Auroras, paint, and a calm studio night. What makes this Rovaniemi workshop fun is that you get step-by-step aurora guidance and the whole thing feels like a private, warm hang rather than a class. I love the small group size (max 4) because you get real help when your brush is stuck. I also love that you leave with a finished 30×40 cm painting, even if you’re starting from zero. One thing to consider: the studio is on the 2nd floor with no elevator, so it may not work for everyone.

In about 2.5 hours, Laura leads you through a guided acrylic painting so you’re not staring at a blank canvas wondering what to do next. You’ll get aprons and the full kit—acrylic paints, brushes, palette, easel—plus the relaxed option of sipping non-alcoholic drinks (and you can bring your own alcohol, if you choose). The only real “watch-out” is clothing: acrylic paint is water-based and comes off skin well, but it can stubbornly stain fabric.

Key points worth knowing before you go

• A cozy private studio feel: small group, coffee-and-music vibe, and plenty of instructor attention
• 30×40 cm aurora artwork: you paint a pre-selected aurora design with guidance at your pace
• Acrylic supplies included: paints, brushes, palette, easel, and protective apron are all provided
• English and Finnish instruction: Laura teaches in both languages depending on the group
• Simba the Bengal cat: a curious studio companion—great for cat lovers, not great for allergies

Paint & Sip auroras in Rovaniemi: the point of the experience

Rovaniemi is known for the northern lights, but this workshop is a smart twist: instead of only waiting for aurora skies, you’re making your own aurora memory on canvas. That matters because the weather and cloud cover can be hit-or-miss. Here, the “show” is guaranteed to happen inside the studio, at a set time, with a finished result at the end.

You also get something that’s hard to replicate on your own: structure. Even if you’re an absolute beginner, Laura models the process in front of you, then you follow along while she helps with the parts that usually trip people up—mixing colors, handling paint consistency, and composing the image.

And yes, the social side is real. This isn’t a giant factory tour. It’s a small-group art night where couples, friends, and solo travelers share the same table space and the same calm focus.

Entering the Lara Vara Art studio: small-group comfort, 2nd-floor reality

This workshop takes place in a cozy art space run by Lara Vara Art. The setup is intentionally small and home-studio style, which is why it feels relaxed instead of formal. With a group limit of 4 participants, it’s easy to ask questions without waiting for a teacher to cycle through everyone.

There is one practical wrinkle: the entry is on the 2nd floor with no elevator. If you use mobility aids or need step-free access, you should treat this as a hard stop. Also, pets aren’t allowed, but you’ll likely meet the resident Bengal cat, Simba, during the session (more on that later).

Your canvas plan: what you’ll paint (and how personal it can get)

The painting you’ll create is an aurora-themed piece on a 30×40 cm canvas. You’re not guessing at the subject matter. Laura provides a reference artwork to follow, and the class is built around reproducing that design step-by-step.

That said, you can still make it yours. In practice, you may be able to work from reference photos you bring for your own version of the aurora look. Even if you don’t “customize” much, the process still feels personal because auroras are forgiving—small choices in color and brush rhythm create a unique vibe.

Expect to paint under guidance rather than just getting materials and a timer. Laura demonstrates what to do first, then you apply it while sipping and chatting at your own pace.

Acrylic painting basics that actually matter (and what to wear)

This is an acrylic workshop. Acrylic paints are water-based, which helps for beginners because they don’t behave like some heavier oils. You also get a helpful cleanup reality: acrylic paint comes off skin well, but it doesn’t always come out of clothes as easily.

So dress like you expect a little mess. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. You’ll have a protective apron, but fabric can still pick up color if you brush too hard, wipe your hands, or rest on the wrong spot.

During the session, you’ll get help with:

• Mixing colors so your blues and greens look like auroras instead of straight marker lines
• Composing the work so the sky, glow, and movement have a readable flow
• Implementing the design in the correct order, so you’re not scrambling near the end

Laura offers guidance if you want it, which is a big deal for first-timers. The class is designed so you’re not left to figure everything out on your own.

How the 2.5-hour flow works: guided steps, not rushed chaos

The workshop runs for 2.5 hours. That timing is perfect for this kind of art project: long enough to build layers and get comfortable with acrylics, short enough that you’re not exhausted halfway through.

A typical flow looks like this:

1. You settle in, set up your canvas, and get your supplies and apron.
2. Laura illustrates the process in front of the group using the pre-selected aurora artwork as the model.
3. You paint along while she helps with the specific steps—color mixing, brush choices, and where to place key elements.
4. As the session winds down, you shift from following steps to shaping your final result, adding finishing touches while the paint still behaves well.

The “pace” is calmer than you might expect. Because there are only up to 4 participants, Laura can slow down for you without the rest of the class falling behind.

