Even the artistically challenged will enjoy a good paint night where a group leader or a hired art teacher directs the class in recreating a painting or photo they have chosen. With clear step-by-step instructions the leader details exactly what to do; which colors brushes and techniques to use; and in what order. Usually the high quality of the end result shocks no one more than the painters themselves.

“It’s all about picking the right picture” saysYiddesBidnick a Cincinnati art teacher who runs paint nights. “You want the end result to be striking so pick a picture that you find beautiful but that’s easy enough to paint.”

She suggests looking for a picture or photo that features something without extremely rigid ratios. A landscape a nature picture or even a cartoon could work since they can look nice even when the proportions are off. Painting a person or a still life with intricate details may not be so successful. Also avoid pictures with tiny details — even if all the painters are adults simpler is better.

Another tip adds Yiddes is selecting a picture with an interesting background. “A streaky blended background will look nice covering a large part of your canvas ” she says. “Blending colors is very simple but it looks impressive.” 

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