Looking to try painting in South Walton's vibrant art scene? Here's a quick guide to the five best painting classes in the area. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, these studios offer opportunities to learn different techniques and create art inspired by South Walton's stunning coastal landscapes.
- Bayou Arts Center: Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this spot offers painting classes in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Prices start at $30 for half-day sessions.
- Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A: A creative studio for kids and teens in Santa Rosa Beach, featuring in-person classes and take-home art kits.
- Shard Shop: A Grayton Beach studio specializing in mosaic art using repurposed glass. Open to all ages and skill levels.
- Sharon Long Watercolors: Focused exclusively on watercolor painting, this Miramar Beach studio is ideal for those passionate about this medium.
- Lori Drew Art Studio: Learn oil and cold wax painting from an award-winning artist in her working studio in Santa Rosa Beach.
These studios combine expert instruction with South Walton's inspiring surroundings, making them perfect for artists of all levels.
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1. Bayou Arts Center
Nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach at 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane, the Bayou Arts Center offers a tranquil and inspiring setting for art enthusiasts. Located along the scenic Hogtown Bayou, this center is surrounded by towering pines and serene marshlands, creating the perfect backdrop for artistic expression.
Location
The peaceful waterfront views and the natural beauty of the marshes make this a haven for artists, providing endless inspiration to capture the delicate interplay of light and nature.
Artistic Focus
The Bayou Arts Center caters to a variety of artistic interests, with a strong focus on painting. Classes cover mediums like oil, acrylic, and watercolor, ensuring something for every preference. Beyond traditional canvas work, the center is particularly known for its pottery painting sessions. A standout offering is the "Pottery Technique (Monthly Masterpiece)" class, where participants can paint a featured design of the month onto their chosen pottery piece.
The center also hosts creative events that bring the community together. For example, "Diva Night" is an adults-only pottery painting session, while "Paint 'Til You Faint" offers extended hours for crafting holiday-inspired creations. These events, led by skilled instructors, make art accessible and fun for everyone.
Instructor Expertise
The pottery program is led by Jessica Batson, the primary instructor for the Cultural Arts Alliance. Her expertise ensures participants receive top-notch guidance. Additionally, the center features stunning murals by local artist Chick Huettel, adding a unique touch to its chapel space.
Class Suitability
The Bayou Arts Center offers classes designed for various skill levels and ages, making it a welcoming space for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Half-day classes are priced at $30 for Cultural Arts Alliance members and $35 for non-members. Full-day intensive sessions cost $60 for members and $70 for non-members. These affordable options ensure that art remains accessible to the community while fostering creativity and learning.
2. Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A
Nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach, Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A is a creative studio designed for kids and teens. It’s a place where young artists can dive into the world of painting while also exploring fun, take-home art projects. With its central location, it’s become a go-to spot for families looking to encourage their children’s artistic side.
Location
Conveniently located in Santa Rosa Beach, the studio is easily accessible for families across South Walton. It offers a welcoming space where kids can freely express their creativity while feeling supported and inspired.
Artistic Focus
At Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A, the focus is on teaching painting techniques while introducing kids to other creative outlets. What makes this studio stand out is its unique mix of in-person art classes and take-home kits. These kits, complete with supplies and YouTube tutorials, allow kids to continue their artistic journey at home. The studio’s approach balances teaching essential painting skills with encouraging young artists to explore their own creative styles. This method aligns with South Walton’s dedication to fostering new talent in the community.
Instructor Expertise
Leading the charge is Jessica Williams, the studio’s Creative Director, Owner, and primary instructor. With a background in formal art education and teaching, Jessica brings a wealth of experience to her role.
"Jessica has a driving passion to supply a creative space for the youth of her hometown area of Santa Rosa Beach. She enjoys helping with one's personal growth and providing a creative environment for both young artists and parents."
Jessica’s teaching style is hands-on and approachable. She carefully plans each project and guides students step by step, focusing not only on building technical skills but also on fostering personal growth through creativity.
Class Suitability
Designed specifically for children and teens, Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A is a perfect fit for young artists in South Walton. Classes are tailored to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every student feels challenged yet supported. Jessica’s experience as an art teacher allows her to adapt lessons to suit the developmental stages of her students, creating an environment where kids can thrive.
