How to Plan a Hilariously Romantic Painting Date Night

Date nights are crucial for connecting with bae, but there are only so many times you can Netflix and chill or drop by the local bar. Instead of sinking into the couch or hitting your usual watering hole, consider adding some pizzazz to your routine with a painting date night.

TikTok has made one variation of this idea pretty famous: You each sit down across from each other—canvases hidden from the other's view—and paint portraits of one another before the big reveal. Unless one of you is a gifted artist, the results are bound to elicit some unrestrained belly laughs. This is just one way to approach date night painting at home, of course. We have more ideas ahead and pro tips on setting up the perfect date.

In this article:

• What is a Painting Date Night?
• How to Plan a Painting Date Night

What is a Painting Date Night?

The premise of a couple's painting date night idea is simple: Grab a small to medium canvas for each of you, pick up some paint and brushes, and create a couple of original masterpieces while hanging out together. This imaginative spin on bonding time lets you both flex your creative muscles and perhaps tap into a side of each other (and yourselves) you may not often see. It's all done in good fun and you'll even have some fun artwork to display when all's said and done.

How to Plan a Painting Date Night

Whether you're trying your hand at the TikTok date night portrait painting sesh, going with a Bob Ross theme, or painting images of your cute pet, follow these tips to set up a memorable and creative date night.

1. Pick a Theme

You've got lots of date night painting ideas to choose from, so pick a theme to give your evening some direction. Here are some options to consider:

• Portraits of each other
• Self-portraits
• Pet portraits
• Bob Ross landscape (put on a classic episode and follow along)
• Sci-fi theme
• Memories
• Still life paintings
• Favorite objects
• Paint by number

2. Grab Your Supplies

Once your theme is chosen, you'll have a better idea of all the supplies needed. At the bare minimum, grab the following:

• Two small or medium-sized canvases
• A selection of paint (acrylic dries faster, but oil paints or watercolor work, too)
• A variety of paintbrushes
• Two water cups to change out paint color
• Two easels
• Palettes or paint dishes
• Paper towels / old rags
• Newspaper to protect surfaces from paint spills

If you don't think you'll use all these supplies again, consider purchasing a date night painting kit that includes most things you need. Some good options include this two-pack sip and paint kit or this paint-by-numbers kit for adults.

Two-Pack Sip and Paint Kit for Adults

Photo: Amazon

Paint by Numbers Kit for Adults

Photo: Amazon

3. Create a Paint Station

Set up an area to paint that's comfortable and easy to work from, like a kitchen table or foldable card table. Lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to protect your surface. Next, set up the easels so they're pointed away from each other; the idea is that you both paint on your own and then reveal your finished product at the end. This creates some fun suspense while you paint away.

4. Set the Mood

Ambiance is everything, so put on some upbeat music or a romcom that puts you both in a good mood. And for a true paint-and-sip date night, consider pouring wine or whipping up cocktails or mocktails to drink while you work those brushes.

5. Start Painting

Take your time as you paint, enjoying each other's company. Don't let your partner see your handiwork (or vice versa) until the very end. To help keep the night on track, it may help to set a timer or a loose timeframe for how long you want to paint.

6. Go for the Big Reveal

Once your masterpieces are complete, take turns revealing the final artwork to each other. If you want to follow TikTok suit, record each other's reactions to the paintings and share your paint date night results with friends and family on social media. If you want to go one step further, put each other's paintings up for a vote and let others pick which one is their favorite.

There are obviously lots of ways to go about a painting date night with your favorite someone ranging from hilarious portraits of each other to genuine attempts at a pretty picture. The goal is to have fun, let loose, tap into your creative energy and enjoy each other's company along the way.