It’s been two years since Frank and Jill Slipher opened Lake Tahoe Paint and Sip Studio at Ski Run Marina, and one thing has not changed — the two are not artists. The couple moved to South Lake Tahoe from New Orleans in June 2014 and opened the studio a mere two months later because they loved the business concept.

“They’ve been having paint and sips in New Orleans since 2007. That’s where the idea came from,” Jill said.

An elementary school teacher for 20 years, Jill wanted to do something that was less stressful, and a paint-and-sip studio seemed just the thing. She is not an instructor at the studio, but instead takes pictures of the events, serves drinks and assists the artists in a variety of ways — such as providing clean water.

As Frank is not an artist either, “We totally depend on our artists,” Jill added.

In two years, a lot has changed however. When it first opened, the studio was only one room and could comfortably seat 16 people. It is now a two-room studio that seats over 40 people.

And the Sliphers aren’t hurting for customers, either.

“I had a girl in here last night who said it was her 12th time,” Jill said.

The paint-and-sip process is simple — view the studio’s online calendar to pick a session, sign up, and arrive on the date ready to enjoy a glass of wine or beer while painting in a fun atmosphere.

Each class guides participants through painting a particular scene, and each one is unique. The staff artist walks attendees through a step-by-step process to recreate the featured painting.

According to the Sliphers, they try to avoid doing the same painting more than once a month. Artwork ranges from nature to wildlife, and even painting pets. Tahoe landscapes are the most popular classes, according to Jill — that’s why they offer a variety of over 20 different classes in that genre.

Classes last two hours and cost $40. The price includes painting supplies, such as the 16-by-20 canvas, paint, brushes, easel and apron. It does not include drinks.

The Sliphers have recently begun “Sunday FUNdays” — a special two-hour session on Sunday afternoons that costs $25. Apart from price, the components of Sunday FUNday are exactly like those offered in regular sessions.

“We did this with locals in mind,” Jill said.

Lake Tahoe Paint and Sip additionally offers open paint hours Wednesdays through Fridays from 2-5 p.m. It costs $30 and participants have access to the studio’s paint supplies for as long as they wish to stay.

While people walk in without a reservation for open paint, the Sliphers recommend signing up ahead of time for a guided session. Classes sometimes sell out, so guests are not guaranteed a seat if they drop in. The registration process is online.

In terms of drinks, Lake Tahoe Paint and Sip offers both bottles and glasses of red and white wines, as well as bottled beer and on-tap beer. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

The studio is open to all ages and located at Ski Run Marina.

For more information on classes, as well as booking private events or fundraising, visit http://www.laketahoepaintsip.com.