Artwork by Suzi. She has painted her friend Ruth, who is working at home on one of her landscapes, while the computer is on the table next to her, so she can be part of the group.
In your own home/studio, but in a group
Do you often think that you would love to paint? Perhaps you used to paint when you were younger, but then life got in the way? You might have thought about taking up painting again, but then there is always something else to do! I hear this often.
Treat yourself to a couple of hours of creativity by joining our international online in-studio art sessions on Saturdays. (You can join from anywhere, so if you are in the UK, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, a Scandinavian country, or somewhere else... you are more than welcome!).
This is a safe place to paint and meet other women. Please be aware that this is a no-politics space. We respect all views, but they are just not to be discussed in an art class.
I invite you to commit to a weekly session... your me-time to get your creativity flowing (again)!
A few hours of creativity in the company of like-minded women, and this without having to leave your house. Does this appeal to you?
It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced painter or a complete beginner. You deserve to set aside some time for you and create your unique art.
When is the online art class
Join our Saturday morning art sessions from 10.30 to 12.30 CET (9.30 to 11.30 UK time).
How does it work?
You can choose whether you like to pay as you go, or pay in advance. For newcomers... The first session is free of charge so that you can try it out.
Payment options:
* 20 Euros per session, so if you cannot make it one or several weeks, you will not lose any money. If you like this idea, but prefer to pay a number of classes in advance, then you can pay 80 Euros for 4 sessions and use them up as you please.
* 60 Euros for 4 sessions in a row / if you cannot make it some days, you sadly lose your money. However you will get 5 weeks to use up your 4 sessions, so you can miss one.
* 130 euros for 10 sessions in a row / if you cannot make it, you sadly lose your money although you can use up your 10 sessions in 11 weeks, which means you can miss one. After that you pay, even if you are not there. This is of course the cheapest option.
Please convert to your own currency. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
I will guide you and help you with tips, tricks, and inspiration suggestions), but you work in your own space/studio. The sessions take place via zoom, which means you can interact with other women who all work from their home.
What can you expect?
These sessions have now been running since 2020, and we would love to welcome you for a two-hour painting session on Saturday mornings. Spaces are limited as it’s important to also being able to create personal connections.
I will not teach you how to paint like I do. I will help you find your own style of painting through guidance, tips and encouragement in a friendly, safe environment.
We've had participants from all over Europe and the UK. It feels like being in the same room and it's lovely creating art together.
We all come together on a Saturday morning (9.30 UK time - 10.30 CET) for two hours of interacting and painting.
Art work by Suzi, her impression of the work of Dutch Artist Astrid Engels
Suzi, from the UK has turned her dining room into her studio/art gallery where she exhibits many of her very unique, striking, strong and colourful paintings, as she has been coming to this online class since April of 2020. She loves to look at other artists and feels inspired by them.
artwork by Ruth 
Her friend Ruth, also from the UK, joined the class as well so they could still see each other during lockdown. Ruth has since stayed on and loves to work fast. Usually working from a sketch she did when visiting places. During the 2 hours session she usually finishes that painting and still has time to create stunning, fantasy landscapes with left-over paints.
Many have joined the class for a 4-week or 10 week period, just to enjoy a bit of painting.
Your teacher
My name is Renate, I'm a Dutch born artist and writer but I live in southern Spain, and I love to help people find their creative spark and to guide them to develop their own unique style.
I'm a professional, internationally exhibited artist for over 35 years, but since 2006 I also conduct art classes, both in my studio and online. I love to see the enthusiasm and results (some have gone on to become successful artists) of those who have attended my class.
How about you?
Would you like to find out? Do come along... the good thing is, you only need 4 (or 5) colours to start painting. Most of my paintings (check out the art on my website) are done with white, yellow, magenta, phthalo blue and red)
Online art class on a 4-week basis
Since the start of Covid19 I've been teaching online, and yes, it absolutely works. I would love to help you proof to yourself that you too can paint. I love to inspire people to find their own unique painting style! However, this Saturday morning Central European time painting class is for women only.
I love to inspire women to find their own unique painting style! You will join a lovely group of women who come together for two hours of painting. Sometimes we chat, sometimes we work in silence and I am there for you to tell you all the tricks I know about how to create a painting that you are happy about!
For me it's more about the joy of being creative than to become perfect - I don't necessarily believe in perfection in art. It's just wonderful to see people grow and find their own style in a nice, welcoming atmosphere.