Drinks and the vibe: non-alcoholic included, alcohol is bring-your-own

The studio experience includes non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not included, but you can bring your own if you want to sip while you paint. The idea is simple: keep it relaxed, keep it responsible, and let the creative process do the heavy lifting.

For me, the best part of the drink setup is that it doesn’t turn the workshop into a party. You still get a serious art session, just with a softer edge. Think warm, friendly energy rather than loud nightlife.

Practical thought: acrylic paint and liquids both demand basic attention. If you bring alcohol, keep it moderate so you’re steady with the brush and hands stay out of paint zones.

Meet Simba the Bengal cat: a fun bonus with real implications

One of the unique touches here is the studio’s resident Bengal cat, Simba. He’s not a mascot you ignore; he’s curious and shows up like an extra presence in the room. If you’re a cat person, this is likely to be a highlight, and it helps the workshop feel even more like a local homestyle experience.

But it comes with boundaries that you should respect:

• Pets are not allowed (Simba is an exception as the studio cat).
• If you have animal allergies, this isn’t a good match.

Also note: the session includes protective gear and a controlled environment, but it’s still a real studio with real animals nearby.

Language and teaching style: English and Finnish, with patient clarity

Laura teaches in English and Finnish, so you can expect the instructions to be clear even if you don’t speak Finnish. The key is that Laura explains the steps while you paint, rather than talking at you for the whole time.

A small group also changes how you learn. With only up to 4 people, it’s easier to get a quick fix when something feels off—like your brushstroke thickness or your color balance. That one-on-one support is the difference between leaving with a “kind of okay” canvas and feeling confident about what you made.

Price and value: is $93 for 2.5 hours actually fair?

At $93 per person for a 2.5-hour private painting workshop, the value comes from what’s included and how the time is structured.

You’re paying for:

• The instructor-led aurora painting walkthrough
• A complete painting setup: acrylic paints, brushes, palette, easel, and protective apron
• A small group cap (max 4), which helps ensure you aren’t lost in a crowd
• A finished, take-home 30×40 cm canvas you can display or gift

If you tried to replicate this yourself, you’d spend real money on supplies and still need someone to show the techniques in the right order. Here, you get the guidance plus the materials, and you leave with something physical that captures your Lapland trip in a way photos can’t.

The only cost “gotcha” is alcohol: it’s not included. If you want it, you’ll likely need to bring your own.

Who should book this workshop (and who should skip it)

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a low-stress activity in Rovaniemi that’s easy to join
• Are curious about acrylic painting but don’t have experience
• Like small-group settings and personal instruction
• Want an aurora-themed souvenir you can actually use

It’s not suitable if:

• You’re under 18
• You need wheelchair-friendly access, since the studio is on the 2nd floor with no elevator
• You have animal allergies, given Simba’s presence

If you’re visiting with a partner or doing a solo trip, this workshop can feel especially satisfying because it blends social time with a focused “make something” goal.

Practical tips before you go (so you enjoy it more)

Here’s what I’d do to make your night smooth:

• Bring change of clothes or at least clothes you wouldn’t be upset about staining
• Wear comfortable clothes you can move in while painting
• Plan to wear long sleeves or something you can protect, since acrylic can transfer to fabric
• If you want to sip, remember non-alcoholic drinks are included, and alcohol is bring-your-own
• Dress for a real indoor workshop: you’ll likely spend most of the time seated and painting, so avoid anything too fussy

Also, the workshop languages are English and Finnish, and the instructor can support the group that way. If you’re traveling with someone, this is also a friendly option because you’ll both be working on the same theme.

Should you book Rovaniemi PAINT & SIP private painting?

If you want a guaranteed aurora memory, not just a hope for clear skies, I think this workshop is an easy yes. The best reasons to book are the combination of small-group attention and real step-by-step teaching. You’re not learning “art theory.” You’re learning how to build an aurora painting in the time you have.

I’d think twice only if the 2nd-floor entry is a problem for you, or if Simba and animal presence would bother you. And if you’re very sensitive to mess, plan your outfit carefully—acrylic paint is manageable, but it’s still paint.

If you’re traveling through Lapland and want one evening that feels like local life—coffee, music, a brush in your hand, and a finished canvas—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Paint & Sip workshop in Rovaniemi?

The workshop runs for about 2.5 hours.

What size canvas do I paint on?

You’ll paint on a 30×40 cm canvas.

What’s included in the price?

All art supplies are provided, including acrylic paints, brushes, palette, easel, and a protective apron. Non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Can I bring alcoholic drinks?

Alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can bring your own.

What languages are used during the workshop?

The instructor teaches in English and Finnish.

Is the workshop suitable for children or wheelchair users?

It’s not suitable for children under 18, and it doesn’t have accessible entry (2nd floor, no elevator). It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users.