Blog

I found out about solo dates this year and I was mind blown, like, hold on, I can just spend time with myself and have fun on my own? Sure, I've done things on my own before—window shopping, visiting bookstores—but my mom/best friend was always nearby. When we stumbled upon this paint night event, I knew I had to try it. Paint nights were quite the trend before Covid, but I never had the chance to experience one. Now, after reading about my experience, I hope you'll be inspired to give it a shot too.

I'll admit, I was pretty nervous going in. Social settings tend to make me anxious, but I've learned to cope and present myself as comfortable. It takes some work, but focusing on doing things I enjoy first and making the people around me secondary makes it easier to manage. At the paint night, there were about 15-20 people in a cozy section of a restaurant I hadn't visited before. This made it easy to settle in and enjoy the experience.

The last time I painted with acrylics was in 11th grade, about six years ago. I worried my painting might turn out terrible, but I wasn't there to create a masterpiece; I was there to have fun, meet new people, and practise new skills. And I achieved all those goals. I sat with a couple of Romanian ladies who taught me some phrases in their language. I’ve always loved learning new things like languages. As for painting, I let myself be free, expressing my own style without restrictions. This was a stark contrast to high school, where my work was judged and graded. I think people who went to art school must have some of the toughest skin.

Now, let's dive into the details of the event. When I arrived, several stations were set up with small easels, canvases, and palettes. There was one instructor who was an art professor, and another person who helped refill our paint palettes. We were painting a bird on a branch, starting with the background. The instructor explained how to use colours to add depth and dimension. We then moved on to the branch, adding details with shadows and highlights, before finally painting the bird. The instructor's style was whimsical and cartoon-like, which I'm familiar with, but I decided to go for a more realistic approach like the original artwork. This allowed me to take the instructor's guidance while pushing myself artistically.

The process was engaging and educational. The instructor broke down the painting into manageable steps, making it easy for everyone to follow along. The atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone was there to have a good time. There was a sense of camaraderie among the participants, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as my painting began to take shape.

The Romanian ladies I sat with were lovely and made the evening even more enjoyable. They shared stories about their culture and taught me a few phrases. It was a delightful cultural exchange that added another layer of richness to the experience. I realised that solo dates aren't just about being alone; they're about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences.

As the evening progressed, I found myself getting lost in the creative process. Painting has always been a therapeutic activity for me, and this paint night was no exception. It reminded me of the joy of creating something with my own hands, without the pressure of perfection. The focus was on the journey, not the destination.

After this experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend a paint night as a solo date idea, a date night, or just a fun outing with friends or family. You don't need to be an artist to enjoy it. Any level of ability is welcome, which takes the pressure off everyone, including the instructor, to create a masterpiece. This inclusivity is one of the best aspects of paint nights, making them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

In conclusion, solo dates like this paint night are a fantastic way to practise self-care and explore new interests. I’m actually going to start participating regularly! Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, a paint night offers a creative outlet and a chance to meet new people. So, why not give it a try? Have you ever tried something like this before? Always remember life has more in store for you.