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Art Classes & Workshops

Watercolour Painting (Beginners/Advanced)

Watercolour Painting is the ideal watercolour class for the beginner to the advanced artist who wishes to refine their skills. You will learn fun watercolour techniques and each step will be demonstrated to you. You will practice through exercises and work on your own chosen subject.

Click here to enrol:

Dates

Term 1: Mondays, 26th Feb – 25th Mar 2024, 10-12:30pm (5 weeks)
Term 2: Mondays, 29th Apr – 10th June 2024, 10-12:30pm (5 weeks, no class on 13th May and 3rd June)
Term 3: Mondays, 12 Aug – 16th Sep 2024, 10-12:30pm (5 weeks, no class 2nd Sep)
Term 4: Mondays, 4th Nov – 2nd Dec 2024, 10-12:30pm (5 weeks)

Fee

$150
(materials not included)

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua, 7173

Material List

Download the material list here

The Three "M"s Mondrian - Monet - Mattisse

1-Day Workshop with Marian Painter

Mondrian, Matisse and Monet are three of the most influential artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Have you ever tried to paint in their style or even understood the motivation for their unique artistic style?
This workshop will explore the history and development of each of these 3 artists and you will have the chance to paint in their style. It will be fun and challenging. 

Suitable for all abilities.
Ideal for Acrylics, Oil paints and pastels. 

You need to bring your usual art materials, notepad, pen, scissors and glue stick etc. The aim will be to produce 3 artworks during the day. 

Click here to enrol:

Dates

18th May 2024, 9:30-4pm

Fee

$90
(materials not included)

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua, 7173

Tutor

Marian Painter

Colour Mixing 2-Day Workshop

The Colour Mixing workshop is the ideal workshop for you if you want to learn how to mix beautiful colours. This workshop will evaluate in depth colour theory and colour harmony. You will explore working with a limited palette as well as complementary, split-complementary colours, analogous colours and triads. You will do exercises with tonal value, tint, shade and hue, and much more. This workshop requires some basic painting knowledge. You can bring watercolours, oils (odourless only) or acrylics.

Click here to enrol:

Dates

Sat and Sun, 8th/9th June 2024, 9:30-4pm

Fee

$240 (materials not included)

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua, 7173

Material List

Download the material list here

Beginners Watercolour Painting 1-Day Workshop

Beginners Watercolour Painting is the ideal watercolour class for you if you like a kick-start into watercolour painting. In this class you will get all the information you need on your colours, brushes and watercolour paper. You will have the opportunity to follow along Nicole’s demonstration and create your first watercolour painting. Each step will be demonstrated and tips and tricks will be explained on the way. You will learn about wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry painting as well as glazing. A fun and social class to get started in watercolour painting.

Click here to enrol:

Dates

Saturday, 19th Oct 2024, 9:30-4pm

Fee

$120 (materials not included)
$160 including materials

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua, 7173

Material List

Download the material list here

Beginners Oil Painting 1-Day Workshop

The Beginners Oil Painting workshop is the ideal workshop for you if you like a kick-start into oil painting. In this class you will get all the information you need on how to set up your colours on your palette, how to use medium, you brushes and various supports. You will learn about the term “fat over lean”, underpainting and finishing touches. You have the opportunity to follow along Nicole’s demonstration and create your first beautiful oil painting. Each step will be demonstrated and tips and tricks will be explained on the way. A fun and social class to get started in oil painting.

Click here to enrol:

Dates

Saturday, 26th Oct 2024, 9:30-4pm

Fee

$120 (materials not included)
$160 including materials

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua, 7173

Material List

Download the material list here

Download the material list here

Watercolour Journaling Workshop

Are your getting ready to travel with watercolours? Or are you interested in creating a painted journal? Watercolour Journaling is the perfect way of quickly capturing a scene when you only have a short time to paint. In this workshop you will learn how to quickly capture a landscape, seascape, building and people in a fun and easy way.

