Why Your Smartphone Can’t Capture Singapore (But A Paintbrush Can)
We have a theory. The easier it is to take a photo, the less we actually see the thing we are photographing.
We are all guilty of it. You walk past a stunning Peranakan shophouse in Katong. You snap a photo for Instagram. You keep walking.
You captured the pixels. But did you capture the place?
Did you notice the specific curve of the "bat wing" air vents? Did you see how the sun faded the turquoise paint on the shutters just slightly more than the walls?
Probably not. In Singapore, we are always moving.
That is why we are currently obsessed with the Heritage Painting Workshop. It isn’t just an art class. It is a rebellion against the "hustle."
The Art of Slowing Down
This workshop does something that feels almost radical in 2025. It forces you to sit still and look at one thing for two hours.
Whether you are painting an intricate Peranakan tile or a scene of a historic back alley, the goal isn’t to become the next Picasso. The goal is observation.
When you try to mix the exact shade of "terracotta red" for a roof tile, you suddenly understand the architecture in a way a history book can’t teach you. You start to appreciate the craftsmanship of the artisans who built this city 100 years ago.
You are not just looking at history. You are tracing it with your brush.
"But I Can’t Draw" (Yes, You Can)
This is the most common objection we hear. "I haven’t touched a paintbrush since Primary 4."
The beauty of the Heritage Painting Workshop is that it is designed for the "art-challenged."
- It’s Guided: You aren’t thrown into the deep end. The instructors break down complex heritage architecture into simple shapes and lines.
- It’s Forgiving: Acrylics and heritage motifs are surprisingly forgiving. A "wobbly" line often adds character to a shophouse sketch rather than ruining it.
- It’s Therapeutic: There is a unique "flow state" that happens when you focus on filling a small space with colour. Your brain stops worrying about emails and deadlines. It’s just you, the paint, and the tile.
Why This Matters Now
Singapore is changing fast. Modern glass towers are rising. Sometimes it feels like the old world is shrinking.
Participating in a workshop like this is a way of honouring that old world. It’s a small, quiet act of preservation. You are keeping the aesthetic of our heritage alive. You do it one canvas at a time.
Plus, let’s be real. A hand-painted canvas of a shophouse looks a lot better on your living room wall than a generic poster from IKEA.
How to Join
If you are looking for a weekend activity that leaves you feeling recharged rather than drained, this is it.
You don’t need to bring anything. All materials (brushes, paints, canvas) are provided. Just bring your patience and a willingness to get a little bit of paint on your hands.
Ready to trade your phone screen for a canvas?