Creativity can strike at any moment, whether you're near a canvas and brushes or beside a slumbering strongman and many rolls of toilet paper. Learn to recognize opportune moments with today's Groupon: for $17, you get a 2.5-hour painting class at The Paint Bar in Newton (up to a $35 value).

Helmed by a mother-daughter duo, The Paint Bar nurtures budding artists through themed painting classes set in a welcoming atmosphere. Brush-stroking disciples receive step-by-step guidance from skilled instructors, who lead classes designed to replicate a specific image, such as the famous Citgo sign, Boston's skyline, or van Gogh’s lesser known masterpiece, Frowny Emoticon. The Paint Bar supplies Monets-in-training with a 16"x20" canvas, paint, brushes, an easel, and an apron, though painters should wear clothes they don't mind getting splattered. Classes are generally held four or five times per week, at varying time slots; check out the calendar to reserve a spot, as class space is limited. Though this Groupon is not valid for alcohol, The Paint Bar offers an intoxicating selection of brews, wine, and all of the 1975 issues of Popular Mechanics.