Rovaniemi: PAINT & SIP private painting workshop

Auroras, on canvas, in Rovaniemi town. I love the step-by-step aurora painting instruction, and I love how the small group format keeps things relaxed and personal. You get a real souvenir from Lapland, not just a photo of it.

One catch to plan around, the studio is on the second floor with no elevator, so think about stairs before you book.

Key highlights you will care about

• Aurora artwork taught step-by-step by local artist Laura
• Small class size, limited to 4 participants, for more help
• All materials provided, including acrylic paints, brushes, palettes, easel, and a protective apron
• Paint & sip vibe, with non-alcoholic drinks included and optional BYO alcohol
• Bonus entertainment, Simba the Bengal cat supervising your creativity

Aurora PAINT & SIP in Rovaniemi, what this evening is really like

This is a cozy, hands-on paint and sip workshop built around Lapland’s aurora dream. In practice, it’s less about being artsy and more about following clear steps while you relax with a drink and a friendly instructor.

You start with a ready-to-go plan: paint a pre-selected aurora design on a 30×40 cm canvas. Then Laura (the local artist who runs the class) demonstrates each stage in front of you, so you can copy the method without feeling stuck.

If you want an easy, creative way to slow down after aurora hunting nights, this is a strong fit. It also feels very local because you’re in a real homestudio environment, not a big classroom.

Inside the homestudio setup, and how the 2.5 hours move

The workshop takes about 2.5 hours, and the pace is gentle but organized. You arrive, get settled with your canvas and supplies, then Laura explains what you will do next.

At the start, you’ll handle setup basics, like arranging your station and getting your acrylic paints ready. Then the main flow kicks in: Laura paints the sample in front of the group, with step-by-step guidance you can follow as you work on your own version.

Because the class is capped at 4 participants, questions are easy to ask. That matters if you’re a total beginner, since you can get specific help instead of waiting for a lecture-style moment.

There’s also time to breathe between steps. People naturally chat during the “sip” part, and the whole thing stays calm. It’s a good evening option when you don’t want to commit to something physically intense in the cold.

Acrylic paints and the dress code that saves your clothes

You will paint with acrylic paints, which are water-based. That’s great for skin, because paint comes off relatively well, but it is less forgiving on clothing.

So dress like a painter. The workshop asks for comfortable clothes and a change of clothes. That’s not drama, it’s practical planning. You’ll likely splash a little as you learn how much paint to load, how thick to apply, and how to blend sky tones.

You’ll also get a protective apron, plus the rest of your materials. Still, I treat it like a creative project where clothes are part of the risk equation. Bring something you can live with if it gets paint marks.

Your aurora canvas, how the tutorial helps beginners

Your final goal is a completed aurora painting on a 30×40 cm canvas. The design is based on a pre-selected aurora reference, and Laura shows you how to reproduce it step-by-step.

One nice touch is that you may bring your own reference photos to guide your version. That can be useful if you have aurora pictures from your Lapland trip and want your painting to feel more personal.

Expect guidance on:

• Color mixing, especially for sky gradients
• Composing the work, so the aurora layers look believable
• Painting technique, like blending and building glow effects
• Making it your own, while still following a proven method

Even if you’ve never painted before, this structure helps. Instead of guessing, you’re learning a sequence. And once you see how Laura builds the aurora effect, the rest of the process becomes way less mysterious.

Paint and sip, drinks included, and the alcohol wording to double-check

The “sip” part is built in. Non-alcoholic beverages are included, so you do not have to figure out what to drink on-site.

Alcohol is handled a bit differently. The info says alcoholic drinks are not included and that you can bring your own, but it also lists alcohol and drugs as not allowed. That contradiction is worth treating as a signal to confirm before you bring anything alcoholic.

If you want a stress-free experience, plan on the non-alcoholic drinks. If you do want to bring alcohol, message the provider first and ask what is actually permitted in the studio.

Either way, the vibe stays relaxed. Think of it as a mellow evening activity paired with creation, not a party.

The Simba bonus, plus the rules that keep things comfortable

There’s a Bengal cat named Simba on site. He shows up like a furry little mascot and, based on the experience notes, he’s curious about art.

For cat lovers, it’s genuinely part of the charm. For people with allergies, it’s an important consideration, since the experience is not suitable for those with animal allergies.

The studio also has clear boundaries on behavior and safety. Pets are not allowed, smoking is not allowed indoors, and no weapons or sharp objects are permitted. If you’re traveling with kids, note that the workshop is not suitable for children under 18.

