Islington’s local artists offer workshops on just about anything, from painting to pottery, from the amateurish to the abstract. Splashing some new colour on to this bustling canvas is a player from the Dutch scene, bringing a painting in the dark extravaganza to Tollington.
As the name suggests, Rembrandt van Wine provides all the hedonistic juices necessary to get back in touch with one’s artistic instincts, together with paint, a canvas, and a group of similarly clueless Picasso debutants. Guidance is provided by an instructor, Paulina, and a model painting offers inspiration for those at a loss for ideas.
The popularised ‘sip and paint’ industry has finessed the balance between a good time and reconnecting with the creative self we left behind in childhood. Rembrandt van Wine, named after the Dutch painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, adds a twist to the booming business by inviting participants into a semi-darkened room and providing nothing but neon-paint for each pallet. The initiative started in the Netherlands in January 2024 and expanded to London last October.
The room is adorned with neon bulbs and disco balls, providing a shaded visibility and a festive but mysterious atmosphere, accompanied by a subtle soundtrack. “Most people forget about their phone during the session, are relaxed and start dancing and singing along to the music we play,” says Sjors Brandsma, the event organiser, himself prone to playing “Dutch tunes”.
Participants have little idea what the colours will look like when their canvas is under natural light. “London is a manic and busy place. Everyone’s always trying to be the best at everything: their work, their hobbies, their social lives. It’s nice to see people get lost in creativity and enjoy doing things they’re bad at,” says Flora, a Rembrandt event attendee.
Offering a place for unfettered creativity is exactly the point, since people working in London don’t often have a space to pause from their fast-paced lifestyle.
Polina Tkachenko, Rembrandt van wine’s art instructor, says: “So many of our guests haven’t painted since school, and their jobs often don’t give them any kind of creative outlet. A lot of them have told us that they find the sessions therapeutic.”
Sjors is part of the welcoming atmosphere, and his friendly chatter warms strangers to strike up a conversation with their neighbours: “the longer the session goes, the more people interact with each other. This is something that I personally like the best, when people meet during our session and become really friendly.”
The event is held twice a week, every Friday and Saturday, at an art studio on Marlborough road, a stone’s throw from Upper Holloway station. The cost is £39, including bottomless drinks, and private events are available for scheduling.
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Highbury patch reporter, photographer, polyglot, student journalist specialising in political and social movement reporting.