Behind the Easel: Part 2
Teaching the Art of Fun — Inside a Stroke of Genius Painting Class
At Stroke of Genius in downtown Waukesha, the music is playing, the drinks are flowing, and the canvases are blank — but not for long. Once class begins, the real magic starts.
People come in expecting a fun, low-pressure night, and that’s exactly what we aim to give them. But behind that casual, joyful vibe is a surprising amount of coordination, creativity, and mental juggling. Running a paint & sip class isn’t just about knowing how to paint — it’s about knowing how to guide a room full of beginners (who’ve maybe had a cocktail or two) through a painting they’ll be proud to take home.
Creating the Vibe
First impressions matter. As guests walk in, we welcome them with a smile, help them find their seats, and get them started with drinks — wine, cocktails, beer, or soda. Some people show up a little nervous, especially if they’ve never painted before. Others come in with friends, full of energy and ready to laugh.
Either way, our job is to set the tone: upbeat, fun, and totally no-pressure. We love to put on fun music to get the good times going.
Brushes, Colors, and Controlled Chaos
Once everyone’s settled, we get started. We introduce the painting, show the group what they’re working toward, and explain how we’ll break it down step by step. Most paintings follow a structure — background first (like skies, clouds, or water), then mid-ground (mountains, trees), and finally the foreground (details like flowers, buildings, or silhouettes).
Along the way, we’re constantly thinking about:
What brush should they use for this step?
How do we explain how to mix the colors just right?
What’s the easiest way to describe the shapes or techniques they need?
Do we need to slow down, speed up, or repeat a step?
We keep a close eye on everyone — are they struggling with their brush? Does someone look frustrated or confused? Do we need to pause for a quick paint refill or a group break?
Multitasking, Big Time
While we’re teaching, we’re also doing everything else:
Walking around to check on everyone
Giving individual tips or encouragement
Refilling paint or drinks
Taking photos for social media
Keeping everyone more or less on the same pace
Watching the clock to keep things flowing smoothly
It’s a lot of moving parts — and no two classes are the same. Some groups are quiet and focused. Others are lively and laughing non-stop. We adjust as we go, making sure no one’s left behind but also keeping the energy high and fun.
From Blank Canvas to Masterpiece
As we near the end of class, something awesome happens: people start to see their painting come together. Even the guests who swore “they can’t paint” are suddenly smiling, realizing they did it. That’s our favorite part — watching people surprise themselves.
Then, it’s time for the final touches, some proud selfies, and a group photo to celebrate the night.
Teaching a class at Stroke of Genius is a mix of art, performance, teaching, and bartending — all rolled into one. It’s not always smooth, and it’s never predictable, but it’s always rewarding.
For more on what to expect to your visit to our studio follow this link: https://paintwinestudio.com/
Stay tuned for Part 3: The Afterparty You Didn’t See — Clean-Up, Checkout, and Closing Time.