Acrylic Painting Lessons · Small Groups · All Skill Levels
Learn to Paint with Nicole Nora
Paint Picnic began in spring 2026 as a way to combine three of my favorite things: painting, Seattle parks, and good company. Each class was designed around a different painting concept, from value and color theory to form and composition, using approachable subjects that made it easy to learn by doing.
As Seattle heads into its cooler, rainier months, the classes are moving indoors. This fall, I’m bringing them to my artist residency in downtown Seattle, where you’ll get to paint surrounded by the work and studios of local artists.
I’m reimagining the class themes for the new season, with a few new subjects and painting exercises designed to give returning students something different to explore. Expect the same hands-on, welcoming approach, just with a new setting and a little more color to brighten up those gray Seattle days.
I bring everything you need, including paints, brushes, and a canvas, so you can spend the day focused on making something. No prior painting experience is needed for most sessions. You’ll leave with a painting you made yourself, plus a few new tools you can take into your next one.
What to Expect
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We start with intention setting, some color mixing fundamentals, and warm-up exercises that apply directly to the theme and subject of the class.
From there, you'll settle into your own painting, following the theme of the session and implementing what you learned in the first half of class.
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I will demonstrate skills and provide you with the tools. Once you begin your piece, I'll come around to each person throughout the session to ask about what you're going for, help you figure out your next move, and keep you from getting stuck in one spot.
The class is designed to build over time. Each session you come to, you'll find yourself approaching the canvas a little differently, making decisions more naturally, and feeling more at ease with the whole process. The goal is to give you better instincts about how to approach any painting, not just the one in front of you that day.
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I will give you the space you need so you can show up as you are and fully express yourself creatively.
Connection is a core part of the process and my intention is to create a supportive space. Open-mindedness is something I expect from each student.
A lot of what people love is the experience of being around good people pushing through the same challenge of creating something with paint.
Upcoming Classes
Studio Sessions: Fall Fruit
In this acrylic painting class, you’ll learn how light, shadow, color, and value work together to give an object a sense of form. We’ll practice creating lighter and darker areas, mixing complementary colors to create natural-looking shadows, and using those changes in value to make your fruit feel three-dimensional.
You’ll have several reference images to choose from, with different levels of difficulty, so you can pick a subject that feels right for you. Nicole will guide you throughout the process, offering tips and feedback while still giving you room to make the painting your own.
No previous painting experience is necessary.
Up to 8 people.
Date & Time: 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026
Location: Shunpike Artist Storefront & Residency. 1405 4th Ave, Seattle WA (downtown Seattle). Located between Union & Pike and near Pike Place Market.
What's included
Everything you need is taken care of:
Acrylic paints and mediums
Brushes
Canvas paper for warm-ups and a stretched and primed canvas for the main painting
Palettes and easels
Reference images
Snacks and soft drinks
Full setup and cleanup
Just wear something you don't mind getting paint on.
Format
Each session runs about 3 hours.
We start with intention setting, a lesson related to the theme, and warm-up exercises to practice skills you will use for your main painting.
There will be a break halfway through with snacks and soft beverages (please let me know of any dietary restrictions or allergies when you sign up).
From there you'll settle into your own painting, using a reference image and putting what you learned in the first half to use. Once you start your piece I'll come around to each person throughout the session to ask about what you're going for, help you figure out your next move, and keep you from getting stuck.
Every session ends with a painting that's yours.
For more info, check out the Q&A on the painting classes page.
Ages 18+
Studio Sessions: Coffee & Pastries
In this hands-on acrylic painting class, we'll paint what you might treat yourself to at a cafe. You'll learn how to mix colors, simplify shapes, and use composition to bring your painting together, all while working from reference images provided by Nicole.
You’ll have the chance to choose a subject that catches your eye and make it your own, whether you're drawn to a latte, a flaky croissant, or a sweet treat. Nicole will guide you through warm-up exercises and the painting process, offering tips and feedback to help you work through challenges and build confidence along the way.
No previous painting experience is necessary. Come on your own or bring a friend, enjoy some snacks and soft drinks, and spend a few hours making art in a welcoming studio surrounded by the work of local artists.
You'll leave with a finished painting of your own, ready to hang!
Up to 8 people.