Click here to enrol:

Dates

Saturday, 16th Nov 2024, 9:30-4pm

Fee

$120
(materials not included)

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua, 7173

Material List

Download your material list here.

Painting for All Levels (Waimea College)

Monday 6.30 – 9.00 pm (6 weeks per school term)
4 Terms during the year

A fun and relaxed painting class for the beginner through to the experienced artist. Choose your medium to paint in (eg: acrylics, oils or watercolours). Each session will begin with a short introduction on a different subject (eg: colour theory, values, perspective, figures, composition, painting from life vs. photograph). Then the lesson will continue “one on one” to further develop and explore your own subject and style. Paint from a still life or your photograph.

Fee

Visit Waimea College Community Education for current fees.

Location

Waimea College, 60 Salisbury Road, Richmond 7020

Material List

Download the material list here

Drawing for All Levels (Waimea College)

Monday 6.30 – 9.00 pm (6 weeks per school term)
4 Terms during the year

For beginners through to experienced students. You will explore various drawing approaches with a range of media to develop your observational and expressive skills.

Fee

Visit Waimea College Community Education for current fees.

Location

Waimea College, 60 Salisbury Road, Richmond 7020

Material List

Download the material list here

Private Lessons / Watercolours or Oils

Private painting lessons can be the perfect lesson for you if you need flexibility in your schedule or want to focus on your personal requirements. Nicole Russell teaches watercolours and oil painting in private lessons. These lessons can be inside or outside the studio (plein air). 

For any questions or further information, please contact Nicole.

Fee

$50 per hour
(materials not included), or
$65 including materials.

Location

Nicole Russell Art Studio:
300 Pomona Road, Ruby Bay, Mapua 7173

Or a plein air location.

Plein Air Painting (No Fee)

The plein air painters in the Nelson/Tasman region meet regularly every Wednesday (except for the third Wednesday of the month), starting at 10am. Weekly updates on the next meeting point are sent out by email. If you are a plein air artist or are just curious to meet the group and see how we work, please contact Nicole Russell and ask to be put on the mailing list.

– The weekly plein air meetings are free.
– There is no obligation to attend.
– Everybody is welcome.

We are a small social group enjoying painting outside in the company of fellow artists.

Click Enquire if you like to be included on the mailing list and for further information.

Fee

No fee.

Location

Meeting places vary each week. Information is emailed regularly and posted on the Website and on Facebook (@Nicole Russell Fine Arts).

Wai Knot Watercolour (No Fee)

Wai Knot Watercolour – (Wai – water, knot – a joining together)
As three local watercolour painters we’re aware that though there are many art groups in Nelson/Tasman, none cater specifically to watercolour.
With this in mind we invite you to join our watercolour get together “Wai Knot” once a month in various locations to paint with watercolours. This is a casual group (no teaching, no fee, koha for tea & coffee).
First get together has changed to Grossi Point, Mapua (no longer Gravity Winery). Head towards Mapua Wharf and turn right at Tahi St, travel to the end of the road to the Grossi Point reserve.  Please bring your painting gear and a smile.
Please contact us if you’d like any more info , or if you’d like to be added to our email list (which is how we’ll probably notify people of where we plan to meet).
Looking forward to meeting you are Jan Thomson, Jane Smith and Nicole Russell

Fee

No fee.

Location

Meeting places vary each week. Information is emailed regularly by Jan Thomson. Please contact her if you like to be added to the mailing list.

Previous Classes - Testimonials - Photos

“Thanks so much Nicole, I enjoyed your workshop and it helped me not only with my art mixing colours, but also my interior design aspect of understanding colours.”

Candace Carlyle, June 2023

Nicole was guest speaker at Art Group Nelson’s July meeting. She completed several small watercolour demonstrations whilst sharing her knowledge and experiences in an enthusiastic and informative way – especially for journaling whether it be in watercolour or sketching.   We were treated to a most enjoyable and entertaining evening which resulted in many members renewing their interest in watercolour and others gaining a new interest in journaling.  It really was a great night.