The studio’s warm and encouraging atmosphere makes it a favorite among parents seeking high-quality art instruction for their kids. By blending skill-building with creative freedom, Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A provides a space where young artists can truly shine.
3. Shard Shop
Tucked away in the creative hub of Grayton Beach, Shard Shop is a one-of-a-kind studio that invites visitors to explore the art of mosaic making. Using repurposed glass, seashells, and other materials, participants can craft stunning mosaic pieces through the ShardWorx method, a technique pioneered by the studio's founder.
Location
You’ll find Shard Shop at 26 Logan Lane, Unit E, in Santa Rosa Beach, nestled in the lively Grayton Beach neighborhood. With its proximity to galleries, restaurants, and bars, the studio’s location makes it easy to immerse yourself in the local arts scene before or after your class.
"Nestled under the pines of Grayton Beach, Florida, this trendy Make-Your-Own-ShardArt boutique is filled to the brim with all things glass!" - Visit South Walton
The studio is highly rated (9.2) and designed for accessibility, with convenient entrances and parking, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun.
Artistic Focus
At Shard Shop, the focus is on creating personalized mosaics using the ShardWorx method. This involves layering repurposed glass and other materials to craft unique designs, which are then sealed with a clear resin coating. The result? A polished, lasting piece of art that’s both personal and professional-looking.
Instructor Expertise
The studio is led by Mary Hong, the artist and entrepreneur behind the ShardWorx technique that defines Shard Shop’s signature style. Supporting her is Rebecca LeRoy, a skilled instructor with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine/Studio Arts from Columbia College and further studies at Clemson University. Rebecca has been teaching at Shard Shop since June 2018, offering her expertise to ensure every class is engaging and educational. Together with the rest of the team, known for their hands-on approach, they guide participants through every step of the creative process.
Class Suitability
Shard Shop is perfect for all ages and experience levels, making it a great option for families or anyone new to art. Instructors specialize in helping those who may feel unsure about their artistic skills, offering practical tips on glass cutting and design techniques.
"Super friendly, helpful staff that make you feel totally at home- even if you've never done anything artsy before." - Amanda, Tripadvisor Reviewer
Thanks to the guidance of Certified Resin Technicians, even first-timers walk away with professional-quality artwork they can be proud of.
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4. Sharon Long Watercolors
If you're passionate about watercolor painting, Sharon Long Watercolors provides a welcoming and personalized environment to explore and develop your skills. The studio focuses on helping students build a solid foundation in this expressive medium.
Location
Nestled at 682 Seascape Dr Unit 7D, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, the studio enjoys a picturesque coastal backdrop that inspires creativity. It's also featured on the official Visit South Walton website, making it a popular choice for both visitors and locals.
Artistic Focus
This studio is all about watercolor. By concentrating solely on this medium, the classes encourage creativity while teaching the essential techniques needed to bring your ideas to life. It's a perfect complement to South Walton's thriving art scene.
Instructor Expertise
The studio is led by Sharon Long, a skilled watercolor artist who brings years of hands-on experience to her teaching. Her guidance helps students navigate the unique challenges and beauty of watercolor painting.
Class Suitability
With an impressive 5.0 student rating, Sharon Long Watercolors caters to everyone - from beginners taking their first steps to seasoned artists looking to refine their craft. The supportive atmosphere ensures a rewarding experience for all.
5. Lori Drew Art Studio
Lori Drew Art Studio offers a truly personal and inspiring art experience, making it a standout destination for anyone looking to explore their creative side. Here, you can learn directly from an award-winning artist in her own working studio - a space that seamlessly blends the energy of an artist’s workspace with the warmth of a welcoming classroom.
Location
You’ll find the studio at 60 Summer Breeze Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, nestled in the serene Point Washington area of South Walton. It’s just 3 miles north of Grayton Beach and close to the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay. Since this is a working studio, it’s a good idea to call or text in advance to ensure Lori is available and to get detailed directions.
Artistic Focus
Lori Drew specializes in oil and cold wax painting on handmade wood panels. This technique creates artwork with incredible depth and texture, offering a visual richness that goes beyond traditional painting styles.
"Working with cold wax and oils is a journey rich in texture and complexity. Every day I have the pleasure of exploring new effects of layering, new feelings of comfort and new surprises that culminate in loving little memories of my life near the Gulf of Mexico."