Date & Time: 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, November 8, 2026
Location: Shunpike Artist Storefront & Residency. 1405 4th Ave, Seattle WA (downtown Seattle). Located between Union & Pike and near Pike Place Market.
What's included
Everything you need is taken care of:
Acrylic paints and mediums
Brushes
Canvas paper for warm-ups and a stretched and primed canvas for the main painting
Palettes and easels
Reference images
Snacks and soft drinks
Full setup and cleanup
Just wear something you don't mind getting paint on.
Format
Each session runs about 3 hours.
We start with intention setting, a lesson related to the theme, and warm-up exercises to practice skills you will use for your main painting.
There will be a break halfway through with snacks and soft beverages (please let me know of any dietary restrictions or allergies when you sign up).
From there you'll settle into your own painting, using a reference image and putting what you learned in the first half to use. Once you start your piece I'll come around to each person throughout the session to ask about what you're going for, help you figure out your next move, and keep you from getting stuck.
Every session ends with a painting that's yours.
For more info, check out the Q&A on the painting classes page.
Ages 18+
Studio Sessions: Water & Reflections
Learn to paint the sparkles, light, and reflections on water in this hands-on acrylic painting class.
This session focuses on composition and how to make thoughtful choices when turning a reference image into a painting. We'll cover thumbnail sketching, cropping, and simplifying a scene to help you decide what to include, what to leave out, and where to draw the viewer's eye.
You'll put these techniques into practice as you paint a scene featuring water and reflections, with guidance from Nicole along the way. We'll explore how to use color, shapes, and brushstrokes to capture the light on the water without getting caught up in every little detail.
No previous painting experience is necessary.
Up to 8 people.
Date & Time: 2:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, November 15, 2026
Location: Shunpike Artist Storefront & Residency. 1405 4th Ave, Seattle WA (downtown Seattle). Located between Union & Pike and near Pike Place Market.
What's included
Everything you need is taken care of:
Acrylic paints and mediums
Brushes
Canvas paper for warm-ups and a stretched and primed canvas for the main painting
Palettes and easels
Reference images
Snacks and soft drinks
Full setup and cleanup
Just wear something you don't mind getting paint on.
Format
Each session runs about 3 hours.
We start with intention setting, a lesson related to the theme, and warm-up exercises to practice skills you will use for your main painting.
There will be a break halfway through with snacks and soft beverages (please let me know of any dietary restrictions or allergies when you sign up).
From there you'll settle into your own painting, using a reference image and putting what you learned in the first half to use. Once you start your piece I'll come around to each person throughout the session to ask about what you're going for, help you figure out your next move, and keep you from getting stuck.
Every session ends with a painting that's yours.
For more info, check out the Q&A on the painting classes page.
Ages 18+
I will give you the space you need so you can show up as you are and fully express yourself creatively.
Connection is a core part of the process and my intention is to create a supportive space.
Your Questions, AnsweredStill have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and sign up!
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No experience is needed for the beginner-friendly sessions. For the later sessions, some painting background or previous experience with Nicole is helpful, but not needed. Each session listing notes what level it's best suited for. When you sign up, you have the option to request my beginner guide.
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Something you don't mind getting paint on. Acrylics don't wash out easily, especially if caught late. I'll have a few aprons but it's a good idea to dress accordingly just in case.
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Absolutely. I’ll be providing a few to choose from, but if there's something specific you'd like to paint related to the session theme, you're welcome to bring a reference. Printed is better since phone screens are tiny, can be hard to see in the sun, and you risk running low on battery.
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Outdoor park sessions are weather dependent. If rain is likely, a reschedule notice will go out the day before. I do my best to find spots with at least partial cover as a backup.
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I've loved painting since high school, studied visual arts in college, and have been a full time artist since 2024. I've shown my work in individual and group shows in Seattle, painted a public mural, and I mentor artists through Path with Art.
I love teaching because I love showing people how I actually see things. A lot goes into a painting that would surprise you, and watching someone surprise themselves is one of my favorite parts. I want to make painting feel more approachable for everyone.
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Life happens! If you can't make it, you're welcome to transfer your spot to someone else as long as you let me know ahead of time. If you'd like me to help find a replacement, just give me at least 48 hours notice and I'll do my best. If I'm not able to fill the spot, the session fee is non-refundable. Feel free to reach out and we'll figure it out together.
