“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” ― Pablo Picasso

I never saw myself as a teacher, but….In the late eighties I was asked to help someone fulfill a lifetimes desire to paint. It quickly developed to the point where the numbers of students outgrew my studio. I also did a few terms at the Inverlochy Art School and I held monthly classes at the Hutt Art Society studios, a class in Mapua (near Nelson), Blenheim and in Palmerston North.

The classes have had painters of all ages and levels from absolute beginners onwards. While I encourage my students to begin with oils – the most forgiving medium, any mediums and styles are encouraged. All aspects of the painting process are covered in the class including drawing, perspective, composition, colour theory, many other technical issues and the the more esoteric like dealing with the inner critic and the unfolding of the creative urge. With one on one guidance I encourage everyone to develop a confidence in their own unique expression – at their own pace.

It has been extremely rewarding to see everyone develop and flourish. My students regularly exhibited as a group or individually and most end up selling their work. Not to mention that they have in turn taught me so much!

“You helped me solve the beautiful highlight on her wrist and hand, it made all of the difference. You are a great teacher” ~ Rosy Hoy via facebook

Since moving to the Marlborough Sounds and the pandemic that followed I have stopped travelling to classes. I still have some students that I work with online. So if you’re feeling the urge to unleash your inner painter, contact me and we can use Zoom to work together one on one. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced painter wanting to explore some new terrain, I can help you find your inner artist! Come online with your art gear ready to paint  and something you are working on or something to start!!!

“I would recommend Ian Hamlin as a teacher par excellence. I have been to his classes for many years and have found him unfailingly generous and helpful with his knowledge. I particularly appreciate that he leaves his students to choose their own subjects, in effect tutoring each person individually. It is a joy to paint in a class with such a good teacher and where everyone is doing their own thing; the feedback is tremendous.” ~ Bea Stewart, Wellington

Contact me below or call me on 021 0224 1915 for a basic list of materials to get you started and any other queries, then come and join me on Zoom…….and because the tuition is one-on-one attendance is very flexible, you can come for as long or as often as you want.

“Painting is self discovery – every good artist paints what he is” ~ Jackson Pollock

for further information and details contact me here: