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Trusted teacher
This teacher has a fast response time and rate, demonstrating a high quality of service to their students.
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Since January 2024
Instructor since January 2024
Contemporary Painting Course (individual coaching or in a group setting)
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From 28.58 £ /h
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Welcome to a new approach to painting, where traditional techniques merge with contemporary artistic expression. I'm Naomi , an experienced visual artist, here to guide you on a journey to discover your own style and painting process.

In the world of painting, there's a misconception that technique is something old-fashioned, reserved for realistically replicating the world around us. I invite you to let go of this notion and join me in exploring how contemporary painters, including abstract artists, use technique to create unique and powerful works.

My lessons are designed for adults who want to look beyond traditional painting courses. We'll start with exercises that encourage free expression, almost in a childlike manner, without focusing on the end result. This process often reveals unexpected talents and leads to authentic artistic discoveries.

I strongly believe in recognizing and developing each student's unique qualities. With me, you'll learn not just the techniques applied by contemporary artists, but also how to use them to find and refine your own artistic voice. There's no such thing as good or bad art; the biggest barriers are often fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Together, we'll overcome these obstacles, with enjoyment in the creative process as our guide.

By the end of the course, you'll leave with a painting that reflects the quality of professional work, created with materials that aren't necessarily expensive, but are essential for serious work in today's art world. I'll provide the materials for the first lesson; afterwards, students will be encouraged to purchase their own.

Whether you're looking for individual guidance or prefer learning in a group setting, I offer both personal and group lessons. Group lessons have a fixed structure, while individual guidance is completely tailored to your desires and talents.

Are you ready to elevate your painting skills to a new level and develop your own style that resonates with the contemporary art world? Join my course and let your creativity flow.
Location
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At student's location :
  • Around Amsterdam, Netherlands
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At teacher's location :
  • Handpan Studio Amsterdam, T.T. Neveritaweg, Amsterdam, Nederland
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Online from Netherlands
About Me
Naomi – Artist, Curator and Art Teacher

I am Naomi , an artist, curator and teacher specializing in painting and drawing. My education includes visual arts at the HKU, a master's degree from Frank Mohr in Groningen, and psychology at the University of Amsterdam. I have received awards such as the Buning Brongers Prize and have exhibited at locations such as the Royal Palace Amsterdam and Art Rotterdam.

As a teacher, I provide unique workshops and personal guidance at Treehouse NDSM. My classes, focused on modern painting techniques and personal expression, prepare you for the current art world and admission to art academies. I believe that traditional painting lessons often do not fit in with contemporary art practice. That is why I offer knowledge and skills that are valuable for both professional and 'hobby artists'. I also support students who want to develop their art practice in the use of social media, writing about their work, and for starting artists, guidance in choosing the right art school.

Thanks to my background in psychology, I also offer lessons and coaching for people who want to use painting and art in a therapeutic way. This includes intuitive painting, which focuses on the subconscious, feelings, memories, and trauma. This approach can stimulate creativity and contribute to personal development and healing.
Education
Frank Mohr Instituut - Master in Fine Arts
HKU - Bachelor in Fine Arts
University of Amsterdam - Bachelor Psychology
KABK - Bachelor in Fine Arts
Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam - VWO
Experience / Qualifications
Workshops:
- Contemporary Abstract Painting (2 editions), 2024
- Timeless Tales in Wall Painting, 2023 (In collaboration with I AMsterdam for '1+1 Culture')
- From Caves to Canvas, 2023 (In collaboration with NDSM Open)

Art Prizes, Nominations and Grants:
-Artist Start Grant, Mondriaan Fund (2023), 22,000 Euro Grant for 1 year
-Buning Bronger Prize (2018), Winner
-Royal Prize for Modern Painting (2018), Nomination
-Dooyewaard Scholarship (2018), Nomination
Age
Children (7-12 years old)
Teenagers (13-17 years old)
Adults (18-64 years old)
Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Duration
30 minutes
45 minutes
60 minutes
90 minutes
120 minutes
The class is taught in
Dutch
English
Availability of a typical week
(GMT -05:00)
New York
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At teacher's location and via webcam
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At student's home
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
00-04
04-08
08-12
12-16
16-20
20-24

Hi!

