Brushstrokes and Beverages

I wanted to try painting for several years and in 2012 I finally joined Michael from Brushstrokes and Beverages at Alegria Cocina Latina on a Sunday afternoon (during happy hour). The painting was a red/​orange sunset with palm tree silhouettes. Michael spent about an hour and a half (two hours total) teaching a group of about 20, step by step through the entire time offering advise for novice artists and encouraging veteran artists to create their own masterpiece.
Every few months I look at the Brushstrokes and Beverages calendar and pick the next masterpiece I want to try, or perhaps I will choose a painting depending on the restaurant location. There are about 15 – 20 different locations around Long Beach who host B&B painting parties, they will host paintings at private events, and they also have their own location in the Arts District to host classes and display local artwork.
After attending over 30 painting parties, I have met so many new people and made new friendships as a result! We often message each other to join up for a last minute painting event or meet up for other activities. I highly recommend Brushstrokes and Beverages to anyone living or visiting in the the Long Beach area. There are so many benefits to getting out, meeting new people, learning, creating, laughing, and having an astounding time while painting and enjoying beverages. I hope to see you there!

My guy and I went here on date night a few weeks back and we had a blast. The staff is super friendly and very knowledgeable with ideas for painting. It is best if you show up with a concept in mind and share it with them so they can help you through the painting process. We had so much fun drinking and painting with the other patrons. We will for sure go back and visit our new friends.

I’ve taken many of these types of classes with different companies (Wine & canvas, Painting w A Twist, etc.). I brought a friend to paint Fireflies at Alegria. It was her 1^st time and she enjoyed it. Because we came a little early, we got to sit closer to the instructor. I don’t know if we’d be able to see the painting in the front of the class from some of the seats that were further away due to the long rectangular setup. I appreciate that the instructor had a mic, but it cut in/​out though we could still hear him. At other places, they usually have music playing the whole time which makes it more relaxing and fun, but the music was off for part of the time in the restaurant. The thing that put me off the most about this painting session was how the instructor rushed through some portions of the instruction by jumping to the next step without checking to see where most people were with the painting in which I noticed that many people were still doing the previous step. Then we would miss out on some instruction because we felt we had to rush. All in all, I still enjoyed myself and the concept of the class.

What a great gift for my birthday! My friends took me for a painting class and we all had a wonderful time! And Michael was a great intructor. I cant wait to go back for another class.

I took a painting class that was so awesome! I had a great time with friends and a lot of laughs, Michael is such a great instructor, and very informative with his technique, he made it very easy comfortable to follow along, people were laughing and talking, the whole energy in the room was very uplifting! Thank you Michael! YOU ROCK !

WE had a lot of fun painting and drinking but…
I cant say I think much of the two instructors. The instructions were terrible. People had not idea what they were doing. They Probably should not drink while working and spend time teaching rather than just complimenting. The shading wasnt explained and the picture looks amateurish. He skipped things the original had as well. It was still fun but I could have done the same on my own or watching youtube. (which my friends plan to have our own paint night via youtube. It cant be worse than these people) It was rushed and my friends didn’t finish. And worse off is they rush you quickly out.
Also the set up was terrible. There is a table that couldnt see any of the instruction. The lighting was so bad I couldn’t tell iff I had unpainted canvas or yellow paint. It was too cramped. Definitely no place to eat n drink.
I requested during my reservations to sit with my other friends and more mistakes by brushstrokes, one of our party was sitting alone. They seem nice enough to accommodate just not very professional. (One of our friends thought the person teaching was mean to her.) Make sure you double check EVERYTHING with these people even asking for more instructions. Double check your reservations and any requests before the event.
But it was $ 20 Groupon I guess thats ok

We’ve done Paint Night with Brushstrokes and Beverages for two different paintings at two different venues, and both were a pleasant and truly enjoyable experience.
The instructing artist is very animated and personable and goes at a nice, steady pace, allotting enough time for the class to work on their painting before going on to the next step.
The assistants who walk around are extremely helpful and encouraging. They offer to take pictures from your phone and will take pictures throughout the night from their own iPad for the Brushstrokes and Beverages Facebook page. Those are usually available for viewing the next day. There’s also a server who walks around before and during the class to take any food or drink orders the venue offers. Food and drinks are not included in the package; you pay for that separately.
All in all, such a fun event to do, either on a date or with a group of friends.

What a great evening for a night out! I have gone a few times and love it! I have taken my 12 year old daughter to go paint at their studio and she loved it too. They are so supportive and encouraging. I had only painted once before I painted at their studio, and they made me feel so comfortable. I will be back to paint more! I love having Brushstrokes & Beverages in the neighborhood!

