Paint’n Sip - or what is art?
The creative souls at Dr. Jekyll’s Pub in Oslo are at it again. Yesterday marked the inaugural installment of what is surely destined to become a cult favorite: a Paint’n Sip session. Now, what in the single malt madness is that, you ask?
The event was held in collaboration with the folks at Paint’n Sip, who’ve been organizing artistic soirées in six cities across Norway for years - though, to my knowledge, never with a whisky twist. That, dear reader, was Jekyll’s inspired contribution.
Look, it’s Luigi and Mario! No wait, that’s Renato and Tommy, our hosts for the evening.
As we arrived, the scene was already set: professional instructor ready, paints laid out, and every conceivable surface wrapped in plastic like we were about to reenact a scene from Dexter. The Jekyll’s crew clearly had visions of Jackson Pollock meets Islay peat bombs. Each participant had their own station complete with canvas, stand, brushes, and a delightfully squishy palette of acrylic paints.
The evening's first challenge? Color theory. We were given the three primary colors, along with black and white, and expected to mix up anything from golden barley to brooding sherry cask hues. Some of us discovered we were more adept at drinking whisky than blending ochres. Have you any idea how difficult it is to create the color of barley or that liquid sunshine we love so much?
Speaking of whisky, Edrington generously supplied the liquid inspiration: the Macallan the Harmony Collection Amber Meadow and the Highland Park 15 YO (see review), both elegantly presented by Magnus, who also gamely tried his hand at painting. To complement the drams, a couple of beers were offered. My choice being the refreshing and slightly funky Kveik from Berentsens Brygghus.
The loosely defined artistic mission? Paint something inspired by the whisky. Interpret that as you will. I initially forgot the whisky entirely, becoming fully absorbed in the zen of brush and canvas. But with time (and probably help from the drams themselves), a faint whisky theme did emerge in my work - if you squint hard enough.
Magnus from Edrington bravely presents his art. I found it rather dynamic and interesting!
After a couple of hours of daubing and dabbing - buoyed by the instructor’s encouragement and the delightfully snide remarks of our hosts, Tommy and Renato - we wrapped up. A few brave souls shared brief stories or shy disclaimers about their masterpieces. And yes, we got to take our creations home. Whether they’ll be hung or hidden is another matter.
All in all, this was a brilliant mix of creativity and conviviality. You don’t need to know a thing about painting or whisky to enjoy yourself. But if you do love either, or just the idea of swirling a dram while smearing acrylics across a canvas, this is absolutely your kind of night.
My own creation; make of it what you will. I’m mildly pleased with having finally found barley-like colors. The rest is just filling.
Sláinte!
- Thomas
