Lisa (left) and Melissa McGraw partake in a bottle of red during a painting class at Arté.

Grab a friend, a glass of wine, a stool and … a paintbrush? The latest entertainment trend is a night at painting studios that offer cocktails, creativity and conversation.

The process is simple: Review the online calendar of featured paintings and sign up for your desired date. All materials (paints, brushes, canvas, easels and aprons) are provided — and drinking is encouraged. Classes last two-to-three hours, and the final product is all yours.

My mom and I registered for a rendition of Van Gogh’s "Starry Night" at Arté in Wauwatosa. We ordered a bottle of red wine, and our instructor, Sandy, joked that we’d paint better as we drank. We laughed, sipped and sat down.

Of the eight women in our class, only two had painted before.

We were not those two.

My mom was especially nervous, very focused on trying to get everything right, following Sandy’s steps as closely as possible. I was less of a perfectionist but not entirely pleased with my results.

Instructor and bartender Trudy created a party atmosphere with an upbeat mix of rock and pop music, and she and Sandy provided details about Van Gogh and his artwork, along with their positive reinforcement.

Mom eventually relaxed. She says, "As I progressed and saw that I could do it, I became more confident. I discovered the artist within myself."

The three hours flew by, and we each eventually had a unique interpretation of "Starry Night."

I may not be the next Van Gogh, but the vino sure made the creative journey of this less-than-stellar artist a night to remember.