, but I heard great things about them.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, TSA hosts the Artist Talk Series, where artists discuss all things related to art. These events are perfect for people who want to learn more about art but can’t afford to go to an art school. |
Fresh Paint Studio + Cafe Toronto
– From: freshpaintto
Address: 1849 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—10 am to 4 pm
- Thursday and Friday—11 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—1 to 9 pm
- Sunday—1 to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16479270764
What I love about Fresh Paint Studio + Cafe is that it’s—you guessed it—both an art studio and an art-themed cafe! Somehow, that combo makes me feel at ease because I can just sit back and eat something while swirling colors onto my canvas.
The paintings here can be instructed or freestyle. Personally, I prefer the instructed, but there are times I love doing freestyle painting because it challenges me to think up a concept on my own and bring that concept to life.
This place also offers private painting lessons if you want to hone your artistic skills more.
| Pro Tips: You can purchase a virtual paint night if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home. If you don’t have your own painting supplies, this place also has a shop that sells art kits. |
Paint Cabin
– From: paint_cabin
Address: 723 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday—1 to 10 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday—10 am to 10 pm
- Friday—10 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—1 to 11 pm
- Sunday—1 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473616017
Described as a “paint bar,” Paint Cabin is another great spot if you want to paint while drinking. My friends and I love coming here because the crowd is always so energetic, but at the same time, the studio has a calming vibe.
The painting activities are also unique. One time, we attended a Glow in the Dark DJ Paint Party, which was such a trip. The room was loud with music, and the colors in my painting glowed like neon lights; it felt like I was in a different world!
Another favorite experience of mine is the Karaoke Paint Party. This one was just as loud because we were all singing at the top of our lungs. It felt so cathartic to belt out ballads while painting!
| Pro Tip: You can book a private event here if you’re interested. |
Create Art Studio
– From: createartdanforth
Address: 1801 & 1803 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14168552360
Create Art Studio is all about inspiring people to foster their interest in art no matter how old they are. That’s why there are classes for kids, teenagers, and adults here. Even toddlers are welcome to study!
I love that there are different painting classes offered here. I’m fond of watercolor, so that’s my go-to class, but they also offer classes on acrylic painting and botanical watercolor (essentially, you’re painting the natural world).
Aside from painting, this art studio offers classes in drawing, sewing, digital art, and pottery.
| Pro Tip: Create Art Studio also hosts fun art events where you have to cooperate with other people to create a piece of artwork. If this sounds fun to you, consider attending one. |
Art Academy at Art-Kitect
– From: artkitect_artschool
Address: 401 Danforth Ave Upper Floor
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—9 am to 4 pm
- Friday—9 am to 3:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473684011
Art Academy at Art-Kitect is another great place for people who want to forge a professional career as an artist. After all, this school offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines both the classic techniques and innovative practices of contemporary art.
There are classes for both children and adults. The classes for adults aren’t advanced, but they do require you to have some knowledge about art practices and mediums. I was lucky to have my friends with me, so I didn’t feel lost when I came here.
If you feel like you don’t know the basics yet, you can always book a private class instead. That way, the instructor can assess the gaps that need filling, and you won’t feel pressured to catch up in a short amount of time.
| Pro Tip: For a fun time, book an art party. Art Academy offers art parties for kids and adults, as well as for corporate team building. |
Artbarn School
– From: artbarntoronto
Address: 250 Eglinton Ave W Suite 101
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 3 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14165186108
Located in Midtown, Artbarn School has been offering art classes for over 12 years. They don’t care about the age of the students; so long as you’re interested in art, you’ll be happy here. In fact, they even had a one-year-old student in the past!
My friends and I have come here multiple times now, and my favorite class so far is the one on watercolor portraits. I love how the class is structured, starting with the process of sketching a portrait and then adding layers of watercolor to it.
The landscape painting classes are also fun. The instructor covers a few fundamental concepts like composition, color theory, and perspective before we start working on our piece. I actually liked the painting I made here; who knew I had it in me?
| Pro Tip: If you have cancer, you might want to join the ART for Cancer program. This program lets you attend a class at a discounted price. |
Mangled Studios
– From: mangledstudios
Address: 1297 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—6 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—4 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477130960
Located in East End Toronto, Mangled Studios is another school that offers fine art classes for both children and adults.
My friends and I came here once for the class on acrylic and oil painting, and I had a fun time. It was super beginner-friendly, and I loved how the instructor explained jargon like composition and color theory in a way that I could easily comprehend.
Aside from the classic painting classes, this studio has other interesting classes as well. For example, I’ve seen them offering classes on 3D painting and mixed media. I’m fascinated by these classes, and maybe in the future, I might attend them.
| Pro Tip: If you have a child who’s interested in learning more about art but can’t attend classes during the school year, you can send them off to the summer art camp hosted by Mangled Studios. |
Emo Paints Splatter Toronto
– From: emopaints_splatter
Address: 336 Dundas St W Unit 202
Contact Number: +14163467460
Are you tired of the usual method of painting? Then, you might want to go to Emo Paints instead and try your hand at splatter painting!
I know I’ve always said that I like to follow rules or a reference image when painting, but sometimes, I crave a little bit of freedom. And that’s exactly what I get here. There are no rules, so I just go splattering on the canvas based on vibes.
It’s even more fun if you’re with a group because you can splatter some paint into your friend’s canvas just for giggles! Be careful, though, because they might throw some paint back at you.
| Pro Tips: While protective gear (paint suits and shoe covers) is available here, it’s recommended that you wear something that you won’t mind getting paint on. Do you have an artistic loved one? Give them a gift card from Emo Paints on their birthday (or even if it’s not their birthday). |
Arting Around
– From: julia_artingaround
Address: 191 Eglinton Ave E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16479287104
What I love about Arting Around is that the studio feels so whimsical. Because of this, I always feel like I’m a child again every time I come here.
My friends and I usually take classes in watercolor or acrylic painting, but sometimes, we’re in the mood for a Paint and Sip session. I don’t know what it is, but drinking wine while painting is such a cathartic experience.
There are also classes on “fluid art,” which I find intriguing. Essentially, you’re creating an abstract painting by simply pouring acrylic paint onto the canvas—no paintbrushes involved! Maybe I’ll convince my friends to try that someday.
| Pro Tips: Don’t have time to go to the studio? You can take an online class instead! Book Arting Around as your venue for a painting-themed party or team-building event! |
Art Works Art School
– From: artworksartschool
Address: 327 Jane St
Contact Number: +14165321584
Art Works Art School’s motto is “art for all,” and true enough, this studio has classes for all ages. There’s even a category of classes for children as young as four years old!
My favorite class is the Drawing and Painting one because I get to learn about two mediums for the price of one class. I appreciate how the instructor encourages us to experiment with different styles and even collaborate with other students.
If you want something more laid-back, you might want to participate in their workshops. One time, I attended an event called “Bottles and Brushes,” and it was basically us trying to paint along with the instructor while drinking wine. What a fun time!
| Pro Tips: If you have a child who’s interested in art, you might want to send them off to Art Work’s summer camp. Book an art party at this studio. With this experience, you and your guests can enjoy an hour of art instruction. |
