Clare Nicholson, pottery and painting teacher

Clare Nicholson

location_on Haberfield, Sydney

local_activity classes: Clay Sculpture and Hand BuildingWatercolour PaintingPotteryPaintingDrawingMetalwork

5.0 (39)

I am a Sydney-based exhibiting artist with a beautiful art studio set within a large subtropical-inspired garden in Sydney's Inner West.

My life-long passion for making very fine artworks includes sculpting, painting, drawing, and textiles. I also have a passion for teaching others, and love to support 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 patillage (sugar-plate)! 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.

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, 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 :)






Classes


Abstract Watercolour Landscape Class in Haberfield

5.0 (8)

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 16

label $125

Watercolour Painting Class: Anatomical Vertebrae

5.0 (1)

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 16

label $125

Wire Sculpture Workshop

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 8

label $190

Watercolour Painting Class: Anatomical Skull

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 16

label $110

Watercolour Painting Class: Anatomical Heart

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 16

label $125

Watercolour Painting Class: Anatomical Pelvis

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 16

label $125

Sculpture Course - 8 Weeks

5.0 (1)

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

3 to 8

label $690

4-day Clay Sculpting Workshop

date_range Your choice of time

location_on Haberfield

4 to 8

label $825

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Heart

5.0 (7)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

3 to 300

label $135 - $150

Learn Watercolour Painting: Anatomical Vertebrae

5.0 (9)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

3 to 300

label $135 - $150

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Skull

5.0 (9)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

3 to 50

label $135 - $150

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Pelvis

5.0 (3)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

3 to 300

label $135 - $150

Learn How to Draw Anatomy at Home

5.0 (1)

date_range Your choice of time

videocam

LIVE STREAMING

local_shipping Craft kit delivered

3 to 300

label $145 - $160





Gallery





Reviews

(39)


Selena Seifert Jan 2024


Had a wonderful class with Clare. Very easy going, lovely chai tea and snacks. I learned a lot. Highly recommend.

Ruth Evans Dec 2023


Lovely setting in Claire’s studio. She was a super teacher and we managed to do three paintings in the time. Very interested to learn all the different techniques.

Warren Harvey Nov 2023


I enjoyed the watercolour class very much. Clare was an excellent and very encouraging teacher and the pace was perfect for a beginners group. She explained the concepts and techniques clearly but the studio was also well set up so that we could view her demonstrations as we worked. A perfect Sunday morning workshop.

Anonymised ClassBento student Oct 2023


Was a great class, knackered now after so much concentration.
Enjoyed doing the sampler of different techniques and Clare was very open to tailoring the class to our interests

John Wonnacott Jun 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


Very enjoyable class. Worked on my own art project, at my own pace. Clare is an accomplished artist, who provided me with great guidance. Studio has a friendly support atmosphere.

Jenny Kim Jun 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended


Claire is an amazing teacher, I've built up confidence in using watercolours and I'm even more fascinated by it now. The venue is like WOW! Claire's also a great host providing yummy treats and we got to take some oranges from her wild beautiful garden. Great experience, would be back again!

Swapna Sharma Jun 2023


It was a fabulous class run by Clare. She is an excellent knowledgeable teacher. The venue was beautiful and well equipped. I enjoyed a hot cup of chai after my long walk. Thank you Clare. I highly recommend her to everyone interested in painting and sculptures. Thank you Clare x

Painting class review by Swapna Sharma - Sydney

Natalie Smith May 2023

91 ClassBento workshops attended • 38 reviews


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.

Watercolour Painting Class: Anatomical Vertebrae review by Natalie Smith - Sydney

Janelle Manning May 2023

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


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.

Ambra Sancin May 2023

3 ClassBento workshops attended


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.

Learn Watercolour Painting: Anatomical Vertebrae review by Ambra Sancin

Abigail Too May 2023


Clare was very knowledgeable and made the class enjoyable.

As someone who didn’t have any experience with water colour painting this class was very fun, relaxing and Clare made sure we were comfortable and we painted at our own pace.

She also extended out the class for an extra hour!

Great experience overall ☺️

Ellisabeth Prax May 2023


Clare was excellent at guiding us through the steps and explaining the nature of the materials and equipment. The studio was fantastic and very comfortable and comprehensively equipped.
Thank you also for the tea and nibbles.
Loved the class and very happy with the end results. A very relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.

Denny Hudson-Bayliss Apr 2023

77 ClassBento workshops attended • 41 reviews


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

Painting class review by Denny Hudson-Bayliss

Natalie Smith Mar 2023

91 ClassBento workshops attended • 38 reviews


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.

Painting class review by Natalie Smith

Anna Pickert Mar 2023

14 ClassBento workshops attended


It was good fun and great to watch the artist work with watercolours. Thank you

Alicia Wandek Apr 2022

10 ClassBento workshops attended • 10 reviews


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

Claire Cooke Apr 2022

53 ClassBento workshops attended • 52 reviews


Clare is an amazing teacher! Thanks for the great template. I love the style and unique opportunity.

Alicia Gilmore Jan 2022

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


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!

Icy Icaro Dec 2021

7 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews


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)

Painting class review by Icy Icaro

Ashlee Dec 2021

21 ClassBento workshops attended • 7 reviews


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!

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Heart review by Ashlee

Renata Patriota 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

Painting class review by Renata Patriota

Lauren Sargeant Nov 2021

11 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews


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.

Painting class review by Lauren Sargeant

Alicia Wandek Nov 2021

10 ClassBento workshops attended • 10 reviews


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.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Pelvis review by Alicia Wandek

Claire Cooke Nov 2021

53 ClassBento workshops attended • 52 reviews


I really enjoyed this class! Clare does a great job guiding you through the techniques. I always learn something new.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Pelvis review by Claire Cooke

Georgie Tyson 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

Painting class review by Georgie Tyson

Nicki Powell Oct 2021

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 4 reviews


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.

Alix Madden Oct 2021

18 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews


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.

Learn Watercolour Painting: Anatomical Vertebrae review by Alix Madden

Claudia Seisdedos 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

Painting class review by Claudia Seisdedos

Rebecca Chalmers Oct 2021

2 ClassBento workshops attended


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!

Painting class review by Rebecca Chalmers

Karen Spencer Oct 2021

13 ClassBento workshops attended • 12 reviews


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

Painting class review by Karen Spencer

Alicia Gilmore Oct 2021

5 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


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!

Liz Newnam Oct 2021

17 ClassBento workshops attended • 2 reviews


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. :)

Matthew Forschinger Sep 2021

9 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews


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 :)

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Skull review by Matthew Forschinger

Mel Singer 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

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Heart review by Mel Singer

Matt Steele 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.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Heart review by Matt Steele

Belinda Johnson Sep 2021

16 ClassBento workshops attended • 7 reviews


An interesting class with a great teacher made it a very enjoyable experience. Thank you

Brooke Matthews 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!

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Skull review by Brooke Matthews

Alix Madden Sep 2021

18 ClassBento workshops attended • 6 reviews


Excellent class, Clare is so detailed with her instructions and teaches each technique so its easy to apply. Such a fun class.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners: Anatomical Skull review by Alix Madden

Claire Cooke Sep 2021

53 ClassBento workshops attended • 52 reviews


This is my favorite class bento 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.

Painting class review by Claire Cooke

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