I'm Naomi, a visual artist, curator, and art educator (courses and workshops) with a focus on painting and drawing. You can find my art and more information about my practice at 'www.naomimakkelie.nl'.

As an experienced artist and art educator in the form of Painting Workshops at Treehouse NDSM, I offer a unique approach to art education. My background in art studies at HKU, a year of Psychology at UvA, and the rich teaching experiences of my family form the foundation of my teaching method. I possess an in-depth knowledge of contemporary painting and techniques, far removed from the conventional painting courses that often limit themselves to replicating models or still lifes. I am eager to share these modern insights to prepare you for a future in the current art world, which is a crucial part of the admission process to art academies.

In my career, I have explored the power of personal expression through art, both in my own work and in guiding aspiring artists. My experience ranges from conducting workshops at Treehouse NDSM to developing my own Art Practice, where I exhibit and display my work, and of course, spend a significant amount of time creating my art. However, there's so much more involved, which many art academies unfortunately don't pay much attention to, such as promoting your work through Social Media, your Website, and applications for prizes and grants. I won the Buning Brongers Prize in 2018, and was nominated that same year for the Royal Prize for Modern Painting and the Dooyewaard Stipendium. I can also guide you in applying for grants, prizes, and other types of applications, help you write Artist Statements and Project Plans (for grants), and of course, with the writing part of the application to art academies. I can also provide information more focused on the art practice, building your own business. In today's times, this gives many self-taught artists the opportunity to set up an art practice through the internet and entrepreneurial skills, with an online shop selling (limited-edition or open-edition) prints of their paintings or drawings, and amazingly, many artists are able to earn a decent income this way, with some going viral on platforms like Instagram and suddenly becoming world-famous. This is not something that happens quickly or often, but it does represent a significant shift in the Contemporary Art World, which previously was much harder to establish your own business and art practice, making the artist much more dependent on representation by a Gallery.

My lessons focus on (re)discovering the joy of making art. I believe that every individual has a unique creative process, and that in art, there is no right or wrong. With my extensive knowledge of people, I can tailor guidance and coaching to meet the needs and interests of each student. Whether it's about building an impressive portfolio, exploring pre-courses, or navigating the choices of art academies and directions, I'm ready to share my expertise. Also, having studied at various Academies in the Netherlands (KABK, HKU, and Frank Mohr Institute (Master of Fine Arts) but also being admitted to the foundation year of Rietveld, which I chose not to pursue, I can explain exactly what the different expectations are of each Academy, which can vary considerably. Each Academy has its own approach and philosophy.

In my workshops and personal coaching sessions, you'll learn not only the essential skills of the trade but also how to further develop your own style. This includes professionally stretching canvases and applying contemporary painting techniques that are essential for successful admission to the art academy. I am a professional painter and draughtsman, but can guide you in almost any medium and material.

Located in the bright and inspiring studio at Treehouse NDSM, or on location in Amsterdam (with a possible travel expense reimbursement outside Amsterdam), I offer an environment where creativity and individual expression are central.

Are you ready to elevate your artistic skills, rediscover the joy of art creation, build a portfolio for admission to an art academy, and prepare for the admission process to greatly increase your chances of being admitted? I can also explore with the student which Academy best suits him/her, having experience with multiple academies, I can look together with the student at what best fits them, and provide enough information about what it's like at an art academy to reduce the chance of dropping out early due to a 'wrong picture' of what it's like at an academy.

For more information, contact me about my offerings and how I can support you in your unique creative development and discovering where your talents lie!
Read more
In this unique lesson series, led by Naomi Mitsuko Makkelie, you will explore the powerful connection between art and psychology. With Naomi's academic background in both visual arts and psychology, she offers an in-depth perspective on how painting can serve as a therapeutic medium. This course is designed for individuals of all ages and skill levels who are interested in using painting and drawing as a means of personal development and healing.

These classes focus on intuitive painting, a technique that encourages participants to explore their subconscious feelings, memories, and even unresolved traumas. Through this expressive art form, participants are given the opportunity to explore and express their inner world in a non-verbal manner, opening a unique path to healing and self-discovery.

