FAQ Just Paint Workshop
Do I need painting experience?
Not at all. Just Paint is open to everyone—from people who have painted for years to people who simply want to get back into creating. This is not about painting the “right” way. Elliott will be there to offer guidance, ideas, and encouragement while allowing you the freedom to create your own work.
Is this a traditional paint-and-sip class?
No. Everyone is not painting the same picture while following step-by-step instructions. Just Paint is an open, intuitive painting experience. You choose your direction, colors, composition, and style, with professional artist Elliott From available to help guide you along the way.
What is included?
Your canvas, paints, brushes, tools, studio space, and guidance from Elliott are all included. You simply show up ready to paint.
What size canvas will I be painting?
You will have a choice of three large-format canvases:
- 24" × 30"
- 24" × 36"
- 24" × 48"
These are substantial canvases designed to give you room to experiment, move, layer paint, and create a finished piece that can make an impact in your home.
What should I wear?
Dress to get messy! Acrylic paint can stain clothing. Bring a smock, apron, old shirt, or wear clothing and shoes you don't mind getting paint on. This is a working artist's studio, and getting a little paint on yourself is part of the experience.
Do you provide smocks?
We recommend bringing your own smock, apron, or oversized shirt so you know you have something comfortable to paint in.
Where do I park?
Street parking is available throughout downtown Asheville, along with several nearby public parking garages. Please give yourself a little extra time before the workshop to park and walk to the studio.
Are there restrooms?
Yes. Restrooms are available on-site for workshop guests.
What happens if my painting is still wet when the workshop ends?
No problem. Large acrylic paintings sometimes need additional drying time. You are welcome to leave your painting at Artbeat Gallery & Lounge and return to pick it up once it is dry.
Can I take my painting home the same day?
If your painting is dry enough to safely transport, absolutely. We recommend thinking ahead about your vehicle and how you will transport a large canvas. If it isn't ready, you can leave it with us to dry.
I'm visiting Asheville. Can I still participate?
Absolutely. Just Paint is designed for both Asheville locals and visitors looking for a more creative experience while they're in town. If you're traveling, talk with us before the workshop about your plans for getting your finished artwork home. We ship paintings every month to our collectors who live out of state.
Can I bring my own idea or inspiration?
Yes—and we encourage it. Bring photographs, sketches, color ideas, screenshots, or simply an idea in your head. You don't have to copy anything exactly. Inspiration is simply a starting point.
What if I have no idea what I want to paint?
That's perfectly fine. Elliott can help you get started with color, movement, composition, layering, and different ways of approaching the blank canvas. Sometimes the best paintings begin without a plan.
Will Elliott paint the painting for me?
No—and that's part of the experience! Elliott will demonstrate techniques, answer questions, make suggestions, and help when you're stuck, but the finished painting will be yours.
What type of paint will we use?
The workshop primarily uses acrylic paints, which are versatile, fast-drying, colorful, and perfect for experimenting with layers, texture, movement, and abstraction.
Can I bring my own brushes or painting tools?
Absolutely. Everything you need will be provided, but if you have favorite brushes, palette knives, or other tools you enjoy using, you're welcome to bring them.
Can I bring food or drinks?
Light personal refreshments may be appropriate depending on the workshop. Beer and wine may also be available for purchase at Artbeat Gallery & Lounge. Please remember that the focus of Just Paint is painting and creating.
Can I come by myself?
Definitely. You do not need to come with a partner or group. In fact, Just Paint is a great experience for someone who wants dedicated creative time but doesn't have the space—or the desire—to set up an entire painting studio at home.
Is this good for couples or friends?
Yes. Couples, friends, mothers and daughters, siblings, and small groups are welcome. You'll be creating alongside one another, but everyone gets to work on their own painting and their own idea.
Is this workshop for children?
Just Paint is designed primarily as an adult creative experience. Please check the individual workshop listing for age requirements or contact Artbeat Gallery & Lounge before registering a younger participant.
How messy is it?
It can be as messy as you want it to be! This is a working studio experience. Paint may drip, splash, or end up somewhere you didn't expect. That's why we recommend dressing accordingly.
What if I don't finish my painting?
That's okay. The goal isn't to race to the finish line. Elliott can help you determine when your painting feels complete or whether it needs more work. Depending on the situation, arrangements may be possible to continue or finish the piece later.
Why is Just Paint priced differently from a typical painting class?
Because this isn't a small-canvas, follow-the-instructor painting class. You're working on a large-scale canvas in a professional working artist's studio, with materials provided and personal guidance from Elliott From, a professional artist with decades of creative experience.
You're paying for the canvas and materials—but you're also paying for the studio space, time, creative freedom, and access to an experienced working artist.
Do I have to be “artistic”?
No. You just have to be willing to create.
That's really the philosophy behind the entire experience: