REVIEW · AMSTERDAM
2 Hour Making Rembrandt’s Traditional Oil Paints in Amsterdam
Book on Viator →Operated by Rembrandt Paint Maker · Bookable on Viator
Oil paint class in Amsterdam sounds fun, right. This 2-hour workshop lets you make your own hand made oil paints using 14 natural pigments, then use them to create a small Rembrandt-inspired artwork. It’s short, hands-on, and focused on technique you can actually see and touch.
What I like most is the practical craft side: you’re not just hearing about Rembrandt van Rijn, you’re mixing pigments and linseed oil in a way that echoes how painters worked in his time. I also love that it’s private, so the instructor can stay on your questions and your pace—especially with someone like Eric, who gets singled out for clear, effective teaching.
One thing to consider: this is a workshop, not a museum stop. If you want big galleries, architecture, and hours of strolling, you’ll likely want to pair this with other Amsterdam sights.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Want to Know Before You Go
- A 2-hour Oil-Paint Workshop at Nieuwe Doelenstraat
- Making Rembrandt-Style Paint: Pigments and Linseed Oil
- What you should do to get the most out of the mixing
- Your “Mini Masterpiece” Using the Colors You Created
- The Rembrandt Lesson That Stays Practical
- Private Attention with Instructor Eric (and Why That Matters)
- Logistics: English Instruction and Getting There Easily
- Price and Value: Is $114.88 Worth It?
- Who This Workshop Suits Best
- Should You Book This Rembrandt Paint Making Workshop?
- FAQ
- How long is the Rembrandt oil paint workshop?
- Where does the workshop start in Amsterdam?
- What language is the workshop offered in?
- Is this a private class?
- What happens during the workshop?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Want to Know Before You Go
- 14 natural pigments to mix your own color range: You’ll work with the same kind of building blocks Rembrandt era painters relied on.
- Hand made oil paints first, then you paint: The process comes before the artwork, so the technique sticks.
- Private class with personal guidance: Only your group participates, and you get real attention.
- Rembrandt-focused technique talk: You’ll connect what you’re doing to the Dutch master’s approach.
- A mini masterpiece you make yourself: You’ll leave with your own small painting created using your mixed paints.
A 2-hour Oil-Paint Workshop at Nieuwe Doelenstraat
This experience takes place in central Amsterdam at Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, 1012 CZ. The class is set up for a smooth start and finish: it begins at the meeting point and ends back there.
Timing is also pretty traveler-friendly. It runs daily between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and the session is about 2 hours. That makes it a solid option when you want something creative in the afternoon without eating a whole day.
Price-wise, it’s $114.88 per person for the workshop. For Amsterdam, that price makes sense when you remember what you’re paying for: private attention and a structured, hands-on session focused on materials and technique, not just observation. If you’re someone who learns best by doing, this can feel like good value rather than an expensive souvenir activity.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Amsterdam
Making Rembrandt-Style Paint: Pigments and Linseed Oil
The heart of this workshop is the paint-making. You’ll make hand made oil paints and learn how Rembrandt van Rijn fits into that story. The class uses 14 natural pigments, which you’ll mix into your own color options.
This is where the workshop turns from art talk into real skill-building. When you mix pigments yourself, you start to understand why painters were so careful about color—how changing ratios can shift the feel of a shade. You’ll also learn the logic behind the process, not just the final look.
One technique detail worth paying attention to: the mixing includes linseed oil, used in a way that mirrors what painters used in Rembrandt’s era. Reviews highlight that the instructor guides participants through this step-by-step, with enough clarity that you’re not left guessing. That matters, because making paint is messy and easy to mess up if nobody explains what to aim for.
What you should do to get the most out of the mixing
Bring a relaxed mindset. Paint-making rewards patience, and in two hours you’ll want to stay present for the process rather than rushing to finish the small painting. Also, dress for possibility. Oil paint work tends to be hands-on, so plan to wear clothing you wouldn’t mind getting a little stained.
Your “Mini Masterpiece” Using the Colors You Created
After the paint-making, the class shifts into creating your own artwork. You’ll have a chance to paint a small piece using the hand made paints you created.
There’s a smart reason this is a mini project. In a short workshop, a small format helps you actually finish, and finishing is how you lock in technique. Instead of getting lost in a huge canvas plan, you can focus on how your mixed colors behave on the surface.
