Anatomical Watercolour Painting Class: Spines with Vines

Learn watercolour painting with unique anatomical prints to fill in with your colours and personal touches



2.5 hours Location Annandale Class size 3 to 24 guests   $110 ($120 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $110/guest for 2+ guests) (Afterpay available)

On the search for unique Sydney activities? Well, don't paint boring watercolour drills of circles and squares, or predictable watery flowers in vases!! Instead, have fun painting edgy, anatomical images with artist Clare Nicholson in a historical warehouse studio!
You'll be gently guided with step-by-step instructions, learning how to approach these unusual watercolour paintings, resulting in an image you'll be proud of.
Your teacher will create an A4 composition drawing of Vertebrae with Vines (or the skull, heart or pelvis depending on which class and date you select in the dropdown "Book in to a public class" box) on high-quality 300gsm watercolour paper, so you can simply focus on the painting.
This is a carefully planned, informative lesson that simplifies the watercolour process from start to finish, building your skills and confidence. By the end of your painting class, you'll not only have a unique piece of artwork to display proudly in your home, but the skills and confidence to tackle watercolour painting!
This class is perfect for team-building activities, special occasions, holidays, and birthday party get-togethers.
What you'll get
  • All materials required to succeed.
  • Your completed watercolour masterpiece!
  • Light refreshments and home-brewed chai.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
Complete beginners are encouraged to join this class, along with those with some experience.
Add-on available for this class
  • Complete quality watercolour kit ($45)
You can add this when you book (optional).
Suitable for

This class is great for a birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum or Xmas gift.


FAQ

I'm a complete beginner and feel a bit scared of watercolour painting...will I REALLY be able to succeed at painting this image?
YES!! With my careful approach to painting, everyone can succeed!
I've tried watercolour before and it was a muddy mess that made the paper curl. Will this happen again?
NO! I will be supplying you with excellent materials and equipment while talking you through how to prevent this from happening
I am booking through the NDIS. Do you have experience teaching participants with special needs?
Yes, I used to work as a nurse and I as a qualified High School Teacher who taught art and design to students with special needs. I am experienced at working with different approaches to imparting instruction and accommodating different physical or emotional needs. Please note that there is one shallow step to get into my studio and a standard (non-disabled) toilet, otherwise it is wheelchair-friendly
See more FAQs   
I have my own watercolour paints and brushes. Can I use them?
Yes, of course you are most welcome to bring your own materials. But you're also most welcome to use mine to see if they differ from yours
If you teach so many people at the same time, how will everyone follow the instructions?
I have invested in a 75" TV screen and I 'project' what I am doing onto the screen from start to finish so everyone is able to have a really good view. I also walk around the studio frequently to oversee everyones progress or to directly help someone if they are having difficulties.
Location

Annandale, NSW

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Anatomical Watercolour Painting Class: Spines with Vines location
Verified reviews

ClassBento loader icon

Recent reviews of Anatomical Watercolour Painting Class: Spines with Vines

  • 5/5 from Liz Grayden, attended Sep 2026: Thoroughly enjoyed the class and chatting with the fascinating and incredibly talented Clare. Easy to implement guidance for a great result
  • 5/5 from Janelle Manning, attended May 2023: This class was wonderful and the teacher, Clare, was very knowledgeable, thorough, encouraging, compassionate and patient throughout my learning experience. I received my box of materials for the class (as I did this class online as I am interstate) and the quality and convenience was great and the box arrived quickly. I highly recommend this enjoyable class and will continue to work on my new watercolour skills.
  • 5/5 from Natalie Smith, attended Apr 2023: What a special way to paint with water colours. They are so soft and gentle even though the subject matter is not. It made these vertebrae come to life. I was sent a beautiful drawing on lovely paper. It was magic. Great fun. I did the skull class as well which I loved.
  • 5/5 from Denny Hudson-Bayliss, attended Apr 2023: I had a thoroughly enjoyable time in this class, as I managed to have a one on one with Clare. The materials were of a great quality and Clare patiently guided me through the process. I definitely recommend this class for beginners. Thanks Clare
  • 5/5 from Ambra Sancin, attended Mar 2023: Great class taught by Clare. It was so interesting to paint a subject that wasn't flowers, fruit or vases. Definitely got me thinking about the possibilities of branching out with subject matter.
  • 5/5 from Natalie Smith, attended Mar 2023: Oh what fun I haven’t really done much watercolour painting but I knew that I liked it when I tried it once. She sent me the perfect picture I would of ever chosen for myself and I just enjoyed it. I’m booked in for another one. But anothe picture which I also love. I’m going to get right into this I can tell.
  • 5/5 from Anna Pickert, attended Mar 2023: It was good fun and great to watch the artist work with watercolours. Thank you
  • 5/5 from Alicia Gilmore, attended Jan 2022: Clare is a gifted artist and teacher who is able to clearly explain each step, offering suggestions and advice, making this a fun and enjoyable activity. I thoroughly recommend her lessons!
  • 5/5 from Icy Icaro, attended Dec 2021: This class was everything I needed to get a head start on learning how to use watercolor paints! Clare was very welcoming and professional, she was very accommodating with my pace and my questions. The materials were quality as well. I'm very happy with the outcome of my painting and most important, the knowledge I gained through this class! Highly recommend to those who would love to learn the art of watercolor (with a twist of human anatomy)
  • 5/5 from Ashlee, attended Dec 2021: I loved this class! Clare was a wonderful teacher; very patient, encouraging and accommodating :) I'm proud of the painting I created with Clare's guidance and learnt so much in the process. I would certainly recommend this class to others!
  • 5/5 from Renata Patriota, attended Nov 2021: I had such an AMAZING TIME doing Clare’s course I’ve done the course with my sister-in-law, who has recently moved for a far away land. Clare’s course was such a great opportunity for us to bond and chat again, while also being creative. Clare is a very encouraging teacher and has give me the tools to come up with a painting that I’m very pleased with Thank you, Clare! Looking forward for our next classes
  • 5/5 from Lauren Sargeant, attended Nov 2021: I really enjoyed this class. Clare is lovely, she communicated clearly throughout and I had a lot of fun. I learnt lots of new tips and tricks and I'm proud of what I achieved.
  • 5/5 from Georgie Tyson, attended Nov 2021: Wow! Wow! I absolutely loved doing this class with Clare! She was so thorough and gave amazing direction to achieve different watercolour techniques. I loved having a finished product at the end that I can frame and hang. Clare was also extremely patient and was able to answer all questions - as well as giving lots of time. I will definitely be doing another of her classes. Loved it! Thank you, Clare
  • 5/5 from Alicia Wandek, attended Oct 2021: Wow! Clare has an incredible knowledge of bones, shadows & watercolour. She took me on a journey & I was surprised with what I achieved with her guidance. The skull I painted looks real! Thanks Clare.
  • 5/5 from Claire Cooke, attended Oct 2021: I really enjoyed this class! Clare does a great job guiding you through the techniques. I always learn something new.
  • 5/5 from Alix Madden, attended Oct 2021: Excellent class, Clare is so passionate and a very clear and easy to follow teacher. She always gives extra time to make sure you've got the techniques.
  • 5/5 from Claudia Seisdedos, attended Oct 2021: Great class, I had heaps of fun! Quite comprehensive and easy to follow directions from Clare. I also feel that the end result of my color painting skull was good too. I will definitely frame it
  • 5/5 from Rebecca Chalmers, attended Oct 2021: Clare is a patient, friendly and thorough teacher. As an absolute beginner, I learnt a lot about watercolour painting and techniques. Class moved at a very reasonable pace. Clare was happy to answer questions and explained the process well. The kit was carefully packed and had a lot of great quality supplies to get started. Especially in lockdown, it's nice to sit down, be a little social, and try something new. Big thanks to Clare for sharing her knowledge!
  • 5/5 from Karen Spencer, attended Oct 2021: Loved this class had a bit of a laugh and learned some new techniques worth doing Clare is a great teacher and very informative she slows down if you need extra time great class
  • 5/5 from Alicia Wandek, attended Oct 2021: Wow! Clare has an incredible knowledge of bones, shadows & watercolour. She took me on a journey & I was surprised with what I achieved with her guidance. I particularly appreciate that each workshop Clare teaches has different details & techniques demonstrated. I am building my watercolour skills. Thankyou
  • 5/5 from Nicki Powell, attended Oct 2021: Absolutely loved this class. I was a complete beginner & Clare walked me through it gently, explaining absolutely everything as she went along so that by the end I had developed a decent level of confidence. Still need lots of practice, but I could not have had a better start. The kit was very well thought out too. I look forward to taking another of Clare’s classes soon.
  • 5/5 from Alicia Gilmore, attended Oct 2021: Clare was generous with her time and clearly explained and demonstrated each of the steps, discussing techniques and tips. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and am very happy with the results!
  • 5/5 from Liz Newnam, attended Oct 2021: Claire was amazing-- I was really hesitant to try watercolours again after not really connecting with them back in high school-- but painting with Claire's guidance, she personalised the experience and answered all of my questions along the way, and in the end had a wonderful experience. I also really like how the class works towards a work of art-- and not drilling painting just circles over and over again-- that you actually have a really lovely picture in the end to show for it-- I know mine is going into a frame on the wall. :)
  • 5/5 from Matthew Forschinger, attended Sep 2021: What an excellent class, the teacher was fantastic! Clare took her time to go through each step thoroughly and patiently waited so every student understood and kept up to the same section. Although my painting looks nothing as good as hers I had a great time learning :)
  • 5/5 from Mel Singer, attended Sep 2021: I had such a great time taking Clare’s course. She is so didactic, encouraging and has established such a great rapport with us students :) I’m not very artistic but Clare has really encouraged me to connect with my creativity and to develop my art work in my own pace and form. Thank you, Clare. I’m really looking forward to taking your next courses
  • 5/5 from Matt Steele, attended Sep 2021: My partner and I absolutely loved Clare's course! It's been many years since I have done any watercolour and I was expecting my work to turn out a total blotched mess, but with Clare's expert guidance and knowledge I ended up with a piece that I'm really proud of. My partner and I have framed our works and will put it up on our daughter's wall :-P Definitely keen to do another one of Clare's courses soon! Highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Brooke Matthews, attended Sep 2021: This was a great experience - I had heaps of fun and Clare was very very helpful! Clare goes at a good pace and if you have any questions, she is more than happy to answer. You can see she has a lot of passion for art and especially water colours. Would highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from Alix Madden, attended Sep 2021: Excellent class, Clare is so detailed with her instructions and teaches each technique so its easy to apply. Such a fun class.
  • 5/5 from Claire Cooke, attended Sep 2021: This is my favorite ClassBento experience so far. I loved that the techniques were incorporated directly into the final painting. Clare provided excellent demonstrations throughout the class and was always willing to answer my questions. I can’t wait to try another class with her.
  • 5/5 from Belinda Johnson, attended Sep 2021: An interesting class with a great teacher made it a very enjoyable experience. Thank you
Your teacher

