Thursday 11th September 2026 | 1pm – 4pm | £49 per person
Join us this September for an afternoon of creativity, conversation and indulgence at St Michael’s Manor Hotel.
Hosted within our elegant Orangery (or our outdoor Summer House, weather permitting) and led by local artist Jo Bird, our Sip & Paint experience is designed for complete beginners and budding artists alike. No previous experience is required, just a willingness to slow down, pick up a paintbrush, and enjoy the process.
Set against the backdrop of our beautiful gardens and lake, you’ll be guided through creating your own landscape painting, from the first pencil sketch through to applying colour and bringing your artwork to life.
The emphasis isn’t on perfection. It’s about taking time for yourself, learning something new, and enjoying a relaxed afternoon in good company.
Capacity is limited to 30 guests to ensure a personal and enjoyable experience.
We look forward to welcoming you for an afternoon of creativity at St Michael’s Manor Hotel.
1:00pm: Arrival and welcome prosecco
1:30pm: Guided painting workshop with Jo Bird begins
2:30pm: Tea & scones are served
3:00pm: Final touches and finishing your artwork
4:00pm: Event concludes
St Michael’s Manor Hotel welcomes St Albans based illustrator Jo Bird, who will be taking a paint and sip within our grounds. Jo is a professional illustrator with an enviable client list including the likes of Liberty, Harrods, The Sanderson, Molton Brown and many more. She paints live portraits at events, in under 10 minutes. These flattering keepsakes customers then take home to frame. She also paints on leather, most recognisably for her work with Marc Jacobs which saw her paint dog portraits onto handbags. Jo has illustrated for some amazing parties including the odd celebrity! A collaboration with luxury fragrance house, Diptyque, saw Jo running masterclasses in how to paint still lifes and even the much more challenging figure in motion! Jo will talk you through step by step on how to paint the particular scene from the grounds of St Michael’s, so you will leave with your very own masterpiece.