ArtSocial

I am loving this paint night thing… I’ve never painted on canvas before ArtSocial. The first time, I went with a friend who frequents paint nights through other companies and said those other ones go way too fast and don’t really care what you’re doing.
I like ArtSocial; they went at what I found to be a great pace for me… Not too fast as a beginner, and not too slow for someone who isn’t fond of waiting too long on instructional timing. Everything is provided for you, so dont worry about lugging around/​purchasing art supplies.
I’ve attended three events with Michael and I think he’s a great teacher, he’s positive, fun, and not over critical. I’ve participated in different levels of difficulty and found them all to be very fun, even though they’re not exact replicas of the originals, I am satisfied with my end results and look forward to attending more events with ArtSocial.

i had a great time

My boyfriend & I are looking forward to our 2^nd go-​round w/​Art Social, this time to paint Van Gogh’s street/​café scene. In trying paint nights w/​a couple of other companies in the area, Art Social seems to have struck a perfect balance between easing total novices into painting & providing something genuinely artistic & thought provoking (you leave w/​transferrable techniques) &, of course, a much needed break from the oft stressful tedium of life in the Bay Area.
I highly recommend ArtSocial for at least two other reasons: 1) exceptionally reasonable pricing (see Groupon for deals); 2) flexibility when rescheduling is necessary.
If I’m not mistaken, this is a local business, not a franchise, a factor that makes for less of a cookie-​cutter experience when compared to what others are offering.

I bought the deal on Groupon as a gift for Mothers day. This event was a lot of fun! The instructor was awesome as you can see by how great everyone’s paintings turned out. It did get a little fast to keep up towards the end but I think that’s because I was so busy adding lights to my eiffel tower! It was a great pace overall and I had a blast. Would definitely recommend this event to anyone. Anyone and everyone is an artist with Art Social!

I always have a great time at ArtSocial! The instructor and location definitely impact the experience, but all in all, I’ve always had a good time. My advice is; pay attention, keep up, worry about the details later, and HAVE FUN… nobody cares if your painting isn’t a masterpiece!

Bought the LivingSocial deal for $ 45 for two people. I thought it was a reasonable price since it was basically half-​off. It just looked so much fun that I had to try it. Art Social provides the paint, the canvas, brushes, and the apron. All we had to do is book a date and show up and get our Bob Ross on!
We ended up going to Pyramid Brewery in Walnut Creek on a Monday night to paint the San Francisco skyline. The instructor was pretty nice and wasn’t too fast at all. We got there 10 minutes before the class started and ended up sitting all the way in the back. So i highly suggest getting there early and picking out a good seat. I was still able to see but it would’ve been nicer to sit in the front to see better and because the instructor gives more feedback to those closer to him.
I do wish the space was a bit larger and it also would’ve been nice if the deal came with a two-​drinks. We had to purchase our drinks at the bar since the server for the room was hardly around. I think I only saw him once.
It was an interesting experience, a great date night alternative and it’s even good for groups too. It would also be nice if Art Social provided more weekend classes. Would probably do it again, if I can find more space on my walls to put up my masterpieces.

THIS IS YOUR NEXT CORPORATE/​CLIENT EVENT!
Jennifer is the program manager and art teacher for our event last night — she is very well spoken, funny, patient, organized, and truly a talented artist guiding our group of 26 painters through the Monet Sunset in Venice piece. Everyone took their art home after the class with BIG SMILES :)
Working with her to coordinate the event, she is extremely responsive during our email/​phone exchanges and a pleasure to work with.
I highly recommend ArtSocial for an activity you can truly enjoy with no experience and explore your creative side.
Note: Because I am an event coordinator, I picked the venue/​food & bev menu myself, but their team will help you coordinate all of this if you don’t plan events all the time.
Have fun!

I purchased a groupon deal for two.
First of all, they changed the date of the event. They they changed the location. It would be ok with me if the venue they picked was not so bad.
The room we were in was super cramped, people sitting elbow to elbow. From the back of the room you could not see the instructor or what was going on with her. She did not have a microphone, so it was very hard to hear her.
The instructions were aimed for people who have never painted in their adult life. Like, lets cover half of the canvas in yellow. Now measure three inches off the edge of the canvas and draw a stick in blue. That’s fine with me, but as someone who has a painting background I was hoping that the instructor would offer me some advice or challenge when she was going around the tables, but she seemed to avoid me instead.
I also got a bad taste in my mouth when I saw «regulars» who apparently take these classes a lot and how the instructor would sing them praises for very childish-​looking art. She would not offer any real suggestions like an actual art teacher does, but would tell them how wonderful it was.
I’m thinking the organizers of these events must do very well for themselves — the huge jars of acrylic paint are under $ 5 each and can supply a handful of classes. The canvas are also about $ 4 each. Brushes are re-​used. Paper plate pallets… So while it must cost them under $ 10 per person in supplies, they charge god knows what.
Overall, I was unimpressed by their selection of the venue, the teacher, and the materials. Pay-​per-​praise model used on regulars also felt icky.

