Why painting lessons work better than practising alone

Many people painting or drawing like being at home. Just a moment to yourself, a canvas, some paint, an idea. That's a wonderful thing to do.
But I often hear from people that, after a while, they find that they are not really progressing. “I'm trying my best, but I kind of stay at the same level,” they then say. And that is not strange at all.

Practising at home is good, but taking painting lessons still works better.
Not because you can't do it yourself, but because with some guidance you can see more quickly what you are doing, why something is failing and how to do it better.
That is exactly what I want to impart in my classes: learn to look, understand what you are painting and have fun with it.

Learning to watch is the first step

Anyone who paints, above all, learns to look.We often think we know what something looks like, but as soon as we put it on paper or canvas, it turns out to be different.
In classes, I teach you to really look at light, shadow, colour and shape.
Sometimes it is about very small things: a shadow that is a little too dark, or a colour that is just not right.
Once you learn to see what is happening, your work will naturally change.

During the lessons, I show you how something can be made. Sometimes I show you, sometimes I explain, and often you discover it yourself by trying.
That's also the beauty of lessons: you don't have to figure it out on your own.

Feedback and collaborative learning

When you paint at home, you have to figure out for yourself what could be better.
This is tricky because you are always looking with your own eyes.
During the lesson, you get immediate feedback. I do not tell you what is “wrong”, but I show you what you might try differently.
Often, you then suddenly see what happened, and the penny drops.

We work in small groups with a maximum of three students per class so there is enough time to give everyone personal attention.
This makes it quiet but also cosy.
You can see each other's work, share ideas and get inspiration.
Everyone works in their own way, and that is precisely what makes it interesting.

Regularity helps you get better

Many people paint at home only when they have time.
This is understandable, but as a result it sometimes gets in the way.
With set lessons comes structure. You know: “That morning or afternoon is my painting time”.”
That works very well.
You progress, you keep practising and you see results.

The lessons last two hours, which is just enough to work well without rushing.
And if one time you can't, it's no problem.
We work with a strippenkaart, so you only pay for the lessons you attend.

A nice place to paint

Classes are held in my studio at the Perzikgaard 40 in Spijkenisse.
It is a quiet place with good light and enough space to work.
There are easels, tables and everything needed to teach well.

There is a maximum of three people per class, so there is always enough space and attention.
You can bring your own materials, or use the studio's paint and turpentine.
I charge €1 per lesson for that, and also €1 for coffee or tea.

It is important to me that everyone feels comfortable in the studio.
The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, and there is a lot of laughter.
Painting should remain fun, even if you try something new or if you fail for a while.

For everyone - beginner or advanced

Anyone can participate.
Whether you are holding a brush for the first time, or have been painting for years the lessons are adapted to what you can and want to learn.
Some want to learn portrait painting, others prefer abstract or landscape.
Together, we look at what suits you.
I give tips, but you decide the direction.

You can paint with oil or acrylic, or a combination of both.
Drawing and watercolour painting are also possible.
Sometimes someone alternates that's all right.

Inspiration from others

In the lessons, you will find that you learn not only from me, but also from each other.
Everyone looks at the same subject differently.
Sometimes you may see a colour you wouldn't use yourself, or a way of working that you want to try.
That's inspiring.

It is nice to see course participants encouraging and complimenting each other.
That bit of learning together is a big difference from practising alone at home.

A flexible system

At the start of classes, you will be given a strippenkaart with 15 teaching hours for €130.
Each lesson is 2 hours, so that's 7.5 lessons per card.
The card is valid for one year and you only pay for the classes you attend.
Can't make it once? Then it costs nothing.

Each student usually has a fixed day and time, but if that does not work out one time, painting can be done at another time if there is space.
We just see what fits.

Free trial lesson

Unsure if painting lessons are for you?
You can always make a free trial lesson follow.
Then you will immediately see how it works and whether you like it.
If you want to continue after that, you can register.
If you leave it at one, that's totally fine too.

Why lessons work better than practice alone

Practising at home is fine, but with lessons it's faster, more fun and more insightful.
You get personal guidance, you learn new techniques, you see how something is done and you don't get discouraged if you don't succeed for a while.

It is actually the same as learning to play music: you can fiddle around on your own, but with a teacher, you really learn to play.
It works the same way with painting.

Painting with pleasure and personal attention

Whether you are just starting out or have been painting for a while there is always something new to discover.
At the studio in Spijkenisse, we work quietly, with attention, and in a pleasant atmosphere.
Everyone learns at their own way and pace, and that's what makes it beautiful.

Want to know more or sign up?
Feel free to send a message with your name, phone number and the day you would like to take lessons.
You will get a quick reply.

Address: Perzikgaard 40, Spijkenisse
Lecturer: Rinus Manschot