Rembrandt van Wine: Sip and Paint in the Dark

Although I live fairly locally, I had never visited Islington Studios, the site for Rembrandt van Wine: Sip and Paint in the Dark. It’s a modern development of studio and office spaces on Marlborough Rd, near Finsbury Park and just up from Upper Holloway Station.

I had been invited to try out the glow-in-the-dark painting experience** and brought my friend Dee along. The owner Sjors came out to greet us, making us feel instantly at home as he chatted about his background and business. Apparently his brother launched the concept in the Netherlands and he’s brought it to the UK where it seems to be growing in popularity.

I’ve always wanted to try a paint and wine activity. So I couldn’t resist the call of splashing neon paints on a canvas, while being plied with unlimited wine. When you enter the studio, it’s already dark with neon lighting. We got to admire the bright and beautiful artworks by previous guests displayed on the walls. There was music playing too, an upbeat soundtrack of pop and R&B (later, Sjors played us some ‘Dutch bangers’). 

I posed for a quick picture by the wall and burst out laughing when I saw my image: it reminded me of that Friends episode when Ross whitens his teeth and they are luminous in the dark. Say cheese!

Before you get started, the art instructor tells you to put an apron on because the ‘paint gets everywhere’. It’s also a good idea to wear clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting messy (although the paint does wash off quite easily).

We were given postcards of our subjects — a Van Gogh style sunflower scene — although you’re free to paint anything you like. Standing at the front with an easel, our instructor gave a quick demo of what to paint first and answered any immediate questions. It was tricky to figure out some of the colours under the neon lighting — for instance, the white paint looked purple!

We got painting while Sjors popped by occasionally to say kind things about our work and to refill our glasses with Prosecco. The atmosphere was super relaxed and with the music and wine, my inner child soon let loose on the canvas. In fact I mentioned that this would be a great activity for parents and kids to do together, especially if it involved finger painting. Some of the other guests were using their fingers but Dee and I stuck with the paintbrushes.

The Rembrandt Van Wine vibe is super social. Although lots of guests arrive in couples or groups, they encourage people to come solo. One sweet touch is a card on the table with questions you can ask as an ice breaker. This works even if you know each other, as Dee and I (friends for 14+ years) picked up a few more fun facts about each other. 

Since this was a preview event, we had less time than usual however they let us stay longer to finish our paintings. 

‘It’s difficult to know when to stop,’ Dee noted and it’s true. I kept wanting to add bits to my canvas and in truth, I didn’t want the experience to end. It’s such a playful and relaxing activity that fully puts you in the present moment — mindfulness at its finest. After a pretty stressful week, Rembrandt van Wine: Sip and Paint in the Dark turned out to be just the mood-lifter I needed.

If you do have a go at neon painting, a word of warning: your painting will look very different under regular lighting. That said, I liked mine under both conditions. It’s no masterpiece but it’s bursting with colour and movement and a lovely memento of a super fun evening.

Thanks again to Rembrandt van Wine: Sip and Paint in the Dark for hosting us, I’ll definitely come again and it’s already on my short list for a birthday outing.

Rembrandt van Wine – Mini Fact Sheet

Rembrandt van Wine is a two-hour sip-and-paint workshop with a unique twist. Alongside the traditional painting experience in a dimly lit setting, there is a strong emphasis on mingling in a semi-dark, non-judgemental atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet new people or discover unexpected facets of those you think you know well. Everything is included: art supplies, a canvas, a skilled host & art instructor, music, and all drinks are on the house. Plus, you get to take your painting (piece of art) home with you afterwards!

Tickets are £39 including all materials and bottomless wine or soft drinks. The activity is family friendly but bear in mind alcohol is served at general events, so use your parental discretion. If you’d like to discuss a separate group activity for parents and children, do get in touch with them at
info@rembrandtvanwine.co.uk

Rembrandt van Wine London is at 159-163 Marlborough Road, N19 4NF. Opening hours Fri-Sat, 8-10pm (occasionally 7-9pm). Visit https://www.rembrandtvanwine.co.uk/

**complimentary press invitation, all opinions are strictly the author’s own