Went to Open Paint Night last night with friends to celebrate a Birthday and had a fabulous time. Michael is a great teacher and super encouraging to everyone … from the novice to the aspiring artist. Everyone leaves happy, regardless of how awesome your masterpiece is. I would highly recommend checking out Brushstrokes and Beverages for a fun experience. Who knows … maybe you or a friend might be the next Renoir or Picasso :)

Awww, I love painting and sipping wine, but unfortunately I can’t write a glowing review of this particular event. First, I should point out that this review is for a Brushstrokes and Beverages hosted event that took place at another venue – the Michael’s Pizzeria in downtown Long Beach. It is possible that being at the venue on 4^th street would have improved the experience.
The Good:
— the instructor was friendly overall
— I got a great deal on passes for four people
The Meh:
— I’ve done a few of these, and this was easily the worst artist I have had as an instructor. It was bizarre actually. The version of the painting (fireflies in a jar) that he did during class looked much worse and nothing like the original. Naturally, ours also looked much worse too.
— To add insult to injury we were rushed at the end because apparently we had used too much time completing the first part of the painting. Of course, we had no idea how long to allot, so the instructor would have been the one to tell us.
— Trying to balance a food order or even a drink on the narrow table along with the canvases was no small task. We ended up awkwardly perching items on our laps.
I might give this company another shot at their studio, but not with this same artist.
We had fun, but ended up throwing out the painting. Now that’s sad.

My idea of a perfect night! Art, food and WINE?! couldn’t ask for anything better! In love with the whole experience and the environment. Will definitely do this again and recommend to all my friends. You have to try it!

Very enjoyable evening!
The owner does a phenomenal job at teaching, I have never had any painting or drawing background so this was helpful.
He made sure we were all having a good time. I definitely did! I will be back with my boyfriend next time!

We painted a Spanish villa. It was so much fun. Our guide was very friendly and informative. This is a great activity for a date night or evening out with friends.

Me and my daughter had a great first time experience. Teachers are great and patient. We went on a kids event which made me and my daughter very happy that we could share a first time painting experience together.

Want a fun way to hang with friends? Join a class at Brushstrokes. Awesome art teacher and lots of fun! Exercise your creativity, and be proud of your inner artist while they guide you step by step on how to paint a masterpiece! I have been to 2 classes and can’t wait to schedule a 3^rd! Go paint!

My GF and I have attended 3 of their classes now at various locations. Last night we were able to catch one of their 2 for 1 deals they email out from time to time. I personally have no artistic skills but have been able to create nice works of art in these classes.
The staff is always so helpful and fun, which is rule #1 have fun! Makes for a great date night if you live in Long Beach.
I looked forward to attending more and further growing my collection of paintings.

I’m such a huge fan of this place!
I was… and still am excited they now have their own studio.
Staff
Michael and his staff are so awesome!
Environment
This place is like a candy store for individuals who are creative at heart but has no formal teachings of art.
What to expect?
FUN! Don’t worry about going alone, you’ll make friends immediately lol I have gone more by myself than with friends. Actually, I sneak without them
Read everyone else reviews for details… just come out and have fun :)

After my second class, I have to put a good word in for Michael and Megan. Such a fun atmosphere, welcoming and non intimidating for beginners, these guys make painting fun. It takes you back to your childhood when Art was still an adventure. Highly recommended!

This is now one of my favorite activities. I try to go every couple of months, and as a result, I think I’ve done maybe ten different paintings. Not all make it to my walls (I don’t always do the best job painting), but I currently have eight up in my room.
Michael and Megan are both sweethearts. They do everything they can to make the class enjoyable for everyone, they’re so nice, and they’re funny as all heck. I see them so often, I pretty much consider them friends at this point. :)
If you’re looking for something fun and different to do, I completely recommend one of these classes. And, if you’re like me and love food and trying new restaurants, you get to kill two more birds with one stone, since they have an amazing repertoire of locations. Just sign up early — on the 20^th — because they book solid in no time at all.

It is always nice to see a company really take feedback to make their business better. Brushstrokes and Beverages are definitely on the right track. Full disclosure: B&B offered me a free voucher for a re-​visit and I dragged my bf with me on a Wednesday night to take another class.
I took another painting/​wine class with another company and what I really like about B&B is their canvas! It is much larger and ready to hang (you don’t have to put on a backing). Also, I am SO HAPPY that the class started mostly on time. Very important point because it was a weeknight and even though the ending was still a little bit rushed (will get to that later), starting punctual did help. I also liked that the teacher integrated the B&B pitched while we were painting, so it didn’t suck up additional time. They now include parking info with their reminder emails which is great.
So time management. I think there is a really good effort in trying to get everyone out of the class in 2 hours, but I don’t think that is realistic when we have to get our own paint individually and gather together for a group picture at the end. I understand that part of the experience is getting our own paint, but that really sucks away 15 – 20 min of painting time that is crucial for the creative process! I suggest that either you have early arrivals get their paint ahead of time while we are waiting for the class to begin or have more paint pumping stations available so more people can get their paint at the same time.
Thanks B&B for taking our suggestions to heart and I will definitely be back!
Misc. tips:
— They always have deals going on, but you can also sign up for their mailing list to get deals too.
— Sometimes, they have cancellations so if you go on their fb page, they have same day spots for $ 15
— They release their calendar on the night of the 20^th every month, so if you don’t live in/​near LB and weekday classes are not an option, I suggest you check that calendar on the 20^th to ensure you can sign up for a weekend class (because there aren’t many and most of us wait until last minute to use our rapidly expiring vouchers!)