2 Hour Making Rembrandt’s Traditional Oil Paints in Amsterdam

Two hours in Amsterdam: creating your own Rembrandt-inspired oil paints and mini masterpiece

Imagine spending just two hours in the heart of Amsterdam, learning how to craft authentic Rembrandt-style oil paints and creating your own little painting with guidance from a skilled instructor. For $110.54 per person, this private workshop offers a chance to connect with Dutch art history in a very personal way. The experience takes place at Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, a convenient location near public transportation, making it easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing.

What we particularly love about this experience is its hands-on approach—you’re not just observing art from afar but actively participating by making your own paints from 14 natural pigments. This immersive process helps deepen your appreciation for Rembrandt’s mastery — understanding the colors he used and how he brought his portraits and scenes to life with oil paint. Plus, the personalized guidance from knowledgeable instructors makes this suitable for all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner.

A possible consideration is the duration—at just two hours, it’s a short experience, so those looking for a comprehensive art course or museum tour might need to combine it with other activities. Still, for travelers wanting a meaningful, artistic break that’s both educational and fun, it hits the sweet spot. This workshop is ideal for art enthusiasts with limited time, families, or anyone interested in traditional painting techniques and historical craftsmanship.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Make your own oil paints using natural pigments, just like Rembrandt did.
• Educational and Interactive: Learn about Rembrandt’s color choices and techniques while creating your own mini masterpiece.
• Convenient Timing: Flexible start times and a short duration make it easy to fit into your Amsterdam itinerary.
• Personal Attention: As a private activity, you’ll benefit from dedicated guidance, enhancing your understanding.
• Great for Art Lovers: Perfect for those who appreciate hands-on activities and want to connect with Dutch art history on a personal level.
• Value for Money: For the price, you get an engaging, immersive experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and your own creative output.

A Detailed Look at the Making Rembrandt’s Traditional Oil Paints Tour

The Setting and Location

The workshop takes place at Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24, a lively street in central Amsterdam. The location’s accessibility is a bonus—near public transportation and easy to find. The venue provides a cozy, focused environment where you can comfortably learn and experiment without feeling rushed. The fact that it’s a private activity means your group receives undivided attention, which is invaluable when tackling something as nuanced as pigment mixing and oil painting.

What the Experience Entails

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a warm, knowledgeable guide who introduces you to Rembrandt’s palette. The core of this experience is hands-on pigment mixing—you’ll discover how Rembrandt himself might have selected and blended his colors using 14 natural pigments. The process is fascinating, and the instructor’s expertise, as highlighted by recent reviews, makes the learning engaging and accessible. As Cay_M noted, “The instructor is so knowledgeable, and he mixes a bit of history while guiding participants in the mixing of pigments and linseed oil in the way Rembrandt would have in his time.”

The workshop includes making your own oil paints—a skill that’s surprisingly straightforward but rich with historical significance. You’ll see how the textures and shades develop as you blend colors, gaining insight into why certain hues stood out in Rembrandt’s work. Jared_M emphasized that, “Learning about the colors he used and then mixing them yourself was very fascinating and will make you appreciate the art that you see.” This direct connection to the artist’s process offers a deeper appreciation than simply viewing reproductions in a museum.

Creating Your Mini Masterpiece

After mastering pigment mixing, you’ll be given the opportunity to create a small painting using your handmade paints. While the focus isn’t on producing a perfect artwork, the act of applying your newly created colors to a canvas or paper fosters an authentic sense of craftsmanship. Expect to learn some basic oil painting techniques, guided step-by-step, which makes this experience suitable for novices and experienced painters alike.

Why This Tour Stands Out

One of the biggest draws is the combination of history and craft. As Cay_M mentioned, “He mixes a bit of history while guiding participants in the mixing of pigments and linseed oil in the way Rembrandt would have,” creating an enriching context for your hands-on activity. It’s not just about making paints but understanding the materials and techniques that made Dutch masters like Rembrandt so revolutionary.

The Instructor and Personal Guidance

Reviewers repeatedly praise the instructor’s knowledge and engaging style. Jared_M calls it “an amazing experience,” emphasizing that the guidance made the process both fascinating and accessible. The personal nature of the workshop ensures you get tailored advice, whether you’re trying to achieve certain shades or simply want to understand more about the historical technique.

Price and Value

At $110.54 per person, the experience offers excellent value considering the personalized instruction, historical insights, and the tangible skill of making your own paints. You leave with your small masterpiece and a newfound understanding of traditional oil painting—something many travelers find enriching and memorable.

Practical Tips

• Book well in advance—this tour is popular, with an average booking window of 47 days.
• The workshop runs Monday through Sunday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, providing flexible options for your schedule.
• The activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals.
• It’s a short, highly focused activity, perfect for fitting into a busy day of sightseeing or art exploration.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re passionate about art or curious about historical painting techniques, this workshop will deepen your appreciation and give you a unique souvenir—your own set of handmade oil paints and a small canvas. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy interactive, educational activities and are looking for something off the beaten path that combines history, craftsmanship, and creativity.

The Sum Up

This two-hour workshop in Amsterdam offers a rare blend of art history and practical craftsmanship. You’ll learn how to make authentic oil paints using traditional methods, gaining insight into Rembrandt’s color choices while creating your own miniature artwork. The personalized guidance and hands-on approach make it a memorable experience that appeals to both art lovers and curious travelers alike.

While it’s a short activity, the depth of learning and personal engagement make it excellent value. It’s perfect if you want a meaningful, creative break from museum-hopping, or if you’re eager to understand the materials and techniques behind some of the world’s most famous paintings. This workshop is especially suited for those with a keen interest in art and an appreciation for authentic craftsmanship.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, you’ll leave with a new skill, a deeper respect for Rembrandt’s mastery, and a tangible reminder of your time in Amsterdam. It’s an experience that’s likely to stay with you long after you’ve returned home, offering a glimpse into the artistic soul of the Dutch Golden Age.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for older children and adults who are patient with hands-on activities and interested in art.

Do I need any prior painting experience?
No, the workshop is designed for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

How long does the workshop last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and engaging activity for a busy schedule.

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, you can select a start time that fits your plans, with sessions typically available between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes, the meeting point at Nieuwe Doelenstraat 24 is centrally located and near public transportation.

What do I get at the end of the workshop?
You’ll have your own small masterpiece and the knowledge of how to create your own oil paints using natural pigments.

Are there any cancellations?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this activity available year-round?
Yes, it runs from October 2023 through June 2026, every day of the week.

Can I bring a companion?
Since it’s a private activity, only your group will participate, but you can book for multiple people if desired.

What’s the best reason to choose this experience?
If you’re looking for an authentic, engaging way to connect with art history and craft while exploring Amsterdam, this workshop offers a perfect blend of education and creativity.

This detailed, balanced review aims to help you see why this workshop could be a highlight of your trip—an authentic, creative experience that makes you a part of the Dutch artistic tradition.