So the overall feel is calm and adult-friendly, with a little playful supervision from Simba.

Price and value: is $93 a good deal in Rovaniemi?

At $93 per person for a 2.5-hour workshop, the price is easiest to judge by what’s included and how hands-on it is.

You are paying for:

• Step-by-step instruction from a local artist (Laura)
• All art supplies: acrylic paints, brushes, palettes, easel
• A protective apron
• A small-group format capped at 4, which improves your chances of getting help
• Non-alcoholic drinks included

For Rovaniemi, this is the type of experience where “included supplies” matter. You’re not buying materials separately, and you’re not paying to figure out tools you might never use again.

If you’re coming to Lapland for aurora hunting and want one night that’s warm, creative, and memorable, this can be excellent value. It turns your trip into a real object you can take home, which is more satisfying than another photo stop.

The main value question is whether you enjoy structured creative activities. If you just want to stroll and not sit with paint, you might prefer an alternative evening plan.

Getting there and what to expect from the room

One practical detail: the studio is on the second floor and there is no elevator. The experience is not set up for wheelchair users.

That doesn’t automatically mean it’s hard, but it does mean you should plan your footwear and energy level. If stairs are tough for you, skip this one and look for a different Rovaniemi activity.

Once you’re inside, you can expect a cozy art space with everything you need at your station. Because it’s a small group, the room feels personal rather than crowded.

You’re also working in a controlled indoor environment, which is a big plus in Lapland weather. This is the kind of evening that lets you be productive even if the aurora doesn’t show up.

Who this is best for, and who should skip it

This workshop is a great match if you:

• Want an easy beginner-friendly activity that teaches technique step-by-step
• Prefer a small group over big group tours
• Like creating a souvenir that matches your aurora trip
• Travel as a couple or solo and want something social but not loud

It’s also a nice choice if you want to spend time indoors without giving up on the Lapland theme. Aurora painting fits the region, and the studio setting keeps the experience comfortable.

I’d skip it if:

• You need step-free access, since it’s on the second floor without an elevator
• You have animal allergies (Simba is on site)
• You are traveling with young kids under 18
• You do not want to wear (and potentially protect) clothing around acrylic paint

Quick practical tips so you enjoy the process

Here’s how to set yourself up for a smoother evening.

• Wear comfortable clothes you can sacrifice a little. Bring a change if you tend to worry about stains.
• Expect to learn through doing. You will follow Laura’s demo, then paint as she guides.
• Take your time with the color mixing stage. Small choices here affect how your aurora glow looks.
• If you have aurora reference photos, consider bringing them so you can personalize your version.
• If you are sensitive to cats, do not assume this will be fine. The cat Simba is part of the setting.

The whole workshop is designed to make the steps feel manageable. When you let the process guide you, it’s far easier to end up with something you actually like.

Should you book the Rovaniemi PAINT & SIP workshop?

Book it if you want a warm, creative evening in Rovaniemi that feels personal and Lapland-themed. The combination of step-by-step aurora instruction, a small class limited to 4, and a full supply setup makes the experience good value for the time.

Don’t book it if stairs are a dealbreaker, if you have animal allergies, or if you hate sitting through guided instruction. Also, if you’re hoping for a casual drop-in with no structure, this is more like a taught painting session with a clear sequence.

If your trip includes aurora hunting, I’d treat this as your indoor backup plan, plus a way to capture the aurora spirit even when the night sky gives you surprises.

FAQ

How long is the Paint & Sip workshop in Rovaniemi?

The workshop lasts about 2.5 hours.

What supplies are provided for the painting?

You get acrylic paints, brushes, palettes, an easel, and a protective apron, plus other protective supplies for the session.

What should I wear to the workshop?

Wear comfortable clothes and bring a change of clothes. Acrylic paint is water-based and comes off skin well, but it may not come off clothes easily.

Are non-alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Non-alcoholic beverages are included during the workshop.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks are not included. The information also says you can bring your own, but it lists alcohol as not allowed, so it’s smart to confirm the studio’s rule before planning to bring alcohol.

Is the workshop beginner-friendly?

Yes. The workshop is taught step-by-step, and it’s described as easy to follow for complete beginners.

How big is the group?

The class is limited to a small group of up to 4 participants.

Is it accessible for wheelchair users?

No. There is no elevator and entry requires going to the second floor, so it is not accessible for wheelchair users.