The Loaded Brush

I hadn’t picked up a paint brush in 14 years since moving to Portland because I couldn’t find a class to work with my odd schedule. I was so nervous when I walked in. Immediately the instructor, Nathan, made me feel right at home. He’s very personable and put me at ease right away. The people attending class were very nice. I actually was able to turn out something I was proud to hang on my wall at home. I’ve had 2 more classes since and am trying to pick up several a month. I’m very grateful The Loaded Brush has such patient, friendly instructors. I wish I had found them sooner!

This is an art place, and I’m not an artist. Or creative. Or brush inspired ever.
It doesn’t matter here. The atmosphere is so chill, you’d probably forget what you were here for in the first place. I first came here for a work event, and gave me an idea for a Valentine’s Day event that I booked.
So we showed up, and again, it’s just chill. I cannot even think of a more simple concept than that. You have a mix of people who do, or do not, get art and it doesn’t matter. The teacher, Aaron, is a ton of fun.
There is no pressure in this painting. The only pressure is what you put on yourself. And you have Aaron helping around, and reminding you — art is art — take a step back. And you laugh a lot too. My girlfriend and I spent a lot of time just laughing and poking at each other’s work.
You can drink beer or wine too, that might help.
I seriously cannot imagine a better, more open environment for painting, Especially for non-​painters. I’m taking my mom next week for a mom-​son weekend since it’s all been so good, so far.
I’ll be back… again/​again

What an amazing place. Have taken my team as well and my daughter and planning my next sessions. So much fun even if you don’t know what you are doing. Everything about this place is top notch. Even Aaron and especially Bob! :)

Love this place. I have been to similar establishments and they don’t even compare. Aaron is amazing as well as his staff. The casual environment is perfect for any event!

After four different painting classes at different levels I have made a few of my own masterpieces with much laughter along the way. Each time I have had the same instructor (Aaron) and his puppy Bob and each time he has helped me to improve and learn to really have fun. Three times now we’ve had Aaron teach a private session for us which has been a great block of time to eat, drink, paint, and have a good time. I highly recommend this group for painters of all levels (they will challenge you as individuals within the basic course) especially if you’re looking to learn something new.

I went with my mother-​in-​law for the Night Blossom class and had such an amazing time! The instructor, Nathan, was super laid back and funny and made the entire experience so much fun and enjoyable! They do a wonderful job in letting you express your own creativity and if you are struggling, the classes are small enough that they can come over and help guide you as well! I can’t wait to pick out my next class and head back for more fun and painting!

I thoroughly enjoyed the class «Waterlillies» taught by Nathan Turner. This was the first time I had ever participated in such a unique event. A group of us went, using Groupon — and all of us have decided that we will return with or WITHOUT the discount!
The casual atmosphere in the small tucked away studio was inviting — with everything being provided for you from the canvas, paint and painting smock — if you’re lucky, you may even get the coveted «Power Smock” — which apparently gives you super art powers…) to the small well behaved studio mascott named Bob.
Nathan walked the class of 20 or so artists’ methodically through the steps of painting Monets’ famous Waterlillies, starting with the blobs of paint and how to mix the primary colors into pretty aquas and purples all the way to us ceremoniously autographing our masterpieces at the conclusion. He then encouraged us all to stand proudly with our portraits while he photographed each and everyone of us… throwing in a well deserved «selfy» every once in a while… to help perserve the memory
The class time was very well paced and went by quickly — leaving us the better part of our Friday night to go home and enjoy our work. It was awesome that they allowed us to bring munchies and drinks, which certainly fortified our creative endeavors.
All in all a very fun night — and like I said before… we absolutely will be back!

What a fun experience! This is a BYOB painting studio. They have an online calendar showing which paintings will be done on which days. We registered online and it was super easy!
They provide all of the art supplies and your canvas. You are free to bring your own beverage and snacks as you wish. We brought snacks & wine to inspire us. They also have wine and beer for purchase as well.
The artist walks you through the entire process of creating your acrylic painting. Feel free to follow as much or as little of the directions as you wish. Our class of 10, all produced something a little different, but all awesome! We headed home with two great paintings and smiling from such a fun experience! The teachers are fantastic! Great date night!
TIP: They do kids events too!

My sister gifted me a groupon for The Loaded Brush, and I finally got a chance to use it last night. Aaron was super fun and inviting. He kept checking in on everyone and made us all feel like we could make great paintings, no matter what our level of experience. My boyfriend was hesitant to come, but he ended up having a good time. I would definitely recommend The Loaded Brush to my friends. Thanks, Aaron!

Awesome concept and an excellent experience.
We had a private party here for my husband’s birthday. Out of 15 people in our party, only one had painting experience prior to the class.
The instructor, Joe, was fantastic. He was patient and helpful, breaking down the steps in a way that was not intimidating or difficult to follow. He also walked around and made sure everyone was on pace before moving forward.
We all had a great time and loved the experience. Many of us are already planning our next session!

I never really thought about taking a painting class, but when a friend invited me to go, I thought I’d give it a shot. I’m not artistic and have never painted before, so was a little nervous. Aaron, the owner was really awesome and made me feel right at home, I loved his little dog too. Heather was the instructor for the class and she was really great! She explained things really well and gave wonderful advice.
We were painting a rainy day theme with a girl holding an umbrella. I really couldn’t get my umbrella right and Heather encouraged me to go at it with a different angle with it. So I turned my umbrella into a mushroom. I loved the encouragement of doing what you want with the painting, instead of painting it exactly as it is taught.
I also love this studio because you can bring in your own beer, wine and snacks.
It’s a very laidback place and loads of fun! I’m excited to take my next class here!