Wifey wanted to «paint something» for her birthday so I found a groupon for ArtSocial for $ 45 for two (50% off retail). Was also lucky to find an event for the day-​of nearby; book early. It was originally scheduled to be held at El Torito in Burlingame but the restaurant bumped the event for a private party a few days before. ArtSocial did email everyone with a new location with sufficient time to adjust.
The experience was great! I really liked the space they had us in. There were about 40 attendees. The restaurant put us in a huge private room and assigned a server. The painting part was cool. You do have to keep up with the teacher.
Teacher: he was very clear on expectations of the night. His painting tutorial was good. But my advice for him is just to warn people to be mindful of their proportions from the beginning. Our subject painting was the SF skyline at dusk. And many students’ paintings started to wide in the beginning, including mine. But overall he was a good teacher. I didn’t feel any of the negatives in other reviews were present that night.
Tip #1: Definitely buy the groupon. I don’t think the retail price of $ 45 per person is justified… maybe $ 30 – 35 per person retail would be better. When you buy the groupon, you will be able to redeem the code when you go to the ArtSocial site and pick your date to reserve.
Tip #2: The best kept secret… great place for single guys… there were so many groups of cute girls there!!!

I went to the ArtSocial event with my bf’s sister on Monday night ⁸⁄₁₈ at Burlingame’s El Torito. They had a whole room reserved for about 40 people and it was a grand time! The only thing I wish they included was maybe a glass of wine. (Vino Artist’s paint night in Santa Clara includes 2 glasses of wine and snacks!)
For $ 45 on Groupon/​LivingSocial, two people can enjoy this paint night! We painted Van Gogh’s Copper Vase, which is NOT as easy as the instructor claims it is. However, I am not as artistically inclined as most so I am not complaining; I just wish I was a better painter. Anyway, the instructor goes step-​by-​step through the painting and allows you to take ownership of your «artistic license». I love that they encourage you to be more creative and not just follow his directions. He stated, «There is no possible way that two people can paint the exact same picture.»
I would definitely do this again!

I attended my first ArtSocial event last night and I’m definitely a fan! Highly recommended!
I used a Groupon: 2 people for $ 45, My friend and I chose the Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek. We had a great experience. Our instructor John was awesome and it was a great venue.
I would definitely do this again if the full priced event wasn’t so high. However, I did get a $ 20 off coupon code after the event, so I might try it again!

I have done paintings with ArtSocial seven times now and I love it. I always have a good time and enjoy myself whether I am by myself or with a friend. It’s a great way to enjoy a cocktail, dinner, and a creative outlet with your very own piece of art to take home. Jennifer Lo is a wonderful instructor– very patient, helpful, and personable. It is now much more difficult to sign up as the classes fill up very quickly, but there are lots of locations and paintings to choose from.
With regards to the posts about the customer service, I have had always had very prompt responses (usually within an hour or two) through email. There was one instance of an event cancelling, but that had to do with the venue itself and I received an email about it as soon as ArtSocial was aware and given a refund.

It was my third time attending one of those painting with a drink or two events. First two were with Paint Night in SF. This time, I’ve purchased the Groupon deal for 2 at $ 45, selected a session down in Palo Alto at the Crown Plaza Cabana Hotel. We painted Vincent Van Gough’s Sunflower. Our instructor artist, Jennifer was fabulous, and was most talented instructor out of the three I’ve been (two being with a different company).
Jennifer was quite busy handling the whole class of good 30 plus people on her own. ArtSocial management should consider assigning an assistant to these sessions to help out.
The venue — Crown Plaza Cabana Hotel was a perfect location as well with ample parking. Contrary to my biased views on hotel foods, the finger foods that we ordered at the restaurant were pretty decent — fried calamari and chicken wings were quite likable but the margarita was so so. Should’ve just ordered a beer.
I don’t know what it is but the crowd here seemed much more relaxed and mellow which was perfect for such occasion. Perhaps it’s the South Bay gentility?! One other thing I’ve noticed is that people seemed to go to bed earlier than SF as quite a lot of people finished quickly, packed up and left early when half of us were still miles to go to finish our masterpieces.
My friend who was a first timer, wants to come back again. I said I’ll join her next time too!
Although I am no expert, I think these are great opportunity for anyone to unleash their untapped artistic ingenuity and it’s fun! Highly recommended!
Tip: Arrive 30 min early if you must grab a bite. It’s near impossible to finish your meal whilst painting. Not only you get so drawn into the world of art, you don’t want to eat with your hands covered with paint nor have paint splattered into your food even if it’s non-​toxic. And of course to get a nicer seat that you can view the painting samples and the instructor.

