Houston Art Lessons — Local services in Houston

I love Houston Art Lessons! I've recommended it to several friends over the years and plan to someday have an event there. So far I've only had friend and date nights there. I really like the new "paint and drink" trend we having going now a days. Houston Art Lessons sets itself ahead of the rest by offering actual instructions and using watercolor as its medium.

Pros: The Instruction. We've always had Amy as our instructor and she does a great job! She really takes the time to show you the exact technique you need to use to create the desired affect. If you want something else, she is super helpful that as well.

Atmosphere: Its more intimate than your usual paint and drink venues. Only about 16 per class. This is probably why the instructions are a lot better. I would not say its a party atmosphere per se... its set up a lot like a class room. But you can bring wine. food, and whatever. Also Amy was nice about letting us pick the music.

Value: Its on par with pricing of a Pinot's Palette. I think its a better value overall because you leave feeling like you actually painted a work of art and learned! Not just copied what was given.

Parking: Its upstairs in a River Oaks strip complex, above Brasserie 19. On a busy weekend night we've had to park in the Krogers lot next door and walk over.

Cons: Tights space, only fits 16. If you are looking for more of a night out etc... this is not a "happy hour" type place. Watercolor is less forgiving than acrylic, s

One of these days I plan to the actual technique classes or advantage of their open classroom...

Went with my girlfriend to the BYOB class and loved it! It was my first time doing water colors and participating in any painting class, but the instructor was very good at explaining how everything works. The class has a max of 12 seats and the room is intimate enough that the instructor can answer everyone's questions individually. It was a 2 hour class and much to my surprise everyone finished exactly at the 2 hour mark and we began on time, so time management was great.

It is a little tricky finding the stairs if you don't read the directions they give you beforehand (which happened to me) but if you get lost call their number and let the instructor know, the instructor will surely try and help you find the correct location.

You can bring any beverage you'd like and all art supplies are provided for you. Just show up, have a drink...

Painted a Hipster Alpaca at Houston Art Lessons with my husband and three other couples Jan 2014 (my second watercolor session, their first). SO much fun! Initially painted sparrows at H.A.L. a few months before with my cuz. She and I agree preferred medium over acrylics, well, at least based on our outcomes! Give watercolor a try (Houston Art Lessons = great central location plus great and fun...