If you’re looking for a unique and colorful way to spend your day in Los Angeles, look no further than Shot of Art’s fluid bear painting experience. It’s a fantastic way to get creative, have fun, and maybe even make a mess. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your artistic adventure.
Contents
Booking and Discounts
First things first, you’ll want to book your session online. And because we love saving you money, use the code Friends10 at checkout for a sweet 10% off. You will want to do this because you’ll be reserving the whole room for a specific time slot. We wouldn’t recommend just walking in. Call ahead of time at least.
Dress for the Mess
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little paint on because things are about to get colorful. While Shot of Art provides a black disposable apron, black gloves, and black foot coverings at no extra cost, they do offer a larger yellow poncho for an additional fee. Unless you want to look like a human banana, we’d suggest skipping the poncho. If you’re planning on trying other paint-based activities, it might be worth the one-time purchase (if you really like the color yellow) since you can bring it back for future visits, otherwise they’ll provide you the same disposable items for future visits as well. It’s all included in the price.
Picking Your Bear
When it comes to choosing your bear, size matters. If you don’t go for the jumbo bear, you can actually do all the smaller ones at home. We’ve even got links to Amazon and Shein where you can find your own bear supplies (and yes, if you use these links, we get a commission, so thanks for supporting the site!).
Mixing the Magic
You’ll be mixing acrylic paint with water and glue in the following ratio: 4 parts paint, 1.5 parts water, and a scoop of glue. The recommended number of paint colors is three. If you book with Shot of Art, metallic colors will cost you an extra $5 per bottle, payable afterward.
The Pouring Process
To create your masterpiece, pour the three colors into a cup with large parts in between and give it a small, light swirl. Be careful not to over-mix the paints in the cup. Then, pour the mixture over your bear. Pro tip: Limit the number of coats to two for the best effect because we kinda messed up on one bear and it just looks like too many mixes of color. It’s just not my cup of tea.
Enjoying the Experience
This experience is designed to last one hour, but if the studio isn’t busy, they might let you enjoy some extra time. A worker will be there to guide you through the whole process, making sure you have fun and create something awesome. We’ve gone on both a Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon and found that Sundays were much less busy, so we’d recommend that time if you prefer a quieter and less rushed environment.
After the Paint Dries
Once you’re done, you’ll need to leave your bear at the studio to dry. You can pick it up in 3-5 days, but don’t wait too long—after 14 days, they’ll toss it. One of the workers suggested varnishing the bear after it dries to give it a shiny finish, which is a great tip if you want your bear to look its best and protected. They do wrap it in a saran wrap when you pick up your bear.
Our Verdict
We really enjoyed our time at Shot of Art and even went back for a second round with a jumbo bear (make sure to check the sizing). Though the jumbo bear didn’t turn out quite as we hoped, the experience was still a blast.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun activity in LA, fluid bear painting at Shot of Art is a must-try. So book your session, mix up some paint, and get ready to unleash your inner artist. Have fun and happy painting!
