Painting with a Twist

Tampa, United States

4.6

Closed now

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 813-337-7790
Website:
paintingwithatwist.com
Address:
2821 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL, 33629
Palma Ceia
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
140 ftMacdill Av @ Bay To Bay Blvd
230 ftBay To Bay Blvd @ MacDill Av
370 ftMacdill Av @ Granada St
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (Tampa) 10:52 Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Thursday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sunday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Painting with a Twist is your answer to fun. The concept pairs instructional art with a lively instructor to produce individual works of art. Bring your favorite beverage, whether it’s wine or lemonade, your family and friends and enjoy step-​by-​step instruction with our experienced and enthusiastic local artists. You’ll leave with a one-​of-​kind piece of art and a new found talent you’ll want to explore. Painting with a Twist is also the perfect venue for private parties. From birthday and bachelorette parties to date nights and corporate team building events, we can help you celebrate anything.

Please reference our website’s Event Calendar for event dates and times. For private party dates, please contact us via phone or our website.

History

Established in 2009.

After Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, friends Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney found a way to twist a tragedy into a purpose. Cathy and Renee started Corks N Canvas in 2007 in Mandeville, Louisiana. The concept pairs instructional art with friends, wine and a lively instructor to produce individual works of art. With four locations in the Greater New Orleans Area, the company began franchising the business as Painting with a Twist® in 2009. Painting with a Twist® has been the #1 Ranked ‘Paint & Sip’ Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine three years in a row.

Meet the Business Owner

Leslie G.

Business Owner

Painting With A Twist-​St Pete was started by owners, Leslie and Marvin Gay in 2009. Transplants from New Orleans, LA and accountants in their previous corporate life, they decided to move to St Petersburg and start their second act. Leslie had painted at Corks n Canvas in New Orleans, loved the concept, and brought the newly founded franchise to St Pete. Both are very active in managing their business in St Pete and a year and a half later opened their second studio in South Tampa.

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20 reviews of Painting with a Twist

