A couple of weekends ago, I spent a sunny Saturday afternoon at a Paint & Sip class on the patio of a local tasting room. For two hours, a small group of us, ranging from total beginners to casual hobbyists, followed a good-natured instructor through the steps of painting a mountain landscape.
My companion and I don’t paint for a living, but we both work in creative-adjacent fields. We left with paint-covered hands, not-quite-masterpieces, and a renewed appreciation for what happens when you let your creativity run free—just for fun.
Here’s what we took away from the experience:
We Gave Our Brains a New Challenge
Painting required us to think in a totally different way. There were no client requirements, just a blank canvas and the unfamiliar task of translating a landscape into color and form. Using our creative muscles in a new context kept our minds engaged and energized. It was satisfying, not because the results were perfect, but because we gave our brains something novel to chew on.
We Let Go of Being in Charge
One of the most surprising benefits was that we didn’t have to make the big decisions. The instructor led us step by step without even showing us the final image ahead of time. It was a “blind” class, which meant we had to trust the process. Without the pressure of designing the outcome, we could relax into choosing colors, playing with texture, and adding little personal touches. It was freeing to be guided while still leaving room for creativity.
We Trusted Our Instincts
As we got more comfortable with the brushes and paints, something shifted. We stopped second-guessing our choices and just started creating. With no deadlines, no critique, and no goal beyond enjoying ourselves, we gave our instincts the space to take over. That freedom from not worrying about what anyone else thought helped us tap into a deeper well of creativity.
We Reconnected With What Drew Us to Art
Creative work, especially in a professional setting, can come with pressure: deliverables, revisions, expectations. But creativity at its core is about curiosity and expression. Taking time to do something artistic with zero stakes reminded us why we got into creative work in the first place. That spark of joy and playfulness carried over into the following week, giving us fresh inspiration back at the office.
We Got to Be Kids Again
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about group art classes. They bring back the simple, unfiltered joy of making things with your hands—finger painting without the mess. Putting our trust in the instructor and following along without overthinking transported us to a place where we could simply enjoy creating. It felt a little like recess for adults.
No, we didn’t walk away as master painters. But we did leave with refreshed minds, relaxed shoulders, and a renewed sense of creative possibility. If you’ve felt creatively stuck or disconnected from the joy of making, we highly recommend looking for a weekend class that lets you try something new, without the pressure. Your inner artist (and your day job) will thank you.
