Renee Maloney, 42, and Cathy Deano, 57, wanted a new start after Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans and took a chance on a unique business concept they’d discovered: the paint-and-sip studio.

The business concept is simple. Customers pay $35 to $45 (depending upon lesson length) for an evening of art instruction in a party-like atmosphere. They learn a specific painting step by step—a sunset or Monet-inspired bridge—and leave with a 16-by-20 work of art.

The concept is spreading nationally as entrepreneurs like Maloney and Deano open shops, sell franchises, and offer consulting advice for others seeking to do the same. While some business experts warn of the risks of buying into such trend businesses, those involved are seeing signs of growth.

Maloney and Deano opened one shop—Corks N Canvas—in 2007, which grew into four Louisiana locations in a few years. In 2009, under the name Painting With A Twist, they signed 10 franchises, 26 in 2010 and 15 so far in 2011. That’s more than 50 new enterprises in 11 states. In the past year, they served 250,000 customers at their own studios and those they advise. That’s a dramatic increase from the approximately 54,000 would-be Picassos in their previous three years.

In just a few years, approximately 100 franchise and independent studios have emerged in 18 states, starting first in the South and moving west to Texas and finally north to states like Michigan this year.

Deano believes painting is entertaining and restorative. The libations are either brought by patrons or purchased if the shop has a liquor license. Deano believes painting is entertaining and restorative and that wine breaks down any creative barriers to tackling a canvas for the first time. Deano and Maloney are not artists, so they hire instructors.

Demand for this business model is spurring independent shop owners to consult. Brittney Wilson of Denver’s Canvas and Cocktails and Brian Bullard of Houston’s The Paint & Wine Studio joined those ranks. Wilson’s partner studios pay a $15,000 startup fee, retain creative control, and receive a license for her most popular paintings, website design, support, and access to wholesale suppliers. Bullard, a decorative artist with 25 years art-business experience, offers a phased process where entrepreneurs learn the business and can receive hands-on training at his Texas studio.

Deciding between consulting and franchising lies in costs and vision. Deano’s franchisees pay an initial $20,000 franchise fee for training and support and sign a 7-year contract to use her firm’s established concept and extensive painting library. They can spend another $40,000 for supplies such as stools, easels, and inventory. Bullard says consulting fits those with their own business vision who prefer less commitment. With his phased program businesses can be started for between $7,000 and $10,000 (including leases and inventory) in as quickly as 60 to 180 days.

Gene Fairbrother, a lead business consultant with the National Association for the Self Employed, cautions business hopefuls taking advantage of such trends. He recommends watching the market closely and gauging interest by studying major changes in the number of open studios, class sign-ups, and return rates. He suggests owners connect with any former customers regarding what might entice them to return.

Bullard admits that while the concept can be “a dream job,” he says, “you have to make your numbers.” Michael Pryor, a devoted watercolorist consulting with Bullard to open her own studio this July in San Antonio, is savvy regarding shifting trends. She plans to distinguish her business by offering paint-your-apron nights and canvases that vary from the concept’s standard size and shape. Says Pryor, “As things change, I will change with them.”