NEST Aquarel Atelier Amsterdam
A cozy art studio in a historic 1881 Amsterdam building.
Beginner-friendly watercolor & sketching courses for adults.
What our students say
Real experiences from people who joined our courses — beginners, returning artists, and everyone in between.
Lucia Strakova
a week ago
I have great experience in this studio. Daria is a great teacher!!!! Absolutely nice, talented, funny person. I learned a lot!!!!
Amy Ricky
a week ago
Great experience! They fully deliver on the mission and values as described on the website. I also fully agree with the reasons they have listed on why people love the studio. Taking a course here is a great way to connect with kind people off-line!
Jules Ellis
4 weeks ago
Well-structured, educational courses with friendly and competent teachers. Nowadays, I enjoy my daily life more, even when I am not painting, because I have started looking more closely at exactly what trees, clouds, and landscapes look like, and now realize how beautiful the things are that I have been seeing my whole life.
Marloes ten Kate
a month ago
Great place to learn the basics (and beyond) of various watercolor techniques. After each lesson you have made a piece of art to bring home with you. The steps are easy to follow, you get all the guidance to learn from basic to more advanced skills. Can highly recommend!
Paula de Almeida
2 months ago
It was a lovely experience
Why people love our studio
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere
Feel safe, relaxed, and inspired the moment you walk in — our studio is a cozy, friendly space that helps you switch off from daily stress and enjoy the creative process.
- Personal attention for every student
Even in medium-sized groups, we give individual guidance, support your progress, and make sure you don’t feel lost — every student gets the help they need
- Experienced instructors
Learn step-by-step with clear demonstrations and structured guidance, even if you’ve never drawn or painted before. We meet you exactly at your level.
- Professional, high-quality materials provided
We supply all essential materials — from artist-grade paper to professional paints and brushes — so you can learn and create with confidence and the best tools.
A Look Inside Our Studio
Step inside our bright, cozy gallery studio in the heart of Amsterdam —
a place where creativity grows, friendships begin, and beautiful art fills the walls.
Our mission & values
We help people discover the joy of drawing and painting, support their artistic growth, and give a platform to artists whose work deserves to be seen.
- Creativity
We value artistic curiosity and the freedom to create without fear.
- Growth
We believe everyone can grow as an artist — at their own pace, from any level.
- Quality
We care deeply about the craft — we teach with skill, clarity, and respect for artistic tradition.
- Community
Art connects people. We build a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged.
- Beauty
We value beauty — in art, in everyday moments, and in how people see the world.
- Kindness
We choose kindness as our foundation — empathy, respect, and a safe space for creative honesty.