In just five minutes of social media scrolling, you will notice stunning black ink drips onto delicate rice paper. A new kind of excitement is circulating around a class that transforms even those who are “stick-figure-only” into accomplished tattoo artists. Why is this happening? Let’s get down to Alcohol Ink Painting Course business while you’re on the mend.

To begin with, the tempo is pleasantly rapid. Leave the dry theory and academic language at the door. Jump right into splashing ink, experimenting, and laughing at your own blunders with the instructor. “My cat ran across my first masterpiece and now he’s part of the exhibit!” one student even revealed in class. The public adores it. The journey itself is more important than the exhibition.

This course is highly effective for another reason. No, you won’t require a background in the arts or the dexterity of a cardiac surgeon. During the second class, the instructor gawks, spills, and blots—”Oops!” “Happy little accident,” she says, bringing out her inner Bob Ross. A sudden normalcy washes over flubs. Half the battle is won when you overcome your fear of ugly ducks and blank pages. Unwanted wires? Who knows? Those might be hidden bamboo. A mishap? Intangible rocks.

What about the inventory? Simple, inexpensive, and nearly comically so. Media: paper, brush, ink. Perhaps an unimportant sleeve. And what happens if you make a mistake? Fold in half. Toss. All over again. It is tolerant. It’s unusual.

The course’s secret ingredient might be the community. Pictures of everything from clean mountain ranges to haphazard, whimsical splotches that look like clouds are common in online forums. Positive feedback spreads like wildfire on the internet. A parent whose “ink koi” resemble potatoes more than anything else is just one example of how complete strangers are cheering on progress and sharing silly stories. The responses? No snobbery, just humor and helpful hints.

Moreover, development appears out of nowhere, like a cat skulking in tall grass. Week three’s endeavors—all of a sudden, there’s darkness and grace—make the first week’s squiggles appear lifeless. People are astonished by the actions of themselves. Where a doodle previously slouched, a dragon may appear with the blink of an eye.

Would you say that this class is going to make you a Sumi-e legend? Who can say for sure? Still, it’s sure to keep your afternoons filled with surprises, splashes, and the odd, wonderful masterpiece. Plus, it’s not often that you come across a pastime that both brings you joy and gets your hands dirty. To listen to that still small voice within you that says “try it” is honorable. Dip a brush and see your creations come to life.