Art Snaks: Feed your curiosity. Fuel your art.

Art Snaks: Feed your curiosity. Fuel your art.

NEW Art Snak:
Writing as Art Making

Learn more

Upcoming Classes

Private Mentoring and Coaching
Online or In-Person
Learn more

Online Abstract Painting Level I
Learn the basics of Value, Color, Shape and Composition
Learn more

GEL PLATE CLASS

Gel Plate & Mixed Media Collage
Five Points Art Center (Full Waitlist only)
Torrington, CT
4 Weeks - Thursdays
Feb 5, 12, 19, 25, 2026
10am-12pm

A collection of nine abstract landscape paintings arranged in a 3x3 grid, featuring soft pastel and muted colors with blending and textured brushstrokes.

Abstract Landscape Workshop
Washington Art Association (Full Waitlist Only)
Washington Depot, CT
Sat & Sun
December 13-14, 2025
9:30am-12pm

Online Botanical Gel Plate Greeting Cards
Make beautiful greeting cards using fresh leaves, a gel plate, and acrylic paint.
Learn more

Online Art Snaks
Bite-sized online mini-course to fuel your creativity
Online
Learn more

Yellow Cloud Painting

Expressive Abstract Painting
Washington Art Association (FULL)
Washington Depot, CT
6 Weeks - Saturdays
Jan 10 - Feb 14, 2026
9:30am-12pm

Looking for color palette ideas?
​
Here are 10 stunning palettes to jump start your paintings.

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    Sign up to receive special class offers and VIP status.

    ​

      We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

      “Best class I ever took!” - Colby

      “Excellent teacher! I took a ten week Zoom class with Heather and would highly recommend any class she was teaching. Her subject and background knowledge of the class she taught was extraordinary. She introduced us to a wide variety of techniques and mediums and guided us through using them in a very professional, yet personal and non-judgmental way. I throughly enjoyed this class and it provided me with new ways of approaching and looking at my work.” - Jane

      “I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying Art Snaks. It is approachable, logical and just fun. ” - Bobbi

      “Heather is a very inspiring and upbeat instructor, with lots of practical techniques and insights to improve my art. Enjoyed her class immensely and expect to take more.” - Peter

      Musings

      Here are some articles containing hints and tips on art making

      Musings
      A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a colorful patterned sweater, sitting in front of a multicolored textured painting.

      Hi! I’m Heather Neilson. I find great joy in helping others discover and express their creative voice. I offer in-person and online art classes and workshops where you can explore self-expression, build skills, and experience personal growth.

      My courses are designed to make the creative process feel natural, interesting, and fun. Along the way, you’ll gain practical skills, fresh perspectives, and a deeper sense of your own artistic potential.

      I have been making art for over 30 years, was trained as a GOLDEN Arts Educator and am currently a Silverbrush Educator. I studied at the Arts Student League of New York and with several master artists. I have a B.A. in Communications from Rutgers University. Before pursuing art full time, I had a career in corporate marketing.