Sip and be social with watercolours

Local artist Natalie Martin has partnered with Torquay distillery Flowstate to bring to life Watercolour Social Sessions, a fun and inclusive paint and sip style event on the Surf Coast.

Set to be held on the last Thursday of every month, the unstructured classes give the community the time to play, enjoy watercolours and get away from the daily stresses of their lives.

The idea for the paint and sip sessions was born after Martin hosted a similar kind of event at her studio at Ashmore Arts in Torquay, citing that bottles of wine, snacks and painting were a great way of connecting with her friends.

After seeing the success of the event within her personal circle, Martin thought she would get the concept off the ground and into one of her favourite watering holes for the public to indulge in.

 

She said the sessions would focus on unwinding, social connecting and having fun.

“Connecting with your creative self, spending quality time with friends and slipping the phone away, these are all things we need to do more of in our modern lives.

“Plenty of people say they aren’t ‘creative’ or that they can’t paint… this class is not about talent or learning skills, it’s a space for quality time with friends, trying something new and playing.

“After chatting with Leigh and Shaun from Flowstate, we both loved the idea of getting the Watercolour Social Sessions up and running.

“Holding the event at a bar just made sense to me, it automatically sets the scene and puts you in that social mood.

“It’s also the perfect cold weather indoor activity and something else for Flowstate to offer their customers to compliment their live music nights, market appearances and happy hours.”

 

While only being held once a month, Martin hoped the sessions would become a regular thing for locals on the Surf Coast to attend.

“Rather than a once-off, I want the Watercolour Social Sessions to run on a regular basis so you can come along more than once like a yoga class,” she said.

“You’ll find us armed with cocktails, paintbrushes and templates… the first drink is on us as well!”

The Watercolour Social Sessions are held at Flowstate, 17/10 Cylinders Drive, Torquay, on the last Thursday of the month from 6.30-8.30pm.

All watercolour materials are provided, as well a drink of your choice and light refreshments. No experience is needed.

For more, head to nataliemartin.com.au/products/watercolour-social-sessions