Watercolour lessons in Frankton
Watercolour classes in Queenstown.
Paint something beautiful and learn how watercolour actually works, from professional artist Kasia Hebda in her art studio in Frankton.
No experience needed.
Kasia runs watercolour classes in Queenstown for complete beginners and for painters who want to get better: one-off workshops, multi-week evening courses and private sessions for groups.
Leave with a finished painting you made yourself and a new skill to build on. Most people are surprised by what they were able to create.
What’s On
Upcoming watercolour classes in Queenstown
Straight from the studio calendar.
See the current watercolour dates on the workshops page, or on Kasia’s Humanitix page.
No dates announced yet
Join the newsletter to hear about the next watercolour classes as soon as they’re announced.
Recent watercolour classes
A few of the classes that have run lately. Want one of these again? Join the list and you’ll hear first.
Which class is right for you?
New to watercolour
Start with a workshop
One session, from a morning to a full day, built around a single painting: a native bird, a mountain, a flower. You learn the basics on something you will want to keep.
The easiest way to find out if watercolour is for you.
Ready for more
Take a course
Multi-week evening courses, one session a week. Every course has a theme, like NZ birds or botanicals, and each week builds on the last, so the technique sticks.
For beginners who want to move forward, and intermediate & advanced painters who want structure.
Drop in
Visiting Queenstown? Join a single session of any course when spots are free.
Coming as a group
Book a private session
Friends, a team, a birthday. Kasia runs private art sessions for up to eight people in the studio, and bigger groups at your own venue or one she organises.
What to expect in a watercolour class
Pick your painting. Kasia takes care of the rest.
In each session you create a unique painting, learn new skills and meet other creative people. Choose what you’d like to paint and just turn up. Everything will be ready and waiting for you.
- All materials provided – quality paints, brushes and paper
- A finished painting to take home
- No drawing skills needed
- Small groups with individual guidance
- A relaxed, inspiring space
- Step-by-step guidance (and some challenge for more advanced artists)
You don’t need to be an artist – you become one
Most people think they can’t paint, but usually they just never learned how. You don’t need to be good at it to paint. You need to paint to become good at it. Simple as that.
Almost every watercolour painting hits an ugly stage. Kasia will tell you it’s not ruined, just not finished yet, and show you what to do next.
Smart technique, simple steps
Kasia’s classes are built around smart techniques, quality materials and breaking down the tricky foundations of watercolour and colour theory into simple steps. Her mission is for more people to enjoy this wonderful medium, and to make more art.
Taught with a conservator’s eye
Kasia has been teaching since 2022. Coming from art conservation, she brings a scientific eye to painting and applies it to her teaching and mentoring. Many of her students go on to exhibit and sell their work. Just as importantly, they stop being scared of making more art (or make it anyway).
What you’ll paint
Every class has a theme, so you always know what you’re working towards. Most are inspired by nature – native birds, landscapes, botanicals & florals, portraits.
Keep an eye on the workshops calendar for special events.
Meet Kasia
Kasia is a professional artist, designer and certified art conservator from Poland, now based in Queenstown. She holds an MFA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków and runs her studio at Country Lane, Frankton.
She has spent 20+ years developing her creative practice across large-scale murals, illustration, graphic design, painting and teaching.
She picked up watercolours one day and hated them. Giving up isn’t in her nature, so she practised and researched until the medium made sense. Now she teaches others to embrace it: to push through the fear of making mistakes, trust the process and keep making. And actually enjoy it.
Outside the studio she’s usually hiking with her husband and their dog, Muppet. She’s an avid bird nerd, with a particular soft spot for ducks.
Find the studio
26 Hansen Road, Country Lane Retail Village
Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
+64 21 0821 8124 · [email protected]
The studio is in Frankton, a short drive from central Queenstown. Free parking on site.
Questions
I’ve never painted. Is this for me?
Yes. Beginners are exactly who these classes are built for: a first-timer can follow every step comfortably. No drawing skills needed.
What do I need to bring?
Nothing. All materials are provided and you take your painting home. Wear something you don’t mind getting paint on. For full-day workshops, bring your lunch.
How big are the groups?
Eight people at most, so Kasia can help every painter during every session.
I’m visiting Queenstown. Can I join just one session?
Yes. Workshops are one-off, so they suit a short stay. Courses run over several weeks, but if you can’t commit to all of them you’re welcome to drop in to individual sessions. Drop-in places are released only if the course isn’t fully booked, so check the listing for availability.
Can I book a private class for a group?
Yes. Private watercolour sessions run for up to eight people in the studio, and larger groups at your own venue or one Kasia organises. Get in touch with your date and group size.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes. Email [email protected] and Kasia will sort one out.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Refund up to 14 days before the class.
Where are the watercolour classes held?
Almost all watercolour classes take place at the studio at School House Studios, Country Lane, Frankton, Queenstown (get directions). Now and then Kasia takes her workshops on the road, mostly around the South Island, in places like Wānaka and Dunedin – the listing tells you exactly where.
Can Kasia host a watercolour workshop at my venue?
Yes. Kasia collaborates with clients to bring art workshops to hotels and other commercial venues, community centres and local art societies. Sessions can be shaped to suit your group, space and audience, from a one-off event to a series, and all materials can be provided. To talk through ideas, get in touch.
Is it watercolour or watercolor?
Same thing, same class. Watercolour is the New Zealand spelling and watercolor is the American one. If you searched for watercolor classes near you, you’re in the right place.
What people say
Kind words from students
“I recently attended my first watercolour class with Kasia. With her expert guidance I was thrilled with what I achieved in a very short space of time. She is extremely talented and can expertly convey her skills. I was a complete beginner, and now I have the confidence to explore and enjoy art as a hobby.”
“Kasia is an amazing art tutor, very positive and encouraging for a beginner like me. I’ve been to three of her classes, each different and informative. Thanks Kasia!”
“A huge thank you for the wonderful 5-week Watercolour Birds course. As a complete beginner, I learnt so much throughout the programme and was genuinely surprised by what I was able to achieve. Looking at my finished paintings, I thought, ‘I might actually be an alright painter!’ Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and the wealth of knowledge you shared along the way. The course has given me the confidence and inspiration to continue exploring watercolour painting, and I can’t wait to paint my next piece.”
Beyond watercolour
Other workshops with Kasia
Acrylics, life drawing, painting nights and classes for kids, all in Queenstown.
Ready to grab a brush?
Book a class, pop it in your calendar and turn up.
Not seeing the right date? Join the newsletter below and hear about new classes first.
Learn more: All workshopsAbout the studioContact