For creative minds and art lovers who need to release their inner van Gogh, Shanghai has some great art workshops and classes. If you believe you have hidden painting skills or you just want a relaxing and affordable hobby, check out these places to discover your inner artist.

The Expat Learning Center

For beginner, intermediate or advanced students interested in levelling up their artistic skills, The Expat Learning Center offers classes that range from courses in painting and drawing, interior and fashion design to workshops in photography, film making and Photoshop. In 10 weeks time and for just RMB 3,000, adult students can get the hang of some essential techniques in a fun and relaxed setting with like-minded classmates. Instructors will take you on field trips and review your artwork. It takes some commitment and you need to do your homework, but you learn a lot in a short period of time.

Web: www.shanghai-classes.com

Urban Paintmob

It’s all about fun and finding a way to express your creativity at the Urban Paintmob sessions. Every two weeks, people gather at painting parties to encourage and inspire each other to explore their artistic side. For RMB 200, easels, paint, brushes and canvasses – basically anything you need for your unique piece of art – will be provided. Aside from these workshops (there’s no teaching involved), the community organises team building projects such as mural paintings. This ‘roving art community’ has no permanent venue, instead moving from here to there, so sessions are hosted at various restaurants, cafes and studios, making them entertaining and inspiring for other visitors as well.

Web: www.paintmob.com.cn

Pebeo Espace

Tucked away in one of M50’s hidden alleys, Pebeo Espace is the place for the Moganshan Lu artists to purchase high quality paints, varnish, brushes and cotton or linen canvasses. Imported oil, acrylic, DIY, fabric, glassware and home deco paint are offered at reasonable prices. Not just the ideal shop for those who have been searching for tubes of fluorescent, metallic or glittery pastes, the studio also offers painting workshops in Chinese and English where you can create an original piece of art on fabric, glass, ceramic, or wood. Tinker with the DIY and fabric paint during a free trial and take your creation home for RMB 50. 

1F, Bldg 0, 50 Moganshan Lu.

Web: www.pebeo.com.cn