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.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Current Classes & Workshops
Acrylic Painting Workshop - "Fragment of Spring"
Instructor: Peintre Dorina Costras
25 Apr 2026 • 104 weeks
🗓 Saturday, April 11 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (5 hours)
All levels welcome!
Join us for a creative and accessible workshop for everyone centered around the theme "Fragment of Spring." We will paint a flowering magnolia branch, an elegant and bright spring composition, created step-by-step.
On the agenda:
• Demonstrations at every stage
• Personalized advice
• Guidance throughout the workshop
☕ Friendly break – coffee, tea, and cookies
Materials provided: 40 × 50 cm canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, and easel.
Leave with your finished masterpiece!
Price: €80 / person
Registration: contact@artzonegallery.fr
⚠️ Limited spots available.
Expressive Portrait Acrylic Painting Workshop
Instructor: Dorina Costras
21 Feb 2026 • 17 weeks
🗓 Saturday, February 21 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
All skill levels welcome!
Join a step-by-step guided workshop and learn how to capture the emotion and character of a face in acrylic painting. You will be supported throughout the session with personalized guidance and feedback tailored to each participant.
What you'll learn:
- Building a portrait step by step
- Live demonstrations at every key stage
- Personalized guidance for each participant
☕ Friendly break (15 min) – coffee, tea, and cookies, a little studio treat!
Materials provided: 40 × 50 cm canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, palette, and easel.
🎨 At the end of the workshop, you'll leave feeling relaxed, inspired, and with your finished artwork!
💶 Fee: €80 per person
📩 Registration: contact@artzonegallery.fr
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!
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
📸 Highlights in Images
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