PAINT:LAB is a walk-in art studio where people can experience, express, and explore their creativity through the medium of paint without having to set up a studio at home. Our staff is made up of experienced painters and artists who provide a fun, creative, environment for our customers. We offer in-studio two-hour workshops for those who wish to learn a new medium, art process or just brush up on their techniques. Our goal is to allow both painters and non-painters alike the opportunity of discovering the artist within. At PAINT:LAB, people can experience, express and explore their creativity through the medium of paint, our motto is “Everyone Can Paint!”
PAINT:LAB opened it’s doors on March 21, 2009 on Main Street in Santa Monica. We have since moved to a great space at 1453 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Our hope is to eventually bring the PAINT:LAB concept to children and adults in many other neighborhoods, spanning across the country. We are here to provide a nurturing, creative space where customers can come in on their own schedule and create works of art that can uplift their spirit and boost their personal esteem and satisfaction. Spending a day at PAINT:LAB is an empowering and creative activity.
Open Studio Painting
Come in anytime during our studio hours for an opportunity for you to come and paint with family, friends, or on your own. Available every day except during private events. You are welcome to stay as long as you want during regular studio hours.
Adults: $23 for the day plus the cost of canvas
Kids: (Ages 5-12) $17 plus the cost of canvas
Toddlers: (4 & under) $17 paper is available for toddlers $1 for 5 sheets
An additional fee for oil paints starts at $3.
Our staff of professional artists and in-house resources are available to you for guidance and encouragement during your visit. We also provide the paints, brushes, easel, studio space and clean up. You just bring your creativity!
Private Events
Our studio is available for events, including birthday parties, fund-raising events, receptions, bachelorette parties, baby showers, bridal showers, wrap parties, team-building events, and any other type of social gathering you can dream of – for all ages and experience levels! Please call us for a custom quote to suit your event.
We can:
- Seat 35 painters and guests
- Provide meeting room for 20+ people
- We can also travel to your venue and bring the PAINT:LAB experience to you
Prices range between $20 – $70 per person depending on activity and what’s included. We will work with you to create the perfect event for you and your budget. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a custom budget.
Filming & Community Collaborations
Because we love art and painting so much it is our goal to allow access to everyone. We work to bring art and painting classes to our community. We have worked with local libraries, local schools, the police department, seniors and youth centers, museums, and many other local businesses.
Our studio is available for filming and still photo shoots. Please call us for details.
FAQ’s
⭐️ Can I bring my own canvas?
The canvas can be any shape or size. Two weeks of canvas storage can be purchased for 8$.
⭐️ Do I need to bring my own materials?
Depending on experience, yes and no! For Daily Lab, we supply all materials except for surface (surfaces are available for purchase in the studio/bring your own for $8). Some classes include all materials, others require separate purchase of a surface. Please refer to class descriptions on our website for the specific breakdown of what each class includes.
⭐️ My child is 6 years old, are they too young for a lesson?
No child is too young for art lessons! We have pre-k painting classes for ages 2-5 on Wednesday’s 4 pm-5 pm. Parents are welcome to stay. Drop-offs are allowed if the child is potty trained. Any child of any age is welcome to stop by for daily lab $17 a day (this fee includes all materials except for surfaces). Daily lab is not facilitated by an instructor, so children 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.
⭐️ How do I sign up for an online class?
You can go to www.paintlab.net/calendar and click on the class you’d like to attend and register. If registering a child, please fill out a registration form and send it via email. You can also give the studio a call any time at (310) 450-9200 to book a class and fill out the required paperwork in person.
⭐️ What’s the difference between guided classes VS open studio?
Guided classes: an instructor provides feedback, suggestions, and step by step demo (depending on the type of guided class). These occur at set times, see calendar for more info. Open studio: all materials are provided with no instruction and you can stop by anytime during our hours of operation.
⭐️ What is “Brushes & Bites” or “Brushes & Brunch”?
A step-by-step guided painting experience where everyone completes the same image while enjoying complimentary wine, mimosas or coffee/tea and snacks such as cheese, fruit, and sweets. All materials are provided, including canvas.
⭐️ I’m hoping to book a class for my employees. Where can I do that?
For special event inquiries, please call the studio at (310) 450-9200 or email We offer many styles of workshops and events that can be tailored to your needs and would love to discuss them with you.
⭐️ I don’t know how to paint at all, what kind of class should I take?
We suggest taking a full Fundamentals Course! You can see our current course programming and register via the links below.
For a more immersive experience, we suggest a 1:1 lesson, which is $75/hr. This can be planned around your schedule.
Course Schedule and Registration Links
- Fundamentals of Watercolor Painting (Tuesdays 6:30 pm-8:30 pm)
- Fundamentals of Oil Painting (Thursdays 7 pm-9 pm)
- Drawing Fundamentals (Wednesdays 7 pm-9 pm)
⭐️ When are you open?
Monday-Friday: 2 pm-10 pm, Saturday: 11am-8pm, and Sunday 12 pm-8pm
⭐️ Do you have any special deals or packages?
Refer to our calendar because we have a rotation of specialty events. When purchasing 4 classes at once, you will receive 10% off your total. When purchasing 6 classes at once, you will receive 15% off your total. This applies to all adult workshops. For children, we sell semester-style workshop packages (1 session a week for 6 weeks is 220). Please see our website for more details or call the studio to purchase! 310.450.9200
⭐️ How long do you hold onto artworks?
We hold onto works in progress for 2 weeks maximum. Each time you come in, you will get another two weeks.
⭐️ Do I need to pre-register for classes?
Yes, all classes must be registered online or over the phone. No drop-ins allowed for guided classes. Online registration closes 24 hours before workshop. You can register day-of via phone. Spots are limited.
⭐️ Do you offer outdoor seating?
Yes, we have some outdoor classes for kids, and we also have outdoor seating available for daily lab drop-ins and special events/parties. Feel free to call and check ahead of time if outdoor seating is offered for the class you’d like to take.
⭐️ Do you sell gift cards?
Gift card purchases can be made in person or over the phone.
⭐️ Are pets allowed in the studio?
We only allow service animals in the studio in consideration of other students at work.
⭐️ What is your cancellation policy?
The Studio does not issue refunds. Studio credit is offered for returned merchandise or canceled workshops, camps and events within the restrictions outlined above.
To receive credit, PAINT:LAB has a 24-hour workshop/lesson cancellation policy and a 48-hour camp cancellation policy. Any cancellations with less than appropriate 24/48 hour notice are subject to a 60% cancellation fee. Customer forfeits entire amount if cancellation is less than 5 hrs. No-show will also result in full forfeiture. All deal vouchers are subject to forfeiture with less than appropriate 24/48 hour notice to reschedule. Event cancellations within seven days of event are subject to deposit forfeiture. Event cancellations after 48 hrs prior to event are subject to full forfeiture.
⭐️ Can I buy art supplies at the studio to take home?
Yes! We sell a wide range of painting and drawing materials, as well as other art tools and surfaces.
⭐️ Do you offer any remote classes?
Yes! To schedule on location workshops or events, please call the studio (310) 450-9200.