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Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
I had a party here last night for my friend’s 25th birthday and it was fantastic! I called and was able to pick the perfect painting for my friend’s birthday. Plus, the website made it super easy for all of our friends to pay for their spot on their own. Leaving me to only pay for myself and the birthday girl.
We brought in our own pizza, wine, cookie cake and cupcakes to celebrate our friend’s birthday and it was the perfect post-​work happy hour celebration!
Sandi and Tyler were our artists and they were AMAZING! They were so friendly and so patient with our group of loud women! They didn’t make us start right on time and allowed us to wait for a few late comers. They even started one of our friends paintings for her so she was able to catch up when she got there late.
This was a great experience and I will definitely be hosting more private parties here in the near future! What a fun «twist» on a normal birthday event!
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
The inner-​artist in me has finally come out!
Just an awesome experience.
BYOB + Paint + Music = Just an awesome date/​night
Had way too much fun and actually painted something that I was proud of.
Its great that they post what you’re painting on the website so you can pick a painting you’d want to have or give.
Gave one our paintings to my parents as a gift and they loved it!
Awesome staff that love helping.
Great way to spend an evening!
They start a little earlier that some people get off of work so just be sure you can make it because you cant get your money back if you don’t cancel at least 1 day in advance.
Place rating: 5
Clearwater, FL
I thought I would not like it, but it was fun and I had a great time. The painting came out a lot better than I expected. Instructor was great and instructions were super easy. I’ll be back for more fun.
Place rating: 3
Tampa, FL
This was my first experience with these «drinking and painting» events. I’ll be honest — I am not a huge drinker and have no interest in drinking while painting as I take my crappy painting skills way too seriously. PwaT offered an awesome geeky painting of the Tardis ala Starry Night and my friend and I were eager to take this one on. There were stations set up with canvasses, paint, and brushes when we arrived and we got settled in. I was happy to find that a stencil was provided to block in the basic shape of the Tardis, which could be a little hard to freehand. Our session was about three hours with a break in the middle, which sounds like tons of time, but really — we were a bit rushed. Our instructor did a great job of walking us through the steps and process, but I am not sure if our group was just going slow or what. I have to give them kudos for having a great approach for leading noobs through the process of constructing a painting. My only disappointment was that it felt like our session ended really quickly with our instructor rattling off three or four detail accents we probably wanted to do. She did mentioned that they have an open painting session on Saturdays where you can come in and finish/​continue to work on your painting, but being honest — I don’t really want to pay more money and drag my painting back just to have the time to finish it the way I wanted to. I did the best I could, but I was sort of unhappy with the finished product as I felt super rushed when trying to do very difficult parts of the work. I’d probably do another event at Painting with a Twist, but I’d need to understand that it’s more about being social than letting your inner artist shine.
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
I’m a stick figure drawing type of person. I am not even capable of drawing a straight line with out some type of curvature or a perfect circle. But why I love this place so much is because you don’t have to be perfect. You don’t even have to know how to draw! These step by step paintings are easy to follow and pretty much anyone… I mean ANYONE can’t fudge this up. It’s probably the reason why I have come here several times already and brought guests with me. It’s a perfect date night, girls night, de stress night and even a dudes night out.
I plan to start hosting my client appreciations parties here at some point. The artists will have a special theme painting specially for your event. So clients have a memorable item to take home. Great way to build rapport and relationships. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy trying to paint something new while enjoying some wine?!
If your trying to find where to take that special someone they have a date night themed painting. I think it’s a great way to start any date or get to know someone. So check this place out! Good luck with your paintings and hopefully you enjoy your time as much as I have!
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
To date, I have been here twice and have yet to be disappointed. Both times, it was with a group of girl friends and we brought our own wine and a some snacks. It is a fun, lively atmosphere and your painting skills seem to get better as the evening goes on…(Maybe it was the wine?). Either way, you will learn something and feel great leaving with your little masterpiece. Great for a girls night or a date night.
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
I surprised my wife with this class to try something different. We had a blast! It was easier than we expected. No experience needed. The artist explains everything step by step and even does a demonstration at the front of the class. Well worth the price! We will definitely do this again soon!
Place rating: 4
Tampa, FL
FUN, FUN, FUN! Everyone has a good time at Painting with a Twist!
Check out their calender online, reserve your seat, request seat assignments with friends, bring beverage and food of choice to event, arrive early and enjoy!
There’s street parking and a small lot behind the building. Walk in and find your name on a plate, go back to the counter and check in, grab an apron, and let the fun begin. It’s best if you arrive early to enjoy libations and get settled in.
Brushes, water cups and paints on a plate will be awaiting your arrival. I like to look at the painting beforehand and begin painting the bottom of the canvas and let it dry, so it doesn’t stick to the easel and you have more time to paint the rest of the canvas. This is totally optional and a little OCD, but that’s me.
Tables are narrow, so it’s a tight squeeze. Be careful not to move your easel, which is also in contact with the easel across from you. There’s limited space, just enough space for your painting supplies and a drink. You’ll have to squeeze in any other food you bring. There’s a large flat screen TV on one wall, so you don’t have to turn all the way around to watch the instructor.
The moderator/​teachers are always fantastic, fun, talented, and positively positive. They really set the tone for the event and direct us in a way that we’re having fun while creating our masterpieces. Seriously, you don’t have to be talented. They help you bring out your creativity, provide simple instructions so you’re not stressed out at all. Music helps. It’s all about having fun.
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
Painting with a Twist is one of my favorite places to get my creative juices following. My fellow Unilocaler, Sara S. and I decided on a class after receiving their newsletter.
PWAT is such a great deal. When you sign up for a class, everything is included: instruction, paints, painting supplies, and a canvas. Most classes are priced for ONLY $ 35! The added bonus is… it is BYOB! You can drink wine, beer, soda and snack on your own munchies! PWAT also provides plates, napkins, cups, and utensils for their patrons too!
«Wicked Moonlight» was the painting we worked on tonight. Pam was our head instructor, and Sharon was her assistant. Pam was a great teacher and taught step-​by-​step in detail. Her instruction pace was perfect. The only time I fell behind is when I stopped to refill my wine tumbler.
