Poppin’ Painting’s Portrait Workshops Prove Anyone Can Paint

If you’ve ever said, “I can’t paint,” Poppin’ Painting is here to prove you wrong.

Joining us at Perth Makers Market on Sunday 01 March 2026, this vibrant mother-daughter business is bringing something completely different to the handmade scene. Based in Bicton, Poppin’ Painting is not your typical paint and sip. Instead of copying a pre-set artwork, you create a personalised portrait of someone you love — a partner, child, friend, or even a pet — and you do it step by step using a unique system that makes the process surprisingly simple.

You can find out more about their workshops at www.poppinpainting.com.au, but first, here’s the story behind the studio.

From The Netherlands to Perth

Poppin’ Painting began long before its doors opened in Western Australia.

Lizette and her daughter Sophie are originally from The Netherlands. Five years ago, while still living and working there, they discovered portrait painting through a clever software system called Vullow. They painted their very first portrait in a studio and were immediately hooked.

At the time, starting their own studio wasn’t even on the radar. But in 2024, they made a bold move — relocating to Perth. It was a huge life change, filled with excitement and nerves, but it also created the perfect opportunity to turn their creative spark into something bigger.

That’s how Poppin’ Painting was born.

Since opening their studio in Bicton, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Couples, families, groups of friends and colleagues have all discovered how fun and addictive portrait painting can be when guided the right way.

How the Vullow System Works

What makes Poppin’ Painting so unique is that they are currently the only studio in Australia offering the Vullow system.

Here’s how it works.

You start with a photo of your choice. The Vullow system then breaks that image into six layers, each assigned a specific colour. The image is projected onto your canvas, and you paint one layer at a time. Shadows, highlights and details are guided by the projection, helping you build the portrait gradually.

By the sixth layer, everything comes together to reveal a detailed, professional-looking portrait.

The process is structured, but still flexible. You can follow the suggested colour palette or choose your own tones to make the final piece completely personal.

The result? Even complete beginners walk away with something they are genuinely proud of.

More Than Just a Workshop

One of the most memorable parts of running Poppin’ Painting, according to Lizette, is watching the transformation that happens during each session.

Almost every workshop begins with someone saying, “I can’t paint.”

By the end, those same people are smiling, holding up their finished portrait, and often talking about when they can come back again.

The workshops offer something more than just a creative activity. They create a moment of calm and focus in the middle of busy lives. Phones are put away. Work stress fades. Conversations flow naturally.

Guests share stories, laugh together and often form connections they didn’t expect. For Lizette and Sophie, those shared moments are the real success of the business.

Art becomes a bridge to connection, reflection and joy.

A Mother-Daughter Creative Team

Poppin’ Painting is very much a family venture.

Sophie brings strong artistic energy to the studio. She also works as a ceramics teacher across several pottery studios in Perth, and her experience teaching creative skills translates beautifully into the portrait workshops.

Lizette, who previously worked full-time, now focuses entirely on growing Poppin’ Painting. Together, they balance creativity with business strategy, ensuring every workshop runs smoothly while maintaining a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Their goal is to grow Poppin’ Painting into a thriving full-time business, expanding workshops across Western Australia and eventually exploring franchising opportunities throughout Australia.

Big dreams, but grounded in genuine passion.

Challenges and Growth

Like many small creative businesses, marketing has been one of their biggest challenges.

Running a workshop-based studio means visibility is everything. Word of mouth plays a huge role, and every happy guest can lead to more bookings. That’s one reason markets like Perth Makers Market are so valuable. They provide an opportunity for people to see the painting system in action and experience it firsthand.

There are also practical challenges behind the scenes. The specialised projectors used in the Vullow system are programmed in The Netherlands, which means importing equipment into Perth comes with logistical and financial considerations.

Despite this, Lizette and Sophie remain focused on growth, bookings, and most importantly, creating memorable experiences.

See Poppin’ Painting at Perth Makers Market

At Perth Makers Market on Sunday 01 March 2026, you’ll be able to meet Lizette and Sophie, see the Vullow system in action, and learn how you can book your own workshop.

Markets are one of their favourite places to showcase what they do. The atmosphere is social, friendly and creative — exactly the vibe they aim to create in their studio.

Whether you’re looking for a unique date idea, a family activity, a team-building session or a thoughtful personalised gift, Poppin’ Painting offers something truly different.

Special Subscriber Offer

As a special thank you, Poppin’ Painting is offering subscribers 25% off workshop bookings.

Simply book online at www.poppinpainting.com.au and use the promo code Poppin26ML at checkout.

If you’ve ever wanted to try painting but felt unsure where to start, this might be your sign.

Come along to Perth Makers Market on Sunday 01 March, meet the team, and see why once you paint your first portrait, you just might get hooked too.