Paint Monkey

I always love me some paint monkey. Now they have expanded to like 3 locations! The basic idea is that you get a canvas with the painting sketched on it, and then you get a lesson on what and how to paint the canvas. The instructors are always really helpful (at all 3 locations). You can also BYOB and snacks, its a great night out idea!

Absolutely Love Paint Monkey. They are the nicest people and very helpful and creative. They have so many unique paintings to choose from. I recommend them to everyone. Looking forward to going again!!!

It’s official: I’ll travel far and wide to enjoy a good night of painting. Well, maybe not «wide» — but seeing as Cranberry is a 40 minute trek away from my area of the ‘Burgh (and that’s when there’s no traffic), «far» is probably a fair word to use.
I’d made the drive up to the Cranberry location specifically to take part in their bluebird class. Paint Monkey, a local BYOB Pittsburgh business that provides pre-​sketched canvases for people to paint, does rotate their paintings between the studios, so I’m sure eventually I could have signed up for a class closer to home. But with my mother’s birthday coming up, I wanted to do the bluebird class sooner rather than later. And there’s never any harm in checking out another Paint Monkey studio, right?
This particular studio is in a little building just off one of the main roads in Cranberry; from the outside it honestly looks a little quaint and almost out of place, since the same road is home to an enormous mall and a few big restaurants. Once inside though I felt right at home. They have the same long tables, stools and easels set up that the other Paint Monkeys do. Here, though, the walls are TOTALLY covered in paintings and people have even decorated the walls and ceilings with their nametags. It all gives the place a very «studio» feel. Our particular class was pretty small — just eight women — but the place could have easily seated more people at one of their many tables if they needed to.
And just like the other Paint Monkey studios, this place is home to some really great employees. The instructor for last night was an absolute sweetie — I wish I could remember her name — who happily came around and used her incredible artistic background to help people who felt they’d messed up their bluebirds. She was quite patient about this, too, since some people asked for help quite often — it goes to show that they really do want people to enjoy themselves and leave with something they feel good about.
As for me, thanks to the fun group and super helpful instructor (who just provided me with tips rather than actual assistance, as I wanted this painting to be all me), I had a lot fun painting my pretty bird and ended up leaving with a piece that I’m honestly pretty proud of. I can’t wait to see the look on my mother’s face when I give this painting to her. Thank you for the fun night and great gift, Paint Monkey!

I booked a class here as an early birthday present for my mom. The studio is BYOB, snacks are welcomed!
The studio is bright, clean, and cheerful, with other offered paintings showcased around the room. Aprons, canvases, paint, brushes, water, ice, cups, and bottle openers are provided for the customers. The canvases are all pre-​drawn to ease any worries about painting skill. Music is played in the background at a reasonable level.
The instructor and her assistant were pleasant and knowledgeable about the painting process. Both were happy to provide additional paint, assistance, or just a thumbs up to let you know you’re doing okay.
My mother and I had a wonderful time and would love to return.

We went for Paint your Pet night and it was a blast! The teachers were witty and helpful. I am terrible at painting but ended up with something I was proud to hang on my wall! Also being able to bring in tequila and do shots with friends inbetween strokes helped ensure this would be a good night. We made a big mess, felt bad, so tipped the staff. Great for beginners like me.

One of the many new places opening up to provide opportunities for young and old alike to have an experience with painting. Some places create templates and one paints into them; others are free form; and others ask what you might like to paint and the on-​site artist does quick sketch/​outline that you can use.
Fun — — many are wine and paint affairs as well.
f8 and be there.

This was a nice night out. Paint by numbers for grownups. The staff was fun and funny. It was a perfect birthday gift for my mother and I to enjoy together. BYOB

HORRIBLE! This place was freezing cold, there was hardly anytime to socialize and drink, it was expensive and my painting turned out like total crap! The «drawing» they do is just terrible pencil lines, looks like it was haphazardly done by a 5 year old. The lines restricted you too and made it harder to paint! I’m a decent artist I would say too and mine looked like garbage… it went into the garbage the second I got home, many of the other ladies I did this with agreed. The «instructors» were high school girls I think? They didn’t know how to paint at all, there was NO instruction or hands on direction or tips given… it was a total JOKE!

Wanted to paint Starry Night in Cranberry because the Lawrenceville date for this painting was on a waiting list so decided to head out to the northern ‘burbs. The place is clean and organized and the staff was very friendly and helpful.
I’ve been to the Lawrenceville location and after experiencing the Cranberry location, they both have different vibes. Obviously one is more city and the other is definitely suburban. The crowds are different — Cranberry was an older crowd and all female (except for my date). Lawrenceville tends to be younger and more eclectic with a mix of females and males.
But when it comes to the content of the activity they are both solid establishments. Starry Night was a 3-​hour painting but I was able to finish it in 2 hours… so that’s my only issue but this can’t be helped with group classes and I get that.
All in all, I would recommend the Cranberry location if you live out in this area. Ultimately, It really depends on what you’re looking for with a night out of painting and drinking — are you more interested in the painting or the crowd/vibe…choose wisely my friends.