Learn to paint

With more adults picking up a paintbrush as a way to de-stress from work, there has been a boom in beginner painting classes available in the city. These lessons are often less like a formal class and more like an informal group activity. They usually take place in quiet villas or apartments, where people sit around easels. The following three classes are recommended for curious would-be artists.

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Midian Art Studio.

This studio was launched in early 2012 and is focused on people who want to learn how to paint. The studio is more like a painting community rather than an art lesson. It is suitable for people who have a certain level of drawing skills and are interested in painting with others.

Address: B505, Hengsheng Building, 1396 Lujiabang Road, Huangpu district

黃浦區陸家浜路1396號恒升大廈B505

WeChat: midianart

Price: from 45 yuan to 105 yuan for three to four hours

Creative Art Workshop

If you have zero experience in art but are interested in creating an oil painting, this is a great place to get started. Visitors spend four hours completing their own oil painting, which is then framed as a gift for friends or as a souvenir to keep. The process is enjoyable from beginning to end, and includes mixing the color.

Address: 4-308, Building 29, No 2988 Yindu Road, Minhang district

閔行區銀都路2988號29幢4單元308室

Telephone: 180-2107-3975 or 138-1621-6350 (Mr. Deng)

Price: 200 yuan for four hours (50 yuan per hour afterwards)

Salon De Verve

Located in a downtown villa, the art salon offers a quiet and comfortable place for people to sit in the garden and enjoy painting in the sunshine surrounded by green trees and birdsong. The lesson is taught by a professional tutor who helps students to create unique artwork.

Address: Room 106, No 65, Lane 405, Zhenning Road, Jing'an district

靜安區鎮寧路405弄65號106室

Telephone: 021-6212-0634

Price: 100 yuan to 300 yuan for three hours