Thank you Nicole.

Pat Reid  Art Group Nelson Guest Speaker Coordinator
Karen Loten Art Group Nelson President
July 2022

Nicole has recently taken a workshop at Motueka for the art group on Palette Knife painting.
Nicole is always well prepared and provides equipment if required. Her tutorials include simple and well explained exercises as well as more challenging tasks to suit a variety of skill levels.
Her personal expertise in a range of media gives her confidence in her teaching skills.
I would highly recommend Nicole as a tutor.

Thank you Nicole.

Marian Painter, June 2022

Thank you Nicole for such enjoyable and informative watercolour painting classes. You have a gentle, sense of fun teaching style full of tips and ideas. The showing of our work and our discussing and discovering the different painting styles was so good. I learnt a lot and ready for more classes.

Carolyn Steel, November 2021

Learnt a lot about the basics of watercolour painting in a small and casual class setting. Good support and advice on early first attempts.

Louis Du-Plessis, November 2021

(Watercolour Journaling) This is such an amazing class! Highly recommend it! I was a total beginner and loved it. A great introduction to watercolour.

Eva Kerer, February 2020

Thanks to Nicole’s patient, informative and well put together course I can now achieve some success in watercolour……due to a working life that took us to many fascinating countries I’ve always envied those that could put experiences into a sketch/painting in a journal – having watched people do so.  Now, with practise, thanks to Nicole I will be able to do the same.  There is a lot to learn but the precise notes sent after each class are always at hand. I look forward to another course.

Christine Leith, December 2020

As an absolute beginner, Nicole’s Watercolour Journaling course was a great introduction to watercolour techniques suitable for outdoor journaling.  The process of practicing a technique or techniques followed by a project piece, that included the technique, was very enjoyable and easy to follow. Nicole was always positive, supportive and  encouraging which made for a special learning experience.

Pam Wright, December 2020

Nicole makes watercolour journaling great fun with her energy and enthusiasm. She introduced us to a variety of techniques and provided notes as a reference so that on our last session we all produced a lovely landscape of Monaco.

Wendy Furness, December 2020

Nicole Russell has been my Art Teacher over the past 2 ½ years. I appreciate her Teaching Style which provides true growth material to my journey. Her presentation of short Principles with each Group lesson helps to reinforce the basics. Nicole allows me to develop my own style and offers practical evaluation along with necessary trouble shooting. I always am made to feel as though I am making progress . I have particularly enjoyed private Tuition with Nicole, as working alongside her as I attempt to gain knowledge re Oil Painting has been a brilliant way to learn. Nicole gently corrects me , reinforces techniques as I need and shares wonderful pearls of wisdom along the way.

I feel very grateful to be able to tap into Nicoles profound knowledge of painting. She has great flexibility in working with all genres  (water colour, Oils and Acrylics)

I highly recommend Nicole to those who wish to extend their knowledge in the world of painting. She is gentle and personable and puts fertilizer on anyones attempt to develop.

Thank you so much Nicole for sharing your knowledge with me.

Wendy de Groot, November 2020

Thank you for the special afternoon creating a lasting memory for our advent calendar. We all enjoyed the 2 hour lesson and now have a great foundation to base our growing interest. Each of us came home with something we could be proud of to put up on the wall. We happily recommend you to anyone wanting to delve into the art of oil painting.

Andrew Stephenson, December 2020

I wanted to start painting with watercolours for a while but didn’t know how to start and which materials I needed. Booking in for a private session with Nicole was perfect. She has so much knowledge and shared so many helpful tips and tricks, and I learned a lot in my first session. She has a lovely calm way of teaching that puts you at ease and makes it fun. I’m sure I will be back for more sessions soon. Thank you, Nicole.

