Do I need painting experience to join?

No—this workshop is designed for beginners and experienced painters alike; the instructor provides step-by-step guidance.

Where do sessions meet?

Meet at Lagendijk 3, 1541KA Koog aan de Zaan—the studio is wheelchair accessible.

How long is the workshop?

Sessions run about two hours, enough time to complete a Dikke Dames-style canvas.

Are materials included?

Yes, all paints, brushes, canvases and other materials are supplied as part of the workshop.

What happens if minimum attendance isn’t met?

If fewer than two participants register, the operator will contact you to reschedule or offer alternatives.

Can I bring a group for a private celebration?

Groups of 2–10 can book; contact the operator in advance to coordinate any special arrangements.

Paint Your Own Dikke Dames: Bright Painting Workshop in Koog aan de Zaan

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.