THEY ARE THE WORSE! THEY DESERVE NO STARS!!! YES, I AM TYPING IN ALL CAPS! ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE!!! THE WORSE CUSTOMER SERVICE…
My boyfriend and I got a groupon deal and did exactly what was asked and reserved a date for 2 in novato at 6:30pm. Upon arrival, we were informed by the Chevy’s waitress that the event was cancelled. OHHH HELL NO!!! Seriously??? Why did no one from Artsocial call us or email us about this?!
We live in BURLINGAME, an hour and a half away! We wasted a trip to NOVATO and back. There was again NO PHONE CALL or EMAIL to let us know of the cancellation. This is completely unacceptable! Both of us have demanding schedules and this was the only day out of the month that we could make it since there are no events during the weekends.
HERE is the kicker… My boyfriend wrote them an email, since their number does not go to a human being but just a voice-​mail (RIDICULOUS!), demanding a refund of the groupon purchase for the inconvenience. Guess what??? NO RESPONSE!!! It has been weeks and we have not heard anything!!! NO APOLOGY. NOTHING! Therefore, sorry Unilocalers you have to read this angry review!
They do not have BBB for us to report them! This business is a hack!!! How many people have bought a groupon and gotten screwed like us please show your hands? Or do they just pick and choose and we were the unfortunate ones?
What irritates me the most is that my boyfriend bought this groupon for me to celebrate a special event because I love to paint. I’m so dissappointed! There is no way to get in touch with Artsocial when they do not response to their emails… UGH again HORRIBLE! Please everyone don’t waste your money!!!

My friends and I attended the water lilies event this past Monday and I loved it. Although I am not artist I really enjoyed the instructor. He was funny but he engaged with everyone, answered questions anyone had and showed a few paintings that he liked what that person was doing. He compliment everyone, a few ladies, were trying to be perfect and he was great and making it «clear» we’re all different and no painting will turn out exactly the same. I would love to take his event again, just because he was so engaging. I text my photo of my painting to my sister, she showed my 9yr old niece who loves art and wants to take go to one of these events. Do you handle the Roseville area?

Great concept, a social art session. Groupon 50% off. Was really looking forward to it. But I was disappointed with my experience.
Didn’t realize we picked an «advance» painting. Didn’t know to bring a copy of hr painting in advance. Experienced ArtSocial peeps seemed to have the drill down.
Instructor rushed through the steps quick and warned early he would move quickly. It was more stressful than enjoyable or fun.
Brushes were beat up. Should of brought my own. The hand drawn ruler/​dowel like tool was a mess. Sharpie drawn and rubbed off on painting.
I didn’t even consider ordering food. There is no way to eat and drink simultaneously. People were trying to order during instructions. It was rather distracting.
I needed wine when I got home.

I’m conflicted about my experience with ArtSocial. Overall I had a good time with my friends, but there were certain things that hindered me from giving ArtSocial a higher rating.
I purchased a Living Social deal for the ArtSocial class, it was basically $ 45 for two people. We decided on the Almond Blossom painting at the El Torito in Burlingame.
Here are a few things that bothered me about my experience:
1) Like another reviewer mentioned, the instructor went really fast for no apparent reason. We ‘finished’ with about 50 minutes left in the class. Although he told us that we can take as long as we’d like, I felt rushed to leave and it seemed that the instructor just wanted to go home.
2) The instructor seemed to pay more attention to certain people than others. He did not come by and give feedback to everyone. It would’ve been helpful if he did.
3) The waitress that served our class was terrible. She seemed flustered and forgot what people ordered and I had to ask her twice to come and take my order. The restaurant was by no means full either.
I’m glad that I purchased this as a LivingSocial deal and didn’t pay full price. I’m not so sure that I’d purchase this again, but I’m glad that I did this the one time.

I am a big fan. Big fan.
Painting while slightly inebriated is what I call my Art Social nights. I’ve been with my coworkers, best friends, and sister. Each time was a different experience, but each one was a great time. You really don’t need any painting experience or skills to participate. They offer impressionist paintings for that very reason.
I’ve been to 5 classes so far, 2 with Jennifer and 3 with Michael. They have different teaching styles, but they’re both really fun and approachable.
If you’re unsure about going for the first time, I suggest you purchase a groupon or amazon local (or similar site) deal. Art Social seems to have a deal at one of those sites a few times a year. And Art Social sends out specials every once in awhile to past participants, so I don’t think I’ve had to pay full price ($ 45) once. It’s been $ 20 – 25 each time for me.
I highly recommend it.

Comparable to Wine and Canvas in terms of offerings and instruction and a perennial LivingSocial deal. I went to a Van Gogh Sunflowers class at El Torito Burlingame so I was able to order a light dinner from the bar menu before class began. The class was a usual mix of couples, solo painters like myself, and rowdy girls’ night out groups. Fortunately, our instructor was charming enough to get the too-​loud crew to tone down on the margarita-​fueled chatter.
I especially liked that we got out a half hour early since I had quite a drive home.

I did the Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting at San Francisco Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This was such a fun and amazing experience. My girlfriend and I found out about this through a Living Social deal. They provide all the brushes, paints, aprons and canvases for you to complete your painting. The instructor does a step by step on the painting and he was very entertaining. I definitely would do this again!
Tips:
1) Arrive 15 mins early to reserve good seats.
2) Bring cash if you want to order food and drinks. For some reason I thought free wine came with the deal but it didn’t. I saw some people bring their own bottle which I wish I did.