Workshops page

Why learn different painting techniques?

By exploring watercolor, acrylic, oil, and drawing, you train your eye to truly see, refine your gesture for greater control and expressiveness, and develop a confident sense of color, light, and composition.

Each medium offers a distinct pathway: watercolor teaches you to work with transparency and timing, to let water and pigment interact for luminous effects; acrylic encourages bold color choices, playful textures, and decisive layering; oil painting rewards patience with depth, subtle blending, and rich, nuanced surfaces; and drawing strengthens the foundations—proportion, values, structure—so that everything else becomes easier and more intentional.
Our approach is simple, supportive, and progressive. You’ll learn through clear demonstrations and guided exercises that break down complex concepts into manageable steps. We create a welcoming environment where you can experiment without pressure, ask questions freely, and receive personalized feedback suited to your pace and goals. This makes it ideal for absolute beginners, for those returning to art after a break and seeking to rebuild confidence, and for experienced learners looking to enrich their practice with practical, immediately applicable techniques.

Mini technique sheets - Overview of techniques

Watercolor — light, transparency, spontaneity

Watercolor — light, transparency, spontaneity

  • For whom: beginners and those curious about fluid effects
  • You’ll explore: washes, gradients, wet-on-wet, light layering
  • You’ll gain: control over blends, sense of light, freer gestures
  • Goal: create lively atmospheres with minimal equipment
Acrylic — color, rhythm, textures

Acrylic — color, rhythm, textures

  • For whom: beginners and “energy/color” profiles
  • You’ll explore: mixing, light impasto, palette knife, glazes
  • You’ll gain: bold use of color, fast workflow, clean layering
  • Goal: paint quickly, take creative risks, vary effects without pressure
Oil — depth, nuance, substance

Oil — depth, nuance, substance

  • For whom: motivated beginners and lovers of rich, tactile paint
  • You’ll explore: underpainting, fat-over-lean, blending, glazing
  • You’ll gain: a sense of volume, subtle light, extended working time
  • Goal: create richly nuanced works with lasting stability
Drawing — observation, proportions, values

Drawing — observation, proportions, values

  • For whom: all levels (the ideal foundation for progress in everything)
  • You’ll explore: sketching, construction, light/shadow, portrait
  • You’ll gain: sharper observation, solid benchmarks, confidence
  • Goal: master the fundamentals that serve every painting technique

FAQ — Painting Techniques at ArtZone

I’m a complete beginner — is this for me?

Yes. Our classes are designed to help you start without pressure, with simple explanations, demonstrations, and guided exercises. You’ll leave with a finished piece from the very first session.

Do I need to bring my own materials?

Basic materials are available at the studio for discovery. If you already have your own supplies, you’re welcome to bring them. We also provide a simple list so you can continue at home without unnecessary expenses.

What’s the main difference between watercolor, acrylic, and oil?

  • Watercolor: transparency, lightness, spontaneous effects.
  • Acrylic: fast drying, varied textures, vibrant colors.
  • Oil: long working time, subtle blending, depth.

Pricing, materials, registration

  • Session length: 2 hours
  • Level: beginners — all levels welcome
  • Groups: small groups for personalized guidance
  • Materials: available on site for initiation; recommended list to continue at home
  • Registration: online or by phone
  • Location: ArtZone, 57 Avenue de la Route Bleue, Montrond‑les‑Bains
Oil painting lessons

Oil painting lessons

Instructor: Painter Dorina Costras

From 26 Nov 2025 to 31 Dec 2026 • 57 weeks

Imagine a warm space where conviviality reigns: lively discussions around a coffee, shared laughter with other beginners like you, and a benevolent atmosphere that turns every session into a moment of pure relaxation. That's exactly what this 2-hour workshop offers, designed for absolute novices or the simply curious, without any complicated technical jargon – just clear and accessible explanations so everyone feels comfortable from the very first brushstroke.


Guided by a attentive and encouraging professional artist, you'll explore the joys of figurative oil painting in a group setting, fostering exchanges and social bonds. Start by preparing your canvas stress-free (learning to mix oils for a smooth and pleasant texture), then move on to sketching simple shapes to lay the foundation for your artwork – whether it's a stylized landscape or an expressive portrait. Through practical and fun exercises, play with vibrant colors to create harmonies, add subtle shadows for depth, and manipulate light to bring your ideas to life, layering rich coats that evolve naturally before your eyes.

Far from everyday stress, this workshop is a bubble of relaxation where you unleash your creativity without pressure, progressing at your own pace while socializing with other participants. You'll leave not only with your personal creations – infused with your unique touch – but also with renewed energy, budding friendships, and an irresistible desire to keep painting, strengthened by an enriching and joyful experience!


Technical Details: Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginners, accessible to all

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Drawing, portrait, proportions, shadows, expressions…

Drawing, portrait, proportions, shadows, expressions…

Instructor:

From 16 Oct 2025 to 31 Dec 2026 • 63 weeks

Dive into the exciting art of portraiture with a workshop specially designed for beginners, where everything is explained in a simple and accessible way, without complicated jargon. Whether you're a complete novice or just curious, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get started in a relaxed manner, surrounded by other enthusiasts like you.

You'll learn to look at a face with a fresh eye, easily identifying its main features (like the eyes, nose, and mouth) and reproducing them on paper in a natural way. Guided step by step by a caring professional artist, you'll explore the basics of drawing: quick sketches (croquis) to capture the essence, constructing proportions (to keep everything well-balanced), and adding volume (to give depth). Through fun exercises, you'll play with light and shadows – for example, using charcoal for soft, smoky effects, pencil for precise lines, or pastel for colorful touches – and you'll capture lively expressions, like a sparkling gaze or a warm smile.

The emphasis is on conviviality: imagine coffee breaks to chat and exchange tips with other participants, in a relaxed and benevolent atmosphere that encourages laughter and new encounters. It's also a moment of pure relaxation, away from daily stress, where you let yourself be carried away by the pleasure of creating in a group, sharing your progress and discoveries. You'll progress quickly, unleash your creativity without pressure, and leave with the unique feeling of having captured an emotion on paper – all while forging new friendly bonds!


Technical Details: Duration 2 hours
Level: Beginners, accessible to all

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Express Your Creativity Through Color

Express Your Creativity Through Color

Instructor: Dorina Costras

From 01 Oct 2025 to 31 Jan 2026 • 17 weeks

Acrylic is a vibrant, spontaneous paint full of surprises. During this 2-hour workshop, you'll learn to master it while keeping your freedom of expression.

Under the benevolent guidance of a professional artist, you'll explore various techniques: mixing, layering, textures, contrasts, and light effects.

No prior experience needed — just the desire to experiment, create, and let yourself be carried away by the pleasure of painting.

At the end of the course, you'll leave with your canvas, your own colors... and a big smile of artistic satisfaction!

Technical Details: Duration: 2 hours
Level: Beginners, accessible to all

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Watercolor Workshop at ArtZone: Explore Fluidity and Transparency in Montrond-les-Bains!

Watercolor Workshop at ArtZone: Explore Fluidity and Transparency in Montrond-les-Bains!

Instructor: Dorina Costras

From 16 Oct 2025 to 31 Dec 2026 • 63 weeks

Picture a welcoming space filled with convivial vibes: casual chats over coffee with fellow beginners, shared laughter echoing through the room, and a supportive atmosphere that makes every moment feel like pure relaxation. This is the essence of our beginner watercolor workshop at ArtZone gallery-workshop in Montrond-les-Bains – a 2-hour art course in the Loire region designed for absolute novices or the casually curious, with simple, jargon-free explanations to ensure everyone dives in comfortably from the start.


Under the attentive guidance of a professional artist who emphasizes encouragement and fun, you'll delve into watercolor techniques in a group setting that fosters social bonds and easy exchanges. Start by exploring the basics of watercolor painting classes: learn to prepare your paper effortlessly (mixing water for that perfect flow), then experiment with delicate washes to create soft gradients, wet-on-wet blends for dreamy, unpredictable effects, and subtle overlays that build depth naturally. Through engaging, hands-on exercises, play with light effects to add sparkle, transparent layers for ethereal transparency, and harmonious color flows – all tailored to spark your personal expression while connecting with others in our ArtZone community in Montrond-les-Bains.

Far from daily stresses, this watercolor workshop is your relaxing escape in the Loire, where you unleash imagination without pressure, progressing at your own pace amid friendly interactions and group inspiration. No experience required – just bring your curiosity and eagerness to create. By the end, you'll take home your one-of-a-kind artwork, infused with your vibrant discoveries, plus renewed artistic joy, budding friendships, and the motivation to continue exploring beginner painting courses at ArtZone!


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Contact us for more information

Contact Information

Address Address
57 Avenue de la Route Bleue, 42210 Montrond-les-Bains, France
Phone Phone
+33 7 68 58 77 22
Email Email
contact@artzonegallery.fr