Spend two joyful hours painting your own colorful 'Dikke Dames' in a relaxed, accessible studio on Lagendijk. Perfect for friends, team outings, or solo travelers who want a playful keepsake from the Zaan region.
Spend two joyful hours painting your own colorful 'Dikke Dames' in a relaxed, accessible studio on Lagendijk. Perfect for friends, team outings, or solo travelers who want a playful keepsake from the Zaan region.
Book with Atelier In de Hoge Hoed
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Atelier In de Hoge Hoed · Koog aan de Zaan, Noord-Holland
At the Workshop Dikke Dames Schilderen you trade hesitation for color. This two-hour painting session in Koog aan de Zaan teaches you to paint the joyful, rounded figures known as 'Dikke Dames' in a light, social setting. The workshop meets at Lagendijk 3, 1541KA Koog aan de Zaan, in an accessible studio that fits groups from two to ten. No previous painting experience is required; materials and step-by-step guidance from an experienced art instructor are included, and you leave with a finished canvas to take home. Inside the studio, long communal tables, easels, palettes and jars of bright acrylics set the scene. The signature Dikke Dames style emphasizes exaggerated curves, playful poses and bold blocks of color—an approachable vocabulary for first-time painters. Because the room is wheelchair accessible, this creative experience is open to a wide range of visitors: friends celebrating, teams on a low-stress outing, groups at birthday parties, or solo travelers seeking a hands-on souvenir. Beyond the brushes and laughter, the workshop sits in the Zaan region, a short drive from the windmills and heritage of the Zaanse Schans. That local backdrop adds a cultural note: the area is known for historic wooden houses and early industrial-era charm, a reminder that creativity here has deep roots. The Dikke Dames pieces themselves echo popular contemporary Dutch folk art: humorous, unpretentious and expressive. Practical details are straightforward: sessions last about two hours, run with a minimum of two participants and cap at ten. Expect a relaxed pace with time for experimenting with color and form; instructors demonstrate simplified anatomy, composition and how to layer paint so your work reads from across a room. All materials are supplied; wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on. If a session doesn’t meet the minimum, the operator will contact you to reschedule. Why choose this workshop? It’s part art class, part social event. The emphasis is on joy, not perfection—so photographers, small groups and anyone who likes a creative keepsake will find value. It’s also a local experience that connects makers with the Zaan landscape, whether you’re staying nearby in Koog aan de Zaan or pairing the workshop with a visit to Zaandam. For travelers curious about contemporary Dutch popular art or simply wanting a playful two-hour break from museums and canals, this painting class delivers color, community and a canvas to bring home. Bookings are made through the provided referral link; small groups are ideal, and the instructor adapts the lesson to skill level. Bring a camera for group shots, and plan to arrive a few minutes early to settle in. The studio's friendly approach makes this an easy, low-pressure creative stop while exploring Noord-Holland's canals and museums. Reserve spots in advance.
easy.
2 hours.
No special fitness required; suitable for all mobility levels and most ages.
No—this workshop is designed for beginners and experienced painters alike; the instructor provides step-by-step guidance.
Meet at Lagendijk 3, 1541KA Koog aan de Zaan—the studio is wheelchair accessible.
Sessions run about two hours, enough time to complete a Dikke Dames-style canvas.
Yes, all paints, brushes, canvases and other materials are supplied as part of the workshop.
If fewer than two participants register, the operator will contact you to reschedule or offer alternatives.
Groups of 2–10 can book; contact the operator in advance to coordinate any special arrangements.
The Zaan region is known for early industrial innovation and preserved wooden architecture at sites like the Zaanse Schans, reflecting local craft traditions.
The studio uses water-based acrylics and encourages recycling of paper and containers; visitors are asked to minimize waste and respect the shared workspace.
Atelier In de Hoge Hoed is a creative studio located in Koog aan de Zaan, Noord-Holland, offering hands-on painting workshops for beginners and experienced artists. The atelier presents a varied program that includes Workshop Portret Schilderen met Projector, Workshop Huisdier Schilderen met Projector, Sip and Paint Workshop, Mixed Media Workshop, Bob Ross© Schilderworkshop, Creative Flow Workshop, Vogels in Aquarel Workshop, Zeedieren in Aquarel Workshop, Sumi-é Workshop, and Ouder & Kind Schilderen. Many sessions provide all materials and a relaxed, supportive setting where participants can experiment with acrylics, watercolors, ink, mixed media elements, and innovative projection techniques. The Bob Ross© Schilderworkshop is led by certified instructors and focuses on landscape painting. The Vogels in Aquarel Workshop is guided step-by-step by artist Barbara Guldenaar, while several projector-based portrait workshops let participants create personal portraits or pet portraits from photographs. Workshops vary in length from two to three and a half hours and typically include guidance suitable for beginners. The studio emphasizes creativity, patient instruction, and a friendly atmosphere that encourages experimentation without pressure. Small-group formats appear in some workshops, and events like Sip and Paint add social elements with drinks and snacks. Atelier In de Hoge Hoed accepts individual bookings and group reservations for special occasions, offering tailored workshop options. Participants leave with finished artworks, practical painting skills, and clear next steps to continue practicing at home independently.
Book with Atelier In de Hoge Hoed