Example large canvas print of one of my Flamenco paintings
Thank you for opening this page. I'm really excited about this new journey, so to speak.
Would you like to spend four Monday mornings painting, experimenting and discovering new techniques in a relaxed and friendly studio setting?
In October I’m offering a four-week painting journey in my studio in La Herradura, with a different technique to explore each week.
This is not about everybody making the same painting. It also isn't about copying perfectly or simply playing with paint. I'll introduce you to genuine painting and printmaking techniques, show you how they work, and then guide you to explore those techniques in your own, unique way.
You don’t need any previous painting experience. If you already paint, it’s also a lovely opportunity to try something different and perhaps discover a technique you haven’t worked with before.
Week 1 – The magic of colour mixing
We’ll start with colour.
Using just five colours, I’ll show you how to mix a surprisingly large range of beautiful colours and shades.
mixing colours by one of my students, Maria
You’ll make your own colour chart first, so you can see exactly what happens when colours meet and mix.
Then you’ll choose one of my Buddha or Flamenco paintings as inspiration for your own painting.
You won’t be copying my painting exactly. You can change the colours, composition and details and create your own interpretation while putting your newly discovered colour mixes into practice.
Week 2 – Painting with palette knives
This week we paint with palette knives.
example palette knife painting by Jane, one of my students
I’ll show you different ways of applying, layering and mixing paint directly on the surface and how palette knives can create very different marks and textures.
For your painting, you can bring one of your own photographs or choose an image from a magazine that inspires you.
You’ll use that image as your starting point and translate it into a painting using palette knives.
Week 3 – Painting with dots
A completely different way of looking at a painting.
This week we’ll explore how an image can be built from dots in black and white, or you can create an Aboriginal-inspired dot painting.
If you choose to work in black and white, you can use an image of your choice, either one of your own photographs or an image from a magazine. The Aboriginal-inspired painting will be more intuitive.
Then you’ll create your own dot painting. It really is a lot easier than it looks and very satisfying. You’ll discover how individual dots gradually become a pattern and an image when you step back from your work.
pointillism Alva Abstract base for dotting Jane work in progress pointillism Annalies
Week 4 – Monoprinting
For our final week, we move from painting to printmaking, exploring monoprinting.
Mono prints, work in progress by Jane
Unlike other forms of printmaking, a monoprint produces a unique image. There is only one.
I’ll show you how to work with paint to create four different original monoprints of your own.
And because it’s our final morning together, we’ll finish our four-week journey with tapas and a drink.
About me
I’m Renate van Nijen, a Dutch professional artist who has been painting for nearly four decades.
I have taught painting workshops and classes for many years, both in my studio and online, and what I enjoy most is helping people discover what they can do with paint.
My own work is colourful and expressive, and I love sharing the techniques and discoveries I’ve gathered over all those years of painting.
You don’t have to paint like me.
In fact, I’d much rather help you find your own way.
When
Mondays 5, 12, 19 & 26 October 2026
10:00–13:00
My studio
Calle Real 25
La Herradura
Price
€120 for all four Monday mornings
All painting materials are included, as well as coffee, tea and something nice to go with it.
And on our final morning we’ll finish with tapas and a drink together.
The course will go ahead with a minimum of three participants.
Places are limited so that I can give everyone individual attention.
If you would like to join me, send me a message to reserve your place.
I love to inspire you!
Renate
WhatsApp +34 655211276