Jamila Knopp, October 2020

Nicole Russell has been my Art Teacher over the past 2 ½ years. I appreciate her Teaching Style which provides true growth material to my journey. Her presentation of short Principles with each Group lesson helps to reinforce the basics. Nicole allows me to develop my own style and offers practical evaluation along with necessary trouble shooting. I always am made to feel as though I am making progress . I have particularly enjoyed private Tuition with Nicole, as working alongside her as I attempt to gain knowledge re Oil Painting has been a brilliant way to learn. Nicole gently corrects me , reinforces techniques as I need and shares wonderful pearls of wisdom along the way.

I feel very grateful to be able to tap into Nicoles profound knowledge of painting. She has great flexibility in working with all genres  (water colour, Oils and Acrylics)

I highly recommend Nicole to those who wish to extend their knowledge in the world of painting. She is gentle and personable and puts fertilizer on anyones attempt to develop.

Thank you so much Nicole for sharing your knowledge with me.

Wendy de Groot, 2020

Kia Ora Tatou Katoa,

My name is Sharon Salmon. I am a Professional Tattoo Artist with 30 years experience.

Recently this year during COVID I dabbled with water colour. I very quickly realised I needed expert help so I jumped on google and found, Nicole Russell. Within a week I was nervously knocking on Nicoles front door. I had no idea what to expect. I was warmly welcomed into Nicoles home and studio, cuppa and biscuits. After an indepth discussion about my aims and objectives of being there we got straight into our first lesson. With the family pooch sleeping under my chair we embarked on what I would call now a wonderful and creative relationship not only with a paintbrush and paint but with Nicole.

Nicoles way of teaching is friendly and encouraging. She very much knows her stuff. She is very organised, knowledgable and is happy to be  flexible within the studio setting to allow you to play with ideas and techniques.

I totally encourage you to make that call and knock on Nicoles door. This experiece has changed my life in such a beautiful way. I get lost playing with water colour and I have forged a relationship with a very talented lady.”

Sharon Salmon, 2020

Thanks Nicole for such an encouraging & safe learning enviornment. You have removed my fear of watercolours & shown me some great techniques to practice at home.

Shirley Whitmore, August 2019

Hi Nicole, just an appreciation from me for the 5 week watercolour course I recently attended with you. I am sorry it has come to an end as I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions. I learnt such a lot in the understanding of the colour process; in how paints can behave differently; in techniques to improve both my skills and produce better painting outcomes.The relaxed atmosphere and your lovely tutoring style made it a pleasure to learn. I would certainly recommend your tutorials to anyone wanting to improve their skills. Thank you!

Alison Reid, July 2019

Going to a watercolour class for the first time was a little daunting, but luckily it all turned out well thanks to our patient, encouraging and enthusiastic art tutor Nicole. She is highly skilled in her work, and conveys new exercises in a concise and fun way to learn.
I would highly recommend your water colour painting journey with Nicole. It was just wonderful and sparked a real interest in that area now.

Joanna Hamilton, July 2019

The classes were an absolute delight, none of us wanted to stop!  Nicole is a delightful and inspirational teacher.  She is gentle and very encouraging.  Always keen to help and guide you if you have not got it right the first time.  Really thrilled to be ‘playing’ with Watercolour again and looking forward to continuing with further courses.

Mirren Stephens, September 2018

It was so refreshing to have a tutor who made us feel good about what we were doing even when we felt a bit below the mark. The skills and tips you gave us will stay with me and have certainly inspired me to continue in ma watercolour journey. Thank you Nicole

Gwen Nicholson, September 2018

This is an excellent introduction to Watercolour Journaling. Nicole is a natural and pleasant teacher, presenting each step in an easy-to-follow format that gives beginners and more experienced artists alike a sound basis for our own journaling experience. A generous bonus is Nicole’s follow-up email guides to each lesson.

Jacquelyn E. Lane, March 2018

I was a total beginner in the use of watercolour, but Nicole and her accessible style of teaching made it easy to understand and I had immediate successes right from the very first session. I would recommend her classes to anyone

Ruth Parsons, March 2018

Friendly supportive learning in great company. The course personally went a long way to unlocking the mysteries of colour and their relationships to one another. Thank you Nicole.

Graeme Tideman, September 2018

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