Entering the industrial loft on the sixth floor of Piman49 feels very much like visiting a friend's apartment in Brooklyn. The uniform traits are a given — bare cement walls, bare bricks, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and black metal netting fencing. Although the thump of hip hop blaring from behind walls might be expected, what you actually get when stepping into Paintbar Bangkok is a quiet sense of calm. It'll likely be a very different kind of night out here, because while visitors' senses slowly decrease from drinking, what's left at the end of it all will be a painting, or at least, an attempt at one.
Yes, our capital of gimmicks has done it again — a new haunt has just opened its doors to let the moneyed and wine-sipping come in for booze-infused painting sessions. For those who have had enough of twerking every weekend, this bar is a new yet relaxing experience that brings nightlife entertainment and art together. Choose the picture you'd like to paint when you make your booking and be ready to channel your inner Munch when you get there. Don't let it discourage or worry you if you have the artistic skill level of a three year old, because instructors are all around to give you a hand. In fact, you might be surprised at how easy it is to create a painting that will look more or less like the exemplary one on the stand.
Funky and vivacious paintings deck the walls of Paintbar, looking very much like the ones you'll be going home with. After you've already put on an apron, head to the bar to pick your poison. At private sessions, certain cocktails are paired with specific paintings, but for the usual, there's Robert Mondavi wine (240 baht per glass/ 1,600 baht per bottle) and a handful of premium craft beers to choose from, which go along nicely with the light tapas (120 baht each) available. Currently, there are meatballs, garlic shrimps, tortilla chips and salsa and red velvet cake on the menu. Everything is on the small side, but we like the liver pate and toasted baguette for its detailed crunchiness. The last thing to select before getting seated is the colour scheme, as you can choose to differ from the model painting and follow your own creative streak.
The instructor wears a headset microphone so her instructions can be clearly heard and also paints to give a visual example. It all starts with fairly simple steps and it's remarkable how they lead to a complete and beautiful picture at the end. The first instructions in creating the "Rapunzel Castle" picture were to draw a line across the canvas and a triangle on the line on the right half of the painting. After that, we were told to colour in the top part of the canvas with the deepest shade of purple with the largest brush, then stain it white to create the next level of the sky. The instructions are delivered in an even pace, so you never feel rushed or that things are going too slowly. Before you know it, a castle under a shimmering sky is already staring back at you from your canvas.
There's something liberating about sloshing paint onto a canvas back and forth in satisfyingly long strokes with no restraint. I haven't touched a paintbrush since I was at school and have long-forgotten what it felt like to unwind through creating art. It's strangely relaxing, even more with a drink in hand and knowing I won't have to clean anything up after. On a night like this, you get the gift of conversation too and also get to enjoy the munchies while creating your unsung masterpiece. It's great for first dates and getting to know each other, or even group gossip sessions that no longer want to meet over a mere meal. Time flies when I sip and paint and it's all good of course, until I become aware that I need to make a conscious effort to dip my paintbrush into the right glass.
I'm pleased with my painting that actually looks like a castle by the lake with identifiable lanterns floating nearby, but whatever your result is, I'm sure you'll go home feeling more content than under-accomplished.
Money-wise, it will probably cost more or less what you would spend at other spots around Thong Lor on a night out. Here you get a painting to take home though, a souvenir to remind yourself of your obscure artistic abilities and fun evening with your loved ones. And if the painting didn't come out that great, well, you can always blame it on the wine.
Prices for all equipment range from 600-800 baht per person depending on day. Book your spot on www.paintbarbangkok.com to get a discount. Paintbar Bangkok is on the 6th floor, Piman49, Sukhumvit soi 49. Open daily 7pm and Sat-Sun from 1pm. Call 081-612-6105.
