Art Snaks: Feed your curiosity. Fuel your art.

Art Snaks: Feed your curiosity. Fuel your art.

Art Snaks: Monochromatic Oranges
Dive into the rich world of orange—a color full of vibrancy and expressive potential. Whether bold or soft, light or dark, oranges provide a wide range of possibilities in your work.

Upcoming Classes

Private Mentoring and Coaching
Online or In-Person
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Abstract painting with vibrant colors including red, pink, blue, yellow, and black, featuring layered textures, geometric shapes, and scribbled lines.

Mixed Media Collage

Washington Art Association (FULL, waitlist only)
Washington Depot, CT
6 Weeks, Saturdays, 9:30-12
Oct 11-Nov 15


A collection of nine abstract landscape paintings arranged in a 3x3 grid, featuring soft pastel and muted colors with blending and textured brushstrokes.

Abstract Landscape Workshop

Silvermine Art Center
New Canaan, CT
Sunday, Oct 19, 10-3

Five Points Art Center (FULL, waitlist only)
Torrington, CT
Sunday, Oct 5, 10-3

Online Botanical Gel Plate Greeting Cards
Make beautiful greeting cards using fresh leaves, a gel plate, and acrylic paint.
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Online Art Snaks
Bite-sized online mini-course to fuel your creativity
Online
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Yellow Cloud Painting

Expressive Abstract Painting

Washington Art Association (FULL, waitlist only)
Washington Depot, CT
8 Weeks, Fridays, 2-5
Sept 26-Nov 14

West Hartford Art League (FULL, waitlist only)
West Hartford, CT
8 Weeks, Wednesdays 2-4:30
Sept 10-Oct 29

Looking for color palette ideas?

Here are 10 stunning palettes to jump start your paintings.

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      Interested in a private or semi-private class? I work with individuals and small groups to develop abstract painting or collage skills. I also am available for general creative mentoring, coaching and portfolio reviews.

      “Best class I ever took!” - Colby

       

      “You won’t find many teachers who are as generous with their knowledge, and as supportive of any skill level in art as Heather Neilson. Her engagement with and dedication to her students will stay with you with long after you walk out of either her workshops or her longer classes . Go online or go to her studio classes, both venues are playful and stress- free as well as filled with good art concepts.” - Tricia

       

      “Heather is so generous in sharing her techniques! She is very organized both during class and in sending information and videos prior to each class! Heather’s nature is very positive and supportive that each student in her class feels”seen” and in turn is supportive of one another! Wonderful teacher- I could take this class many times over and learn and grow each time!” - Laura

       

      “I’ve never taken an art class, as an adult, until I took Heathers class. I was nervous, but she was reassuring and made it fun. There were other great people there too. I highly recommend it to anyone.” - Marci

      “Heather is a very inspiring and upbeat instructor, with lots of practical techniques and insights to improve my art. Enjoyed her class immensely and expect to take more.” - Peter

       

      “Excellent teacher! I took a ten week Zoom class with Heather and would highly recommend any class she was teaching. Her subject and background knowledge of the class she taught was extraordinary. She introduced us to a wide variety of techniques and mediums and guided us through using them in a very professional, yet personal and non-judgmental way. I throughly enjoyed this class and it provided me with new ways of approaching and looking at my work.” - Jane

       

      “I thoroughly enjoyed the abstract painting class I took with Heather. She’s a very open and supportive instructor. Her style of teaching allows you to explore your creativity without limitations or expectations.” - Corinne

      A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a colorful patterned sweater, sitting in front of a multicolored textured painting.

      Hi! I’m Heather Neilson. I find great joy in helping others discover and express their creative voice. I offer in-person and online art classes and workshops where you can explore self-expression, build skills, and experience personal growth.

      My teaching style is warm, encouraging, and approachable. I design my courses to make the creative process feel natural, interesting, and fun. Along the way, you’ll gain practical skills, fresh perspectives, and a deeper sense of your own artistic potential.

      Learn more about me here.