Sip and Gogh, the country's first paint and sip studio, recently opened its doors to aspiring artists and wine enthusiasts. Targeted to both amateurs and art practitioners, Sip and Gogh lets you enjoy painting while sipping your favorite beverage in a bright and relaxing ambiance. Discover why you should 'gogh' to Sip and Gogh in this article below. 
Creating Art from the Heart
Sip and Gogh was started by three couples who share the same passions: art, travel, food, and social responsibility. The men in the group are artists and long time friends whose bond traces back to when they were still Tulong Dunong Foundation scholars. To give back to the foundation, they sell postcards that feature their own paintings. Proceeds translate to funds for the young scholars.
It was in August 2012, during the aftermath of the 'Habagat' calamity in Metro Manila, that the group thought of innovating their fundraising means. Carlo de Leon, one of the three artists, got to visit a paint and sip studio when he was in the United States. He proposed to his partners an idea of coming up with a similar kind of studio in the Philippines. It will be a workshop, an events venue,, and a gallery in one. The duplicate paintings made by the workshop instructors will be sold. Proceeds, of course, will go to the foundation.
Not long after the idea was green-lit and the location was finalized, Sip and Gogh was born. “We decided to name it after Vincent Van Gogh, a prolific painter, because he paints with his heart. We like his painting philosophy and we believe that's how it should be with art,” Nyvee de Leon, one of Sip and Gogh's owners, shared.
Painting 101
Sip and Gogh welcomes artists of all ages and capabilities. “95% of our customers are first time painters. There's really no reason for you to be intimidated here at Sip and Gogh,” Nyvee explained.
Sip and Gogh's sessions are categorized into two: guided and open sessions. In guided sessions, participants will be following the careful instructions of the art teacher. The instructors will help them in picking and blending colors. First time painters will also be taught the basics of strokes and textures.
There are three events that fall under the guided sessions category. The Little Van Gogh event is kid-friendly session held every Saturday at 10 am. Cost per child is P900 inclusive of a complimentary drink (juice) and snacks.
When asked whether they've discovered gifted children at Sip and Gogh, Carlo answered “Yes! There was one time, the child's work was even better, haha! When you encourage and guide them properly, kids can really come up with great art pieces.”
Sip and Gogh's friendly art instructors
There's also the Family Fun Day session (P1000 per person inclusive of non-alcoholic drink and snacks) held every Tuesday and Saturday at 4pm and Sunday at 10am and 4pm. “We have a client here. Isang buong family sila. Their house is currently under renovation so each of them are assigned to make paintings that will be displayed on their new rooms. This really makes a great family bonding activity,” Carlo shared.
Date 2 Create event (P2200 per couple inclusive of complimentary drinks and appetizer snacks for two), which was a big hit last Valentine's day, requires couples to paint side by side to make one complete painting using two separate canvases. According to Carlo, “couple sessions are also fun. Couples like to replicate our lovebirds painting. It's also nice to observe the differences between the two canvas panels. Their art style says a lot about their personalities.”
The different paintings you can replicate at Sip and Gogh
Sip and Gogh uses quality art materials
“Maraming pumupunta to test the waters. Painting is expensive at sayang ang supplies 'pag hindi mo naman tinuloy. Here in Sip and Gogh, we provide everything you need to paint: the canvas, the paints, the brushes, the easel, even the aprons– and those are not cheap. At the end of the session, you bring home your artwork. We think guests will really get their value for money,” Carlo reasoned.
Sample finished artwork by Kat, a first-time painter, who enrolled in a guided session
Kat Antonio, who has never tried painting before, went to Sip and Gogh one afternoon to test the waters. “I don't draw and I've never tried to paint so I was intimidated at first. But my instructor, Yna, was very helpful and friendly. I'm so proud of my first ever painting. I'll definitely be back,” she shared.
As for the open sessions (P1000 per person inclusive of a complimentary drink and appetizer snacks), participants are given the option to choose to replicate any painting from the gallery or to just paint whatever they want. Instructors are also on standby to help you in completing your masterpiece.
Top: The author, working on a simplified version of Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night. Bottom: The peg and the finished artwork.
“We provide a very relaxing ambiance. Most of our clients go here just to destress. We have professional artists coming as well, especially those who don't have their own studios. I guess they just like the ambiance of Sip and Gogh,” Carlo related.
Sip and Gogh is also open to hosting Private Parties for kids and adults. Private sessions rates start at P15,000 and are highly customizable.
A Little Buzz for Inspiration
Since a painting session can 'gogh' for around 45 minutes, Sip and Gogh thought of offering different beverages and snacks for their clients. The selection isn't extensive (Red and White wines, imported beers, cocktails, juices, and coffee) but enough to give that buzz for inspiration. A session comes with a free drink and snacks (usually a cheese and fruit platter).
How to Register
Visit Sip and Gogh's website. On the Calendar tab, click on the date and session you prefer and the site will guide you through the registration process. You may settle the charges by Paypal, credit card or through bank deposit. You may also register by phone: (+632) 961 – 1248.
How to Get There
Commuting to Capitol Hills, Balara Quezon City can be tricky so most people just use the cab to get there. Landmark is Capitol Hills Golf Course and Country Club.
If riding a cab is not an option, you may also take the MRT to Kamuning or Quezon Avenue. From the station, ride an FX to Fairview. Get off at Commonwealth Avenue corner Tandang Sora. You may ride a tricycle from there to Capitol Hills Drive.
