Behind The Scenes
Sharon Ureña, Paint and Sip LIVE Artistic Director
How did you come by the company name Paint and Sip LIVE?
We run a virtual paint and sip company, providing classes and a party mood. The LIVE part represents the fact that our classes feature live DJs and live instructors leading the events.
How do you select the DJs for Paint and Sip LIVE parties?
We select them based on their energy and how they vibe with us. We run a demo with them and test their music to ensure that they have high quality. We also make sure that we pair them up with classes/themes that they like. Every DJ has their niche. We try to place them where they feel most comfortable.
Tell me about your Theme Party nights?
We have Caribbean Fridays, Hip Hop, and R&B or just Hip Hop Saturdays. We have Quiet Storm. We do some Paint and Praise that’s geared toward gospel and we usually work on a painting that has some sort of spiritual or biblical meaning. We try to associate a portrait with the theme. Like the Brooklyn Bridge for a hip hop class or Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica for Caribbean Fridays.
For Quiet Storm, we usually choose a portrait that looks quiet, such as a glowing lightning bug in a jar, or maybe just a fire on the beach. For the holidays we’ve had the kid and family events. On Halloween, we hosted an event where everyone could come together and paint jack-o’-lanterns. We also have Christmas and New Year events coming up.
When did you discover your love for your craft and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
Since I was a kid I’ve always drawn. That’s always been a thing I do. But I was discouraged from pursuing art professionally. Instead, I graduated from college with a degree in psychology and actually developed an advancing career working for city agencies. Meanwhile, I never stopped drawing and painting.
When the idea of Paint and Sip LIVE was born, everything clicked. I wish I could say I got a degree in painting and have worked as an artist for all these years. But that’s not my journey. And this is what makes me appreciate my role at Paint and Sip LIVE even more because I wasn’t supposed to make a career of this. It’s a dream. I love it.
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
I don’t feel like I have a particular style. I am very versatile.
On your current project, how did you come up with the concept?
Well, we were aware of the paint and sip concept and have enjoyed it, however, we felt we could bring a new feel and touch to this type of art, so it brought us to create Paint and Sip LIVE.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
Right now, I think that my greatest challenge is balancing my paint sessions, my full-time job, a full-time graduate schedule, and my personal life. My dedication and sense of responsibility are my greatest attributes when it comes to my work ethic.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
I think I am great at what I do, and I am always working on ways to improve myself.
What are your plans for the near future? Where do you see the company heading?
We have the kids paint and Sip LIVE that we’ve launched and want to do more with. I love kids and I think we need to develop those skills in them while they are little and develop that love for painting. It would make me very happy to be a part of that. To show them how to paint and see the cool little pieces that they make.
As for Paint and Sip LIVE in general, I see us continuing to grow, booking bigger acts, and cementing our position as a reliable and fun virtual event business for those who want to try something creative and rock out.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
I want to thank my family for being so supportive throughout this journey and my partners for all their hard work and dedication. I also want to thank every creator who has painted with us and helped this dream come true.
How can fans find you?
They can definitely go to our website paintandsiplive.com. And they can check out our Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok pages @paintandsiplive.
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself starting up in the business?
I’d say believe in yourself, lean in on your talent, and grind hard for your dreams. Also, I’d say that information is knowledge so never be afraid to ask for help or advice.
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