- Lori Drew
Instructor Expertise
With over 13 years of professional experience, Lori Drew brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Her accolades include being named the 2017 South Walton Mixed Media Artist of the Year and earning an Honorable Mention Award from Hidden Lantern Gallery in 2013 for her oil and cold wax piece, "Tranquility." Her mastery of texture and layering makes her an exceptional mentor for anyone interested in this unique medium.
Class Suitability
Lori’s classes are designed for artists at all levels, from beginners to seasoned painters. She emphasizes creative freedom and encourages students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, creating a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
"It was difficult at first to let go and allow freedom to enter the painting. I often relate my painting style to life itself, remembering that it's OK to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and move forward. I find that the most remarkable results happen, in art and in life, when you trust in your spirit and accept everything as being exactly where you are supposed to be at that moment."
- Lori Drew
Participants not only get to learn from Lori but also have the chance to watch her in action, gaining insight into her creative process. This one-on-one interaction provides a rare opportunity to deepen your skills in an inspiring and personalized way.
Class Comparison Table
Here’s a quick breakdown of key details for each studio. Use this table to compare their location, age range, and skill level offerings.
| Studio | Location | Age Range | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayou Arts Center | 105 Hogtown Bayou Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, FL | All ages | All skill levels |
| Rock, Paper, Scissors 30A | 37 Logan Lane, Ste. 8, Grayton Beach, FL | Varies | Varies |
| Shard Shop | 26 Logan Lane, Cottage E, Grayton Beach, FL | Ages 6–96 | All skill levels |
| Sharon Long Watercolors | 100 Seascape Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 | Varies | Varies |
| Lori Drew Art Studio | 60 Summer Breeze Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, FL | Varies | Varies |
Location Accessibility
All five studios are nestled in South Walton's beach neighborhoods, making them convenient whether you’re in Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, or Miramar Beach.
Best for Families and Beginners
If you’re new to art or planning a family outing, Bayou Arts Center and Shard Shop are top picks. Both welcome all ages and skill levels, making them perfect for beginners.
Conclusion
South Walton stands out as a haven for painting enthusiasts, offering an arts scene that warmly embraces both beginners and experienced painters alike.
One of the highlights of South Walton is the variety of painting techniques you can explore. Whether you're captivated by the timeless beauty of watercolor at Sharon Long Watercolors, intrigued by the distinctive shard art process at Shard Shop, or eager to learn from Lori Drew - honored as the 2017 South Walton Artist of the Year - there’s something to spark every artist's imagination [27, 23]. These studios celebrate creativity in their own unique ways, showcasing the artistic heartbeat of South Walton.
Adding to the experience is the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. With its sugar-white beaches and unspoiled coastal landscapes, South Walton provides an inspiring backdrop for immersive painting sessions.
But the experience goes beyond just learning art. These studios create spaces for connection and creativity, offering workshops that bring people together. From family-friendly classes to ladies' night events and birthday celebrations, every session is designed to make art a shared joy.
Discover these inspiring studios and let the stunning 30A coastline be the canvas for your next masterpiece.
FAQs
What painting techniques can I learn at South Walton art classes?
South Walton art classes provide an exciting range of painting techniques tailored for all skill levels. You can dive into watercolor, acrylic, oil painting, or pastels. For those looking to try something different, unique methods like cold wax are also available. Many studios go beyond traditional painting, offering chances to explore mixed media or even glass art, giving you plenty of ways to discover what sparks your creativity. Whether you're just starting or have years of experience, there's a class waiting to inspire you.
Are there beginner-friendly painting classes in South Walton?
South Walton has plenty of painting classes that are great for beginners. Local art studios and workshops offer a relaxed and inviting space where anyone, regardless of experience, can tap into their creative side. With step-by-step instruction from skilled teachers, you don’t need any prior knowledge to join in.
From watercolor and acrylics to mixed media, there’s a variety of options designed with beginners in mind. These classes are not only a chance to pick up a new hobby but also an opportunity to meet other art lovers and walk away with a piece of artwork that’s entirely your own.
Do any of these studios host special events or group workshops?
Several studios in South Walton host special events and workshops designed for families, groups, and private gatherings. For instance, The Shard Shop Grayton and Salt Water Vacations offer activities like family-friendly art sessions, private parties, and personalized lessons. These opportunities are a great way to bond with loved ones while tapping into your creative side.