What You Can Expect

Guidance from an expert in both Art and Psychology: Naomi guides participants through the process of intuitive painting, offering techniques that help bring the subconscious to the surface.
A Supportive Environment: Each participant is encouraged to work at their own pace and explore their personal experiences.
Personal Development: The focus is on the process, not the end product. Participants learn how to use art as a form of self-care and self-expression.
Therapeutic Techniques: In addition to painting techniques, exercises will be introduced that focus on mindfulness and strengthening the mind-body connection.


Location: Treehouse NDSM, Amsterdam, or location chosen by the student.
For Who?: Suitable for adults, children and teenagers.
Duration: Best results are determined when the course involves multiple sessions (exact number and dates to be determined), but a single session is also possible.
Materials: All necessary materials are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring personal items that can serve as inspiration.

By approaching art as a means of self-exploration and healing, Naomi offers a unique opportunity to grow both as an artist and an individual. These classes are more than an art course; it is a journey into the heart of your own creative and emotional landscape.
Read more
Similar classes
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Crys
If you are reading this, it's not too late...you are in good hands:)
Especially if you 're (going to prepare/ preparing) a portfolio for art/design school application.

"Learning by making"
From drawing, oil painting to creative thinking training through materiality.
Each age is special and different visual styles can be worked upon and the outcomes can often be surprisingly authentic. Those anticipations are the basis of each class. My classes are designed through collaborations when it comes to experimentations or intersected fields and mediums, which is an option and pertinent characteristic of approach.

Classes are applicable to students who are 16+ of all levels .
Personal Portfolio Class:
If you are considering applying for art school or design school, you might want to prepare yourself and build a convincing portfolio, perhaps improve your presentation skill or even some confidence boost for interviews.
We will first explore what talents you already have and those you will want/need to have, the goal is to help you develop your creativity and curiosity as well as your artistic skills and most importantly find out your inner talent for a direction that will suit you, whether in education or self-development. And we will do a live rehearsal for your interview for the best presentation result and confidence boost. Overall, It'll help you cultivate the soft and hard skills you need to be more confident setting and resetting expectations, strengthening relationships, and taking your projects across the finish line without any cold sweat.

For teenagers: are highly encouraged to experiment with different materials and techniques and preferably through themes - selected by me or the student's likings as well. We will also look at specific Artists and Painters, as well as specific Art History periods, and the kids will then be encouraged to play around and recreate their own version of the Artist or period. Needless to say that class do not necessarily mean free-time activity, the academic material is intentionally or not(unconsciously) always a present element of my instructive performance. Therefore, the game becomes a teaching/learning relation, whilst teaching and learning turn into a recreational joyful moment for all participants.
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arrow icon previousarrow icon next
verified badge
Crys
If you are reading this, it's not too late...you are in good hands:)
Especially if you 're (going to prepare/ preparing) a portfolio for art/design school application.

"Learning by making"
From drawing, oil painting to creative thinking training through materiality.
Each age is special and different visual styles can be worked upon and the outcomes can often be surprisingly authentic. Those anticipations are the basis of each class. My classes are designed through collaborations when it comes to experimentations or intersected fields and mediums, which is an option and pertinent characteristic of approach.

Classes are applicable to students who are 16+ of all levels .
Personal Portfolio Class:
If you are considering applying for art school or design school, you might want to prepare yourself and build a convincing portfolio, perhaps improve your presentation skill or even some confidence boost for interviews.
We will first explore what talents you already have and those you will want/need to have, the goal is to help you develop your creativity and curiosity as well as your artistic skills and most importantly find out your inner talent for a direction that will suit you, whether in education or self-development. And we will do a live rehearsal for your interview for the best presentation result and confidence boost. Overall, It'll help you cultivate the soft and hard skills you need to be more confident setting and resetting expectations, strengthening relationships, and taking your projects across the finish line without any cold sweat.

For teenagers: are highly encouraged to experiment with different materials and techniques and preferably through themes - selected by me or the student's likings as well. We will also look at specific Artists and Painters, as well as specific Art History periods, and the kids will then be encouraged to play around and recreate their own version of the Artist or period. Needless to say that class do not necessarily mean free-time activity, the academic material is intentionally or not(unconsciously) always a present element of my instructive performance. Therefore, the game becomes a teaching/learning relation, whilst teaching and learning turn into a recreational joyful moment for all participants.
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