What should beginners paint at a paint and sip?

Here is what most people do not realise before their first paint and sip: you do not choose the painting. The host does. And that is actually the best thing about it.

Paint Juicy designs every session around the idea that the person in the room who has never held a paintbrush before should be able to finish the night with something genuinely beautiful on their canvas. That shapes every painting we pick.

What makes a good beginner painting

The best beginner-friendly paintings share a few key traits: they use forgiving acrylic paint (which can be painted over when things go wrong), they rely on simple layering techniques rather than fine detail, and they look impressive even when executed roughly.

Bold colour blocking, soft backgrounds, silhouettes and abstract elements all fall into this category. A sunset over water. A floral arrangement. An animal portrait with strong lines. These all look great from a distance and do not require precise brushwork to pull off.

How Paint Juicy designs for beginners

Every painting at a Paint Juicy session is chosen and designed specifically for the format. The host breaks it down into clear, manageable steps that build on each other. By the time you reach the detail work at the end, the foundation underneath is already doing most of the visual lifting.

Step 1 is always achievable. Step 2 builds on it. By Step 6 you have a background, a focal point, highlights and depth - and you did it yourself.

What if I really am terrible at painting?

Everyone says this. Almost none of them are right.

What most people interpret as "being terrible at painting" is actually just not knowing the techniques. Acrylic blends forgivingly. Layering fixes mistakes. The host is watching the room and will come over to anyone who is stuck before they get frustrated.

We have hosted retired tradies, nervous bridesmaids, corporate teams who would rather be anywhere else, and people who had not picked up a brush since primary school. Almost all of them finished with a canvas they photographed before they left.

What themes and designs come up at Paint Juicy sessions

Designs rotate across the sessions and often match the theme of the night:

• Landscapes and seascapes
• Australian wildlife - koalas, turtles, sea creatures
• Florals and botanicals
• Abstract and bold colour work
• Seasonal pieces
• Pop culture and movie magic themes
• Custom designs for private bookings

For private bookings you can request a painting from the gallery or bring a custom brief. For public sessions, the design is chosen in advance and listed with the event.

You do not need to be a good painter to have a great time. You just need to show up. The rest is handled.