Interior of the Nest Aquarel Atelier Amsterdam: a bright, cozy watercolor studio and gallery with framed artworks on the walls, wooden tables, and warm natural light

NEST Aquarel Atelier Amsterdam

A cozy art studio in a historic 1881 Amsterdam building.
Beginner-friendly watercolor & sketching courses for adults.

What our students say

Real experiences from people who joined our courses — beginners, returning artists, and everyone in between.

Evgeniya

Evgeniya

a month ago

To attend the aquarelle class with Darya Mitta was the best decision of this autumn. Look, how these works can brighten everyday life :) I have never tried this technique before (maybe when I was a kid…) and I have so much pleasure during these classes. I truly appreciate Darya’s kindness, professionalism and sense of humor! It was amazing experience and I’ll definitely come back for more knowledge and practice!

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Polina Lazareva

Polina Lazareva

a month ago

⸻ I truly enjoyed every moment of this watercolor course! I’m a beginner, but under Daria’s experienced guidance I managed to create beautiful paintings. I especially appreciated the warm and supportive atmosphere — Daria was always there to help, encourage, and make me believe in myself. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to try watercolor painting, relax, and immerse themselves in a creative flow.

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Natalia R

Natalia R

a month ago

Loved the Architectural Sketching class! The level is great for both beginner and also people who have been working with aquarelles before. Darya is a super nice teacher and really fabulous painter, I loved attending her classes. Can’t wait to sign up for the next one!

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L. Tol

L. Tol

4 months ago

I followed the Architecture sketching course at Nest Aquarel and was very happy I did! Really learned some new skills for drawing with inkt and using watercolour. The trainers of nest are very knowledgeable and take all the time to explain. Loved the course and location in city centre ! Would definitely recommend

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Polina Popravka

Polina Popravka

6 months ago

I took the watercolor architecture class at Nest Aquarel School, and it was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The class size was small, which meant each student got plenty of personal attention - a huge plus. The studio itself is a cozy little gem tucked in the center of Amsterdam, creating the perfect creative atmosphere. Our teacher, Yura, is clearly passionate about what he does, and that energy is contagious. He’s not only a fantastic artist but also a thoughtful and encouraging teacher. Over the course of the 5 classes we covered so much - perspective, color mixing, shadows, and creating depth - and it all came together in the final session, where we painted a full piece completely on our own! It was such a satisfying moment to realize how much we had learned. Even though I’ve painted before, I walked away with new skills and a fresh perspective. I’m already planning to return for the seascape class. Highly recommend to anyone looking to deepen their watercolor skills in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

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Why people love our studio

Warm, welcoming atmosphere

Feel safe, relaxed, and inspired the moment you walk in — our studio is a cozy, friendly space that helps you switch off from daily stress and enjoy the creative process.

Personal attention for every student

Even in medium-sized groups, we give individual guidance, support your progress, and make sure you don’t feel lost — every student gets the help they need

Experienced instructors

Learn step-by-step with clear demonstrations and structured guidance, even if you’ve never drawn or painted before. We meet you exactly at your level.

Professional, high-quality materials provided

We supply all essential materials — from artist-grade paper to professional paints and brushes — so you can learn and create with confidence and the best tools.

A Look Inside Our Studio

Step inside our bright, cozy gallery studio in the heart of Amsterdam —
a place where creativity grows, friendships begin, and beautiful art fills the walls.

Our mission & values

We help people discover the joy of drawing and painting, support their artistic growth, and give a platform to artists whose work deserves to be seen.

Creativity

We value artistic curiosity and the freedom to create without fear.

Growth

We believe everyone can grow as an artist — at their own pace, from any level.

Quality

We care deeply about the craft — we teach with skill, clarity, and respect for artistic tradition.

Community

Art connects people. We build a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and encouraged.

Beauty

We value beauty — in art, in everyday moments, and in how people see the world.

Kindness

We choose kindness as our foundation — empathy, respect, and a safe space for creative honesty.