It also changes how you interpret Rembrandt’s work. When you make your own palette—based on natural pigments—you start to notice how historical paintings achieve mood through color choices. You’ll end up with a better sense of why those painters leaned into specific pigments and careful mixing, rather than relying on random “pretty colors.”
The Rembrandt Lesson That Stays Practical
This workshop isn’t just about painting. It’s about understanding Rembrandt’s style through the act of painting. You’ll learn about Rembrandt van Rijn and his techniques, tied directly to what you’re doing in the room.
The key value here is connection. Rembrandt’s reputation can make his process feel untouchable, like you need a studio for years. In this class, that barrier drops because you’re working with a guided, contained set of materials—14 natural pigments—and turning them into usable paint.
From the reviews, one theme shows up clearly: the instructor mixes in a bit of history while guiding you through the pigments and oil process. That blend is ideal for people who want meaning, but not a lecture that floats away from the hands-on part. The history is there to help you understand the choices behind the craft.
Private Attention with Instructor Eric (and Why That Matters)
This is listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That isn’t a small detail. In a craft class, group size changes everything: how often you get corrections, how quickly you can ask questions, and whether you can slow down when something doesn’t click.
The instructor, Eric, is specifically praised for being highly effective at teaching the mixing process. In plain terms, that translates into less frustration. You’re more likely to leave with a painting you feel good about, because the instruction is aimed at helping you succeed during the time you have.
If you’re traveling solo and want a focused activity, private instruction can also feel calmer. You’re not watching other people’s progress while waiting for your turn. You get the attention up front.
Logistics: English Instruction and Getting There Easily
The workshop is offered in English, so you can follow the technique explanations without translation lag.
Meeting point is Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, and it’s described as near public transportation. That matters because you’re starting in a central part of Amsterdam where getting around can be faster by tram or metro rather than walking long distances in the late afternoon.
You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which helps you keep things simple on your phone. For many people, that reduces the “what do I need to bring” stress before class.
Price and Value: Is $114.88 Worth It?
At $114.88 per person for about two hours, you should judge this based on what you actually get: hands-on paint-making, Rembrandt-focused guidance, and private instruction.
If you just wanted to paint a picture, you might find cheaper group art sessions. But this isn’t framed as a casual one-off. It’s centered on a specific craft goal: making hand made oil paints from 14 natural pigments, then using them to paint a small piece. That specificity tends to increase the value for people who care about technique and materials.
It’s also a good fit for a time-budget traveler. Two hours is long enough to do meaningful work, but short enough that you can still enjoy the rest of your Amsterdam day.
My rule of thumb: book it if you want a skill you can talk about after, not just a photo from the experience. This one is built for that.
Who This Workshop Suits Best
This class works especially well if you:
- like hands-on activities more than museums
- want a creative evening plan with a clear structure
- enjoy learning art technique in a practical way
- appreciate Rembrandt-style art but want to understand it beyond viewing
It’s also a good choice for people who want personal attention. The private format helps the instructor adjust pacing, and you can ask questions without waiting for the group rhythm.
One practical note from the tour info: most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. If you have concerns about your situation, it’s worth checking directly when you book so you’re confident the class fits your needs.
Should You Book This Rembrandt Paint Making Workshop?
I’d book it if you’re the type of traveler who likes craft, technique, and short lessons that change how you look at art. The mix of making your own oil paints, learning Rembrandt connections, and getting private attention from Eric makes it feel worth the time.
I’d skip it if your main goal is a full-day Amsterdam itinerary of sights, or if you only want light, hands-free creativity. This experience is focused on the process, and that’s the whole point.
If you’re torn, consider this: a two-hour workshop like this can add a lot of meaning to the art you see afterward. You’ll have made the colors yourself, so the experience sticks in a way a regular tour often doesn’t.
FAQ
How long is the Rembrandt oil paint workshop?
It runs for about 2 hours.
Where does the workshop start in Amsterdam?
The meeting point is Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, 1012 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
What language is the workshop offered in?
The class is offered in English.
Is this a private class?
Yes. Only your group participates.
What happens during the workshop?
You’ll make hand made oil paints using 14 natural pigments, learn about Rembrandt van Rijn and his techniques, and create a small mini masterpiece with the paints.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