Amazing! We were both nervous going because we can’t draw or paint AT ALL!!! when we walk in we are greeted by an adorable doggie and great teacher! He was funny and made you feel comfortable right away! You can bring your own drinks and food, he also provided drinks for a great deal! We ended up leaving so proud of ourselves and loved our paintings! We are planning on going back very soon!

I unfortunately did not have a good first (and last) experience at The Loaded Brush. I found out about the business through the Groupon I purchased. Maybe it was this particular instructor? I don’t know. But I did not enjoy my three hours in the studio much except for the brief moments when I could tune out my surroundings. The theme of this class was «Put a Bird On It», so we were to paint a bird-​like object of our choice. As a non-​artist, I was expecting a «how to» class and did not get any instruction or attention beyond the first few steps of the painting. There was little to no orientation to the studio or supplies. The «teacher» was too busy schmoozing and exchanging dry witty banter (attempts at flirting perhaps?) with his «regulars», and there were definitely several regulars there. Everybody in the class was female. He honestly was giving regular feedback to EVERYBODY except for me and my girlfriend. He did not stop to check in with us once and the class only had about 15 people. It was hard to get his attention for two seconds to ask him how to mix primary colors to make a specific color. When class was ending and people were gradually leaving as they finished their paintings, he was friendly and chatty with everybody except for us! We took our paintings and walked out without saying anything and nothing was said to us. To top it all off, there were several catty women in the room. One of them made a snide comment about my girlfriend’s painting being «weird» as she walked behind her while she was working. My girlfriend said that when I stepped outside to get fresh air (the glue got to me and I was super dizzy and nauseous), that some woman made a snarky remark to her friend under her breath. The atmosphere was very cliquey and unwelcoming, fueled by the instructor’s interactional style. It’s highly doubtful that I would ever return, which is a shame because it’s a really cool business model.
I’m being generous and editing my review to add a second star, simply for a good self-​insight that I gained from the experience. The main positive thing I can really say is that the teacher encouraged the class to let go and not be so anal about «doing it right» or following specific rules, which is a good message for me to take in. It’s hard for me to let go and just be creative. I would actually maybe like to take an art class in a different learning environment. I think it would be good for this Type A girl to color outside the lines a little more often.

Yep — top notch fun!
I love this place, great people, awesome energy… warm feelings of welcome. I love to check out of my world and join this colorful world of art.
Been twice now with my 19 year old daughter as our date night and we cant wait to get back into art seat again. We have only painted under Arron aka The Mad Hatter, and WE LOVE HIM! Don’t forget about BOB (–a-​rama-​lama-​ding-​dong) Marley who we couldn’t wait to see again… :)
Thanks Arron — You da’ bomb!
See ya next time!

Even you non-​painters, non-​artistic types (meaning me) will enjoy having a go at making your OWN painting.
Aaron is really doing it right. He keeps it casual, helps the ones who are a bit more needy, pushes you to stop before you ruin your painting, and takes the stress out of making mistakes by telling you just to let go. I did, and I am impressed with what I did!
The instruction is simply done, step by step. There’s wine available by the glass for purchase (not high quality, but you will be happy to have a bit of a buzz before you throw paint on a canvas anyway), you can bring your own food to snack on if you like.
Just don’t leave your purse open, on the floor, with gum in it. Mikey likes it.

What a great experience!
I attended the «Poppies» class with a friend and had an amazing time and came home with a sweet painting. The instructor, Matt, was wonderful. He was thorough in explaining the process, giving us a perfect amount of structure. He was also really great at pointing out people’s strengths and encouraging us to get inspiration from the other artists. These classes are great for anyone simply interested in having fun. Perfect for those experienced artists and those not familiar with painting at all! I will definitely be going back soon.
Thanks The Loaded Brush!

I had such fun time @ the loaded brush. I certainly didn’t expect much of a painting before I came in but at the end of the class, I was Munch :) My «SCREAM» was cool!!! The instructor Aaron was gave instruction well! He was super laid back and extremely funny! A fun place for girls night out or even date night. BYOB too which is totally awesome!
STFU to the guy who said there was a yappy dog. Bob rocks… Quit being a Hater.

This place is AWESOME!
I hosted a bridal shower here because I wanted to try something nontraditional. It was the best idea I’ve ever had! Aaron is the best! He was very accommodating, allowing me to arrive early to set up our snacks and drinks. He also kept my ladies laughing. Everyone got to take home an awesome painting, they had a great time, and the bride was thrilled. I’d say that’s a success!
Hosting a private party (min 10 people) is a great deal. Check into it!
I highly recommend this place for a date, birthday party, bridal shower, or just because.

My sister and I had such a great night out here, and we have two fantastic same-​but-​different paintings to show for it.
Aaron is really open to new class ideas and told us if we found something we’d like to paint, to just send him a photo and he’d put a class together.
Bring a bottle of wine, a friend or two (or your mom or your sister), and come away with a fun painting you made yourself.

My husband and I got a Groupon for the Loaded Brush last fall and for some reason it took me awhile to getting around to using it (fear of painting in front of people, perhaps?) In any event, we signed up for the «Put a Bird on It» Mixed Media class and are now ready to return and bring friends.
Aaron was an excellent teacher and very encouraging throughout the class. He creates a very relaxed atmosphere. We left satisfied with our paintings, inspired, and eager to return for another class.
The wine definitely lowered our inhibitions when it came to the painting process.