Paint and sip in the Inland Empire effectively means Purple Easel in Ontario. We’re the largest paint and sip studio in the region and have been running events here since 2014. This guide covers the format, what to expect, and how to find the event that fits what you’re looking for.
Where Our Painters Actually Come From
Looking at our customer geography, Inland Empire residents drive in from across both counties:
- Ontario (10 minutes — our home city)
- Rancho Cucamonga (12 minutes)
- Fontana (15 minutes)
- Upland (10 minutes)
- San Bernardino (25 minutes)
- Riverside (30 minutes via 60)
- Redlands (35 minutes via 10/210)
- Corona (25 minutes via 91/15)
- Pomona, Chino, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley, Colton — all within a comfortable evening’s drive
Even San Diego and Los Angeles painters make the trip for specific themed nights (Neon Nights and Paint Your Pet draw from further out).
What Paint and Sip Is (and Isn’t)
You bring beverages and snacks (BYOB — wine, beer, sparkling water, whatever). We provide everything else: canvas, paint, brushes, easels, aprons, and a step-by-step instructor.
You don’t need to be “good at art” — most painters are first-timers. The instructor’s job is to walk the whole room through the painting at the same pace, so everyone leaves with something finished. It’s not a critique class. It’s not an art school. It’s a creative night out with a finished canvas at the end.
The Format Options at Purple Easel
Public paint nights: 5-7 evenings per week plus weekend days. Drop-in style — reserve a seat online, show up, paint. Different painting every event, posted on the monthly calendar.
Private parties: Bridal showers, birthdays, corporate events, sports banquets, school functions. At our studio (10-person minimum) or we come to your venue (15-person minimum, $4/mile from Ontario). Details and pricing here.
Themed nights: Neon Nights (UV-reactive paint), Paint Your Pet (custom pet portraits), seasonal events (fall, holidays, Valentine’s, spring). These often sell out — check the calendar early.
Kids painting: 90-minute format, $30 per kid, weekend mornings and during school breaks. Birthday parties available.
School events: K-12 field trips at our studio or away at your school. See the school events page.
Pricing at a Glance
- $20 standard 2-hour paintings (lower with Premium Painter membership)
- $25-30 premium and themed events
- $45 three-hour detailed paintings
- $30 kid paintings (90-minute format)
- $39-45 per guest for private parties (depends on painting type)
Tips for Getting the Most Out of It
- Reserve seats online ahead of time — popular events fill
- Bring a friend — paint nights are more fun in pairs or small groups
- Wear something paint-friendly even though we provide aprons
- Show up 10 minutes early for snack/drink setup
- If you’re picky about painting topic, check the calendar — we run different ones constantly
Ready to find an event? Browse the current month’s calendar or explore private event options.