The nice thing about an online class is that you are still in a group, but it can be an international group with people from different parts of the world.
painting by one of my students
My Saturday morning online Art classes are on Saturday mornings - 9.30 to 11.30 BST (10.30 to 12.30 CET). If you like to be part of this existing group, please send me an email to [email protected].
These are online, ongoing, weekly painting classes. I've opted for this 4-weeks class setup so you don't have to worry about having to commit to an entire season. However, you can continue if you like. If you know you cannot make it to 4 classes in a certain month, for example because of a holiday, you can pay per class. The price is then 20 Euros per class of 2 hours.
You can start this class whenever you like. So there is no specific start of the 4-week or 10-week period. This is because every participant is working on an artwork of their own choice. I will guide you and give suggestions on where to start, what to get and of course how to paint. Actually, I will teach you how to paint with only 5 colours, so you don't even have to invest in a lot of paints.
We work with acrylics as I feel they are easy to work with as they dry quickly and you can adjust if you make a mistake.
The class is suitable for beginners, for those who have some painting experience and advanced painters. We learn from eachother and inspire each other as well as I've created a private Facebook group where people share work and inspirational art-related videos, stories and images.
Payment
Classes are to be paid in advance via PayPal.
Payment via PayPal https://paypal.me/RenatevanNijen is easy, however, if you like you can also pay via a bank transfer, for this please send an email to [email protected] .
I suggest you check out the testimonial below of one of the ladies from my online art class!
Testimonial of an online student
More testimonials below
Reaction from a former student, Pam French: "Renate, you are a wonderful teacher, inspirational, and it's been a while ago now, but I shall never forget what I learnt from you"
Perhaps you wonder why you should participate in an interactive online class and not just follow an online video course? I must say that I am all for people learning to create a painting or pick up that paint brush again, and it doesn't matter whether that is online or not. Painting is a very relaxing and even meditative experience. I believe that it can free your head of worries when you focus on your artwork. And I applaud any type of art course.
The trick is to find the class and/or teacher that suits you. Maybe you prefer to watch a teacher showing you how to create a specific painting and then follow that example and that is fine. If you prefer some personal guidance, then a teacher who can help you when you get stuck, and also being in the company (yes, even online) of other painting enthusiasts, is simply a different experience.
Some of my advanced participants say "I have all the materials at home, but I just don't do it on my own".
I encourage you to find the right class for you! Perhaps that is joining my Saturday or Tuesday online art class? That is for you to decide, but please know that you are more than welcome to give it a try!
What another participant, Lis Larsen from Finland, said: "Renate's online Art class was the 1st art class for me. I loved her warm presence and I highly appreciate her method. She was so supportive and gently guiding me in those moments when I lost hope."
Some images of artwork by participants in my online art class.
As I explained before, everybody can work on a subject of their own choice. However, if you have never painted, I will send you an example that you can work from. I absolutely love to help people get to their 'next' level of their painting journey.
If you are interested, please contact me directly via email [email protected] or send me a Whatsapp message on 0034-655211276.
Just so you know, most people create at least one painting during a 2 week period.
I also offer masterclasses for small groups online, private classes, and mandala workshops for small groups. You can check out the dropdown menu below art classes and if you need more information feel free to send me an email [email protected].
What some other participants, from the UK, said:
Siobhan: "Delighted with my painting on Renate’s amazing painting course. Her gentle, informative, wise teaching was really helpful and gave me confidence to explore more of the techniques of painting. A wonderful experience. Can’t recommend this course highly enough. Renate is a wonderful teacher full of wise technical know-how. It’s a lovely companionable space and a chance to create some great art."
Beverley: "This has been an absolutely lovely experience - Thanks so much for offering this"
Suzanne: "Informative and relaxing online art course. She is a supportive and empathetic tutor - it has been fun as a group and also a great encouragement to find the courage to paint again(in acrylics - a new medium for me). Highly recommended!"
Image of an enthusiastic participant 
If you would love to develop your painting skills, and having a lot of fun during the process, then this might be the right class for you. I have taught many beginners and advanced painters during my painting classes and workshops since 2006, and I would love to inspire you and explain all you need to know to get going.
If you would like to join the Saturday or the Monday class, please let me know and I will send you a video about what you need to get painting and how to mix with only 5 colours.
Hoping to inspire you,
Renate
