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After

At the end of the class, I have to say both Michael and I were pleasantly surprised with the outcome of our paintings. Did it look exactly like the model? ---->

Uh, no, but that was kind of the fun thing about it.

Before

Pinot’s Palette-

When a place called Pinot’s Palette opened near Michael’s house, we were immediately interested in what that might be?  We are always looking for new wine related things to do in Los Angeles, so the “Pinot” part caught our eye. The “Palette” part, not so much. Is it possible to have two left hands when it comes to being artistic?? Because that would be me. Even my stick figures are questionable, however, for the sake of Wine Problems, I was willing to

put myself out there for ridicule. I mean, at least there

Other people's paintings.

We went on a Thursday night, and the class was from 7-9. We were told in advance that they really only had some snacks there, but we were more than welcome to bring food with us. We grabbed some sandwiches on the way and got there a few minutes early. Holly, our instructor, greeted us and showed us to our easels, where the paints and brushes were already laid out for us. She then showed us where they had plates and eating utensils and where their wine bar was (incidentally, due to California law, BYOB is NOT allowed, however there are locations outside of California that do allow it).

So here’s how this works- there is a different painting on each night, which is the “model,” and it is prominently displayed on a video monitor, so you can preview what the finished product should resemble. Holly, our fantastic instructor, does her own painting and shows us how we should be trying to accomplish the look of the said “model.” Kendra was her assistant, and walked around and helped provide constructive guidance to make sure we were moving in the right direction. I almost

The model.

bar where they offered  a variety of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase, and James helped us with our wine selection. I, being one of a literal type, opted for the Pinot, which was by Babcock and happens to be a Pinot that l like. Michael, being the rebel that he is, opted for the Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blanc. We took our wine, grabbed our smocks, and headed to our easels. We were now committed.

would be wine, right?!

There were about twelve of us in class, and each painting looked similar, but different. It was actually quite interesting!  And, I have to admit, I had a strange feeling of accomplishment from the experience. Maybe even felt a little proud? Quite an odd sensation, considering the feeling of dread I had from the pointing and laughing that I was SO expecting.  LOL.  All in all, a great experience, and we both agreed we would totally do it again! #WineInLA

immediately screwed up and got black on my paint brush, and thus in my painting. Luckily Kendra was nearby and helped to rectify it, but my confidence was a little shaken. I mean literally, it was five minutes into painting, but I had my wine glass to comfort me, so I moved forward.

The format of the class is very well thought out. We were able to follow the somewhat simple instructions, enjoy our wine, and joke around with the other students who were having their own insecurities about their paintings. I should mention that there was a group of girls celebrating a birthday, and it seemed like a great idea for a girls night get-together that doesn’t include outrageous bottle service prices!

Pinot's Palette has multiple locations throughout the US, but the one that we went to was the Encino location.  Be sure to check the calendar, in advance, for the location that you are planning on going to, and you'll be able to see the what the particular painting is for that date; the cost; and the time of the class; all which may vary.  Most of the individual locations have their current bar menu posted online as well; every location is different though, as the franchise owner chooses what's being poured. Here is the current bar menu for the Encino location, which is located at: 17401 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA. 91316.

We went to the

Okay, so far so good. I can do this.