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Best Painting Lessons For Adults In Pittsburgh

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As paint-and-sips become more popular, Pittsburgh is getting in the game with more and more studios offering up the adults-only painting lessons. But those aren't the only painting lessons in town. A number of studios can help you express yourself creatively through art, whether you're looking for a fun night out with some friends and wine or you'd like to learn something new and grow as an artist. No matter your artistic goals or skill level, here are the five best painting lessons for adults in Pittsburgh.

Sweetwater Center For The Arts
200 Broad St.
Sewickley, PA 15143
(412) 741-4405
www.sweetwaterartcenter.org

Sweetwater was initially started in 1974 by the community, offering a small number of classes in arts and crafts. It's been operating as a full-service arts-education facility in 1975, with over 500 classes, workshops, and lectures held every year across various artistic disciplines for both adults and kids. In addition to their painting classes, you can explore art with classes in ceramics, drawing, photography, jewelry, and more -- even cooking, dance, and music. Sweetwater offers artist instructors leading classes of all skill levels in small, intimate class settings. Their winter schedule includes classes in watercolor, portrait painting, and oil painting. Prices and schedules vary, so check their website.

Le Poire
11 E. Crafton Ave.
Crafton, PA 15205
(412) 921-0912
www.le-poire.com

Established in 2003, Le Poire is gallery and studio that not only features work from owner Joyce Werwie Perry but also provides opportunities for other artists to learn as well. Perry teaches classes year-round in oil painting with both brush and knife, with small class sizes limited to just eight students and open to beginners and experienced painters alike. Le Poire students also have the opportunity to exhibit at the gallery, attend field trips to museums, and more. Class prices do not include materials. Visit their website to see the current class schedule, or to look into private lessons and their Wine on Wednesday classes.

The Art Institute Of Pittsburgh
420 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 263-6600
getcreative.artinstitutes.edu/pittsburgh

The Art Institute isn't just for those looking to pursue a professional career in the arts--it also offers classes to the community in everything from Photoshop to cooking. Their most recent social painting class centered around St. Patrick's Day, with students guided by an instructor to create a themed painting for the holiday and free to indulge in some adult beverages. Visit the Art Institute's website to see what they have coming up next.

Related: Best Adult Computer Classes In Pittsburgh

Paint Monkey
100 43rd St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 770-4923
beapaintmonkey.com

For a BYOB paint session, check out Paint Monkey. While you enjoy your drink, an instructor will take you step-by-step through a painting in a two- to three-hour session. Pricing depends on the session--$35 for two hours or $45 for three, materials included. Or try their Paint Your Pet sessions, held every other week for $60. Simply send in a photo of your pet, and they'll trace it onto canvas for you to paint. Paint Monkey also hosts private events and corporate team building, plus they have locations in both Lawrenceville and Cranberry.

Cherry Court Studios
7210 McKnight Road, Suite 203
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
(412) 334-2567
www.cherrycourtstudios.com

Cherry Court Studios may specialize in classes for kids and teens--including portfolio development for high school--but they do offer some adult classes, too. They offer year-round private and semi-private lessons, with an individualized program designed by the instructor based on your skill level. The private lessons run $390 for 14 hour-and-a-half sessions followed by an optional 45-minutes open studio, while semi-private and small group lessons cost $310. Supplies are included with tuition.

Related: Best Hobby Shops In Pittsburgh

Janelle Sheetz is a 20-something closed-captioner by day, writer by night, just outside of Pittsburgh. She also regularly contributes to AXS.com and Examiner.com, and her writing has also been featured on The Billfold and Neutrons Protons.

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