Clare Nicholson
Clare Nicholson

5.0 (55)

I am a Sydney-based exhibiting sculptor and painter with a beautiful professional warehouse studio in the heart of Annandale.
My life-long passion for making art includes sculpting, ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking and textiles. With a teaching degree, I also have a passion for supporting those wishing to find their own creative journey - whatever that may be or whatever shape it might take!
Unusually, my practice is multidisciplinary, so I cover many aspects of artmaking using a range of different materials and skills. For example, working three-dimensionally, my skills include sculpting and mould making. I work in materials such as clay, bronze, silver, wax, wood, aluminium, polyurethane, plaster, resin, concrete and even sugar! For two-dimensional works, I paint in oils, acrylics and watercolour. For drawing, I generally use lead pencil, pen and ink, charcoal and crayon in order to achieve great detail, but at other times, playful media, such as wire to make contour drawings jump off the page.
I hold a PhD and Master of Fine Arts (both 1st-class division equivalent) and a Graduate Diploma of Education. Along with private tuition in my studio, I've also taught in the Sculpture Department at UNSW Art and Design, within community adult education, along with rural and remote high schools.
My life is and has been artmaking! Come and join me for some serious fun in a friendly, inclusive, working art studio :)

Gift this artisan class

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them.

They can also choose from our 16,000+ other classes.

redeem Gifting options

Book on ClassBento and enjoy exclusive perks:


  • Earn loyalty points
  • Money-back guarantee* for peace of mind
  • Local support from our Sydney-based team, rated 5 stars by customers
  • Public liability insurance included for your protection
  • ClassBento donates $1 to Dementia Australia with every paid booking
2026-10-30 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production sydney Sydney NSW AU sydney