“If you can draw a stick figure you can paint! We believe everyone has the ability to paint when they are given the right guidance and materials.”
This is what the Paint and Chill Company – hosts of our regular Paint and Chill sessions – have to say. One of the most popular and long-running events at VOS, these workshops are fun and relaxing, giving attendees the chance to paint picturesque scenes and objects.
They make art accessible even if you have zero experience at painting and drawing – which is important for socialising, building confidence and enhancing creativity.
So how does a ‘typical’ Paint and Chill event run?
These painting sessions are unique in their approach, and are purposely free from the pressure and expectation that can come with certain art classes.
“It was a very good morning,” enthused one attendee. “Despite the anxious moments before walking through the door of the RMC, we seemed to slip straight into the usual ribbing and banter. I heartily recommend joining in if you can – I felt a lot lighter on the bus home, even carrying a psychedelic zebra!”
Another Veteran stated, “Paint & Chill was one of my favourite events. I remember my first time being so anxious, but it really helped calm me once we began to paint and then chat to others! The VOS Team is just fab!”
As one of our service users said, “I cannot recommend this highly enough! It is an excellent way to chill out – even I can produce a reasonable finished article!”
At each gathering, our Veterans will get to paint a specific subject together, varying from picturesque beach scenes and glowing sunsets to vibrant flamingos and epic animals.
Each event is led by a professional local artist, who provides step-by-step instructions (and great banter!) that make it easy and enjoyable to create your own version of the given subject.
After pouring a tea or coffee and making introductions, it’s time to grab your paintbrush and follow along as you become an artist for the afternoon or evening.
Oh yes – best of all, the organisers supply all of the paint, brushes, paper, canvases and general art supplies, so you don’t need to bring anything! They’ll even clean everything up afterwards so there’s literally zero hassle involved – they aren’t called Paint and Chill for nothing!
When you’re done, you can take your finished 16×20” canvas home and hang it up. Given how popular these events always are, we’re pretty sure you’ll have a string of your own personal masterpieces hanging up around your living room!
Why not join us for the next session – or one of our other creative events? Get in touch, subscribe to our Eventbrite page to get timely event notifications, and see our Wellbeing page for more information.
VOS is here to support veterans from the UK Armed Forces service, the Merchant Navy, and their partners. If you know a veteran (from any time of service) located in Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight, Gosport, Fareham or the Solent area, please pass our details along.
If you’re a veteran or partner and are thinking about getting in touch, we would love to hear from you. Call us on 02392 731 767, visit one of our drop-ins, or email admin@vosuk.org.
Please note that VOS is not a crisis service. If you need immediate support, please contact one of the following:
- Your GP or NHS 111
- Attend A&E or call 999 for medical emergencies
- The Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- A trusted family member or friend
