Paint With Me

Eloise Nouvelle didn’t grow up painting or immersed in the art world. In fact, she’d always been more of an academic. So when she sat down to her first paint and sip, she never expected to discover a passion that would change the course of her life. By the end of the class, Eloise was beaming. 

That one class was the beginning of something special. Soon, Eloise was spending her mornings painting alongside her coffee, happily losing herself in the process. The more she painted, the more she discovered how rewarding it was just to create something. And perhaps most importantly, she realised you didn’t need to grow up artistic or have some innate creative talent to enjoy it.

Today, Eloise brings that same energy to Paint With Me, her vibrant art studio in Northcote. Having been a beginner herself, she knows exactly what it feels like to stare at a blank canvas and wonder where to start. So when students insist they have no talent or can’t do it, Eloise is living proof that they might just surprise themselves! Alongside her team of local artists, she’s created a welcoming space where you can unwind, have fun with friends or really get stuck into learning new techniques. Whatever brings you through the door, expect plenty of encouragement, a splash of colour and the chance to discover what you’re capable of creating.

Painting should be your next favourite social activity because…

“Humans are born creative, no matter who you are. We learn to relinquish the creative side of ourselves in order to become professional, serious adults with "real jobs". But we still crave creative expression; otherwise, paint-and-sip classes wouldn't be so popular to this day! Humans are built for expression, communication and reflection. Sharing that with other people truly brings colour into our world.”

The energy I bring to my classes…

“It really depends on the class! If the class is full, or if it's a paint your partner evening, pour painting/fluid art, or a seasonal class, it's always chatty! In those paint and sips, I always say, ‘You come for the art lesson, and you stay for the free comedy!’ It's a lot of fun. 

If the class is smaller and more of a skill-development workshop, then painters will lock in a little bit. These are paint and sips where our local artists will give feedback, advice and guidance to each individual guest. 

If the class is more sensory, focused on meditative moments, relaxing and self-expression, the guests are super chill. Everyone kicks back and paints just to paint. They are always proud of their creation. Those are the classes where the reflective self-appreciation of the artist comes through, and it's inspiring to see it unfold day after day in our beautiful space.”

My top tip for beginners is…

“Every single professional artist has heard, 'I could never do that, I can't even draw a stick figure!’ So we hear that one a lot. That's when I whip out my secret weapon... me! I tell them how I started, where I came from and my own stubborn heel-digging that lasted years when I taught myself. They usually can't believe it, so that's when I show them the photos!

All of our teachers at Paint With Me have been chosen for their patience, communication skills, and easy-going personalities. They're all very talented, but their personalities are their most important tool. 

All of us put significant effort into working with every single person who paints in our Northcote paint and sips. We're able to tell if someone is struggling, not enjoying themselves and what they need. We pick up on their frustrations or anxieties, and we help them out of it by never abandoning them to fend off the critical thoughts alone. 

We always say that painting feels hard because you can hear your own thoughts!”

Step inside my studio and…

“You’ll find real studio materials. Sturdier canvases, top-quality paintbrushes, aluminium tabletop easels and studio artist-quality acrylic paint (it's thicker, glossier, and more pigmented than the typical paints or cheap craft paints that you’ll notice in other paint and sip venues). 

This means you’re working with premium materials to learn how to use more paint to get texture, how stepping back 1m or squinting at your painting shows you shapes, dark and light areas and helps prevent overwhelm from getting stuck in the details too early, as well as how to recognise warm and cool colours, where they belong, and how to lighten and darken your paints without white so your hard work stays vibrant, vividly coloured, and you don't accidentally get cloudy, chalky, muddy tones. (Unless you're a landscape lover like me. Gimme all the earthy, moody tones and a jar of dirty brushes!)”

My favourite part of a workshop is…

“It's the moment that somebody sits back, crosses their arms, their eyes are locked on their painting, and their face softens. Without fail, every single time, they will say, ‘That's... not bad. I'm happy with that.’

That's why we do what we do! That was the moment I knew, in my own very first paint and sip, that I wanted to learn the language that belonged entirely to me. 

It's the best moment in every single class, and it happens to nearly every painter!”