This class was full, and I understand why. Our paintings turned out gorgeous! I have been to PWAT several times in the past, but I was never happy with any of my paintings. This masterpiece was the first one I actually was proud of!
The staff is always so friendly here and they are more than willing to lend you a helpful hand. PWAT even offers SOS classes one day a month, if you are unhappy with your masterpiece!
Be sure to sign up for their emails so you can preview their upcoming classes!
I always need more art for my home, so I will definitely be back. I am feeling the need for a future UYE here. Who’s in?
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
I have never painted anything in my life and I came out of there with something respectable for a first-​timer. I had a lot of fun. I’m sure the wine helped a little :). The staff is really friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed myself. I have never heard anyone say that they had a bad time after coming here.
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
So fun. The instructors are patient and go step by step. Really fun music. 3rd visit so far. Really enjoy the whole experience. I don’t drink and never felt like I was missing out. Great way to spend an evening out with a friend!
Place rating: 4
St. Petersburg, FL
I walked in as regular Breonna but walked out as Artiste’ Breonna with a beautiful canvas to prove it!
I really enjoyed myself at painting with a twist! I sipped on wine (BYOB) while channeling my inner artist. I paid $ 35 for 2 hours of painting and can’t wait to do it again! It was well worth it in my opinion.
I went with a group and we all had a great time. However, it did feel a bit rushed towards the end of our 2 hour party. I also noticed a few people had trouble keeping up throughout the class but I found the people who had the most trouble was taking the instructions too literal. It’s best to just go with the flow and not think too hard about painting the picture. Allow your inner artist to flow through your fingertips lol!
I finished my canvas and it hangs proudly in my kitchen as proof that Artiste’ Breonna lives within! Great place for those looking for something different to do with friends or just enjoy creating artwork!
Place rating: 5
Greenville, SC
I had BLAST!
One of my good girlfriends convinced me to go with her and do this, since I had never been and I’m so glad I did!
Once you check in you get to pick out your smock (they each have something different on them, ex: mine had a coconut bra and a grass skirt and my friends had some «chains with $$ symbols»). They then give you a canvas and you find your seat with an easel, paint, brushes, water cup and paper towels. Once you get started the instructor tells you step by step what to do. There is someone (this night was Clara if I remember right) that goes around and refills your paint or helps you when you are lost. It took us close to 2 hours to do it and thank goodness it wasn’t more. I could have sat there and tried to ‘perfect’ my painting all night! We had a blast and next time we plan to pick a ‘easier’ pairing like a ladybug or shark!
Bonus: You can bring your own wine or snacks :)
Place rating: 3
Tampa, FL
I have been to the St. Pete studio a few times, and recently ventured over to Tampa to do a «date night» painting. We arrived just a few minutes early and were actually some of the first ones there. I would recommend being on time so you can get a good parking spot, and so you don’t miss any of the first steps. I have a hard enough time keeping up with the class, I can only imagine how difficult it would be if I was behind. (I am not an artist by any means!)
This is a fun activity but a little pricey — averaging $ 35 or $ 45 per person. It’s a good night out with friends, family, or your date!
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
I painted my first painting at Painting With a Twist in St. Pete and had so much fun! Unfortunately, I had so much fun chit chatting and drinking that I did not finish my painting. Luckily, Painting With a Twist offers free S.O.S. classes the first Saturday of each month.
I visited the Tampa location for the S.O.S. class since it is closer to my home. I figured since it was a free class the paint would be provided and we were on our own to finish our paintings. Not only was an instructor present, but she was also really helpful and was eager to help instruct anyone that needed assistance.
The Tampa location currently does not allow BYOB liquor like the other locations, but they do offer a coupon for a free glass of wine or beer at Beef O’Brady’s next door. The parking lot is very small and is shared with other businesses so arrive early or be prepared to park down the block.
Hopefully the Tampa location acquires their liquor license soon because I would love to take another class soon!
Place rating: 5
Brandon, FL
Went here with a group recently and had a great time! The brief lesson was a huge help and got most of us off to a starting point where we felt comfortable. We wanted to drink while we painted so we had to run next door. To Beef o Brady’s and bring them back (neither business seemed to mind) so we were able to get the best of both worlds. Painting with a twist is such a cool place to, go with a group just remember it can get pricey with all the drinks!
Place rating: 4
Tampa, FL
This place is great! Honestly, one of the most fun things I have done in Tampa to date that doesnt include drinking… oh wait. In all seriousness, I really enjoyed it. I can’t even draw a stick figure correctly and I walked out of class with a painting that isn’t half bad! Just makes me want to go back and do another class so I can just get better.
The instructors are so much fun, the wine and music just make it even more fun. Great for a girls night out, special event for a group, work team building, art classes, etc.
At frist I thought it was a little pricey but don’t hesitate — it’s worth every penny. Have fun!!!
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
This is so fun! The first time I went was for a girlfriend’s birthday party and we all had a blast. The instructors make painting fun and I loved seeing, at the end, how all our paintings of the same thing were still all so different. I have planned an upcoming team event for my employees here as well. This is great for a date night, a girls night, a work night, or even just to go by yourself if you have an evening free. My only problem is where am I going to hang all my masterpieces?
Place rating: 5
St Petersburg, FL
Fun. I never realized how much fun painting could be (or even that I loved to paint) until I went to Painting with a Twist. Initially I thought the $ 35 was a little pricey, but it ended up being worth it. We booked a private party and brought wine, cookies, snacks, etc. Our instructor was very helpful and willing to slow down and guide us. They paint the same canvas you are doing step by step so that you can copy what they do. Our instructor was also hilarious and «ordered» us to take a shot every time we looked like we were stressing about our paintings. Of course, the paintings all came out wonderful. I definitely want to come back soon.
Place rating: 5
Tampa, FL
What a great time I had! At first, I was skeptical since I am by no means an «arteest» and didn’t want to shell out $ 35 to paint like a first grader. But as more and more of my friends got in on the fun, I finally caved. I am so glad I did! The instructors take you step by step so even if you are artistically challenged, even YOU, yes you, can do it. There are wine breaks as well, which is a plus in my book! If you’re not a wine-​o like myself, you can bring other adult bev’s and snacks, as well. Its a fun night out with the girls, for sure! I am looking forward to dragging my husband to a class sometime for couples night.