Edible Abstraction - Flabour-Inspired Painting with Nicola Bennett

Nicola Bennett overhead of mixing colours inspired by beetroots

Nicola Bennett ginger with ginger drawing

Nicola Bennett overhead shot painting with pastels

Nicola Bennett paints and brushes from overhead

I’ve been a professional artist for almost a decade, specialising in drawing and painting with rich layers. My work is represented by a dealer gallery in Auckland, New Zealand, and held in private collections across Europe and the States.

But I didn’t take a straight path to get here. It took years – and more than a few detours – before I fully embraced this creative life. So if you’re feeling a bit unsure or stuck, I get it. I’ve been there. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When you’re learning something new, there’s always moments of frustration. But if you can stay with it, there’s real satisfaction on the other side.

That said, I don’t think you ever stop learning. Painting has taught me to see growth as a lifelong process – and that shift has transformed not just my art, but my whole life. I’m happier, more confident, and more grounded than I’ve ever been, all because I said yes to making art.

That’s the kind of journey I want to offer you in Edible Abstraction. My teaching style is relaxed, encouraging, and joyfully hands-on. I truly believe anyone can paint with the right support. If you’re an experienced painter looking to explore new territory, you’ll enjoy discovering different ways to prepare and build painterly surfaces – techniques I’ve refined over time to invite fresh responses and open up new possibilities in your practice.

I’m excited to paint with you, and I can’t wait to see what you create!

I feel super lucky to have done a painting course with Nicola. It was truly a transformative experience. Her passion for painting and drawing is infectious, and her ability to break down complex techniques into manageable steps made learning not only accessible but really fun. What stood out most was the supportive and inspiring environment Nicola created – where I could feel creative without fear of judgment. Thank you for such an amazing journey!

- Anna Hendren

Nicola instilled in us a confidence to create pieces we didn’t imagine we were capable of. I have completed several art workshops with Nicola, as have my two daughters. We loved them and her. Nic has caught the attention of collectors at a local, national and international level while maintaining a humility and commitment to enhancing the world of those around her through the creative process and her way of walking on this earth. She is a highly emotionally intelligent, empathetic and reflective human being and artist, a natural teacher who cares deeply for her students and her craft. Nicola lifts and inspires with her ability to bring the best out in each of us, through an innate ability to teach and to nurture.

- Susan Brown

I was lucky enough to attend a painting course with Nicola Bennett. Nicola has the natural ability to teach, bringing out the very best of my creativity to produce some stunning pieces, incorporating different painting, colour and layering techniques. The warmth in her approach is genuine and guiding, giving you the courage to challenge your abilities, scope and comfort zone. I am super grateful for this opportunity to ignite my creativity with her.

- Philly Angus

Module one: Getting to know your art supplies

Every delicious painting starts with quality ingredients. In this module, you’ll get familiar with the tools Nicola uses in her own practice, and build a personal toolkit that suits your style, budget, and creative goals.