Join artist Melody Gillespie for an unforgettable virtual experience as you paint “Garden Bear” from the comfort of your own home. This event is all about having fun and connecting with others, not about perfecting your technique. Whether you're a seasoned painter or trying it out for the first time, you’ll love the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to mingle with fellow participants. So grab your favorite drink, settle into your comfiest clothes, and get ready for a lively night in that beats any night out. NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS DATE. NO WORRIES, WE RECORD!! JUST BUY A TICKET AND YOU WILL BE SENT A LINK OF THE VIDEO OF INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THE EVENT. Supplies suggested: 8x10, 11x14, 12x16 or 16x20 canvas, acrylic paints in primary colors , Blue, Red, Yellow, white, black, brown acrylic paint. brushes,: Large Square (#12 1” brush) Medium Round (#6 Round) fan brush, Detail (#1 round), rag, cup of water and a good attitude! https://www.michaels.com/necessities-super-value-50-piece-brush-set-by-artists-loft/10504534.html We are so excited to paint with you! We look forward to giving you, your children and everyone who signs up, a wonderful, creative time to enjoy together virtually through ‘ZOOM”!
Virtual Venue
I realized as soon as I was old enough to hold a pencil that I could draw. My drawings were so realistic that as I child I would sell pictures to my classmates of their pets to them for 15 cents. I never stopped drawing. When I was sitting in boring meetings I would draw the people sitting in the meetings. Now that I am retired, I have enjoyed teaching drawing, painting, and colored pencil to others. Drawing and painting is a series of processes, along with the powers of observation. I may have had naturally obtained powers of observation with hand and eye coordination, but all of that can be learned, and I have taught children as young as 4 and others in their 70s. It is wonderfully relaxing and confidence boosting. You will never look nature the same again. Now I am a painting fiend, I am a member of the Art Association, and am on the board of directors of the local art gallery.
Questions about what to expect, what’s included, and how it all works.
Yes. Garden Bear is designed to be achievable at any experience level. More satisfying than it looks difficult — Melody breaks every step down clearly. Most of our guests have never picked up a brush before, and they leave with something they're genuinely proud of. Worth knowing: Paint Nite events happen at real bars and restaurants, not studios — it's a night out that happens to involve painting.
A painting class teaches you technique. Paint Nite gives you a finished painting and a good night. Melody is a real local artist — not a teacher running a curriculum — and this event happens at Virtual Venue, a real local spot, not a studio. Paint Nite invented this format in 2012 and has sold more than 10 million tickets. The trade-off is honest: lighting varies, it can get loud, and the person at the next easel is a stranger. That's the point. It's more of a night out than a class.
Melody is a real local artist based in Virtual — not a franchise employee or a corporate hire. 5 out of 13 guests who've painted with Melody say the instruction was amazing. Delphine P. said: 'The event was very relaxed and no pressure in painting something perfect. And Melodie cared more about my enjoyement of the time together than anything else.'
Virtual Venue is a local venue in Virtual — a real local spot, not a dedicated painting studio. Paint Nite events happen at places like this by design — venues with character, regulars, and a bar. It can get lively. That's what makes it a night out rather than a class.
Yes — we have 95 upcoming events in Virtual this month. You can view them here.
Garden Bear is a spring painting — a fresh seasonal pick that captures the energy of the season.
Yaymaker is Paint Nite. We brought both brands together under the Paint Nite name — same artists, same events, same format we invented in 2012. More than 10 million tickets have been sold across both brands combined. If you used to attend Yaymaker events in Virtual, you're in the right place. Welcome back.
Your ticket to Garden Bear includes the canvas, all the paint you'll need, the use of brushes and an apron during the event, and step-by-step instruction from Melody. Drinks and food are ordered separately from Virtual Venue — you pay the venue directly for anything you eat or drink.
This event runs approximately 2 hours. Doors open at 2:30 PM — we recommend arriving 15 minutes early to get settled and order your first drink before Melody starts the painting.
You can reschedule your ticket to any other Paint Nite event up to 24 hours before this one starts. After that, tickets are locked — no refunds or changes. If Paint Nite cancels this event for any reason, you'll receive a full automatic refund.
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