Testimonials
The lessons feel practical and easy to understand
What was your favourite part of your classes?
Before each class, I would buy myself a hot cup of coffee and then quietly enjoy painting while sipping it with lovely ladies. We all love to help each other.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
You learn by doing. As you paint, Helene explains different techniques at the right time so the lessons feel practical and easy to understand.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
I'm still learning how to mix colours, so whenever I achieve the colour I was hoping for and apply it to the canvas, I feel incredibly happy.
What is something you learned or improved upon?
Through painting, I've learned to spend time observing how light, shadows and distance create different colours.
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
I've learned that capturing the feeling of a painting is far more important than copying it perfectly.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
Helene is incredibly patient. As a beginner, I often miss small details, but I'm so grateful that Helene notices them with her keen eye, and guides me on how to improve.
Yvonne Lin
Art Class
Helene makes you feel that you really can do anything
What was your favourite part of your classes?
I just loved being around other Creatives and away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. It's my "me" time and I look forward to it all week.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
Helene makes you feel that you really can do anything - she breaks a painting down into simple steps and where something looks so difficult actually isn't! It's just how you approach it.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
So many! I've been going for over a year and I'm still learning even though I've been painting for over 20 years! haha! Helene's style really makes you see a picture or view differently.
What is something you learned or improved upon?
I have a very stylised art style, but blending this with a more impressionistic style has really pushed me into a new direction with my artworks and I love seeing what comes out in the end!
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
A lot more confident. I really do feel like I have found my way a bit more. It's opened up my mind to different ways of painting, which I'm loving.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
I have taken a few friends along who have also become addicted to painting - all of whom were a bit apprehensive as they didn't think they were "good enough" at art but I am blown away by what they've created - not just in the class, but at home too! So awesome!
Robyn Lamont, Artist
Art Class
Click here to read a message from Heléne
I've known Robyn for approximately 17 years. She was the Receptionist at the Retirement Village that my parents went to.
With Robyn's, beautiful, bubbly personality it was easy to become friends straight away.
We even went to a night class together at Uxbridge Creative Centre to broaden our knowledge of a different style of Art.
Robyn is a very popular artist in her own right and has a "stylistic" painting style using bright bold colours.
In early 2025, she decided she wanted to do some classes with me to see if she could incorporate some of her learnings into her existing style.
As much as I love Robyn's previous style, I also love the new paintings shes been achieving in class which she has morphed between her old and new style.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for Robyn and how she will move forward with her art.
https://www.robynlamont.co.nz
https://www.facebook.com/robynlamontart
Fun class, great teacher and fun to meet other people
What was your favourite part of your classes?
Learning how to mix the paint colours and learning different brush uses and strokes.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
Helene has a workshop style of teaching, watching her demonstrate and explain and then you try, this makes it easy.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
Yes, when it came to mixing colour, I learnt what a titch of colour meant! 😃
What is something you learned or improved upon?
Developing depth in the painting.
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
It has improved, but always more to learn.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
Fun class, great teacher and fun to meet other people.
Briar
Art Class
So impressed with what I've achieved
What was your favourite part of your classes?
Technique specific to water shadows.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
Relaxed and supportive.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
Yes, getting reflections in water under cliff/mountain.
What is something you learned or improved upon?
So much - waves, trees.
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
So impressed with what I've achieved.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
You'd be amazed at what you would produce.
Ronlee Ash
Art Class
A lot of fun to finish something worthwhile
What was your favourite part of your classes?
Atmosphere, learning where to start.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
Friendly and approachable.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
Learning where to start and what brushes are used for what.
What is something you learned or improved upon?
Everything.
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
Enjoying it.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
A lot of fun and managing to finish something worthwhile.
Raewyn
Art Class
The passion grows every week
What was your favourite part of your classes?
I like how we are guided through the processes. Everyone is friendly. We have fun while learning.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
Relaxed, supportive, and informative. Very encouraging.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
There are lots of 'a-ha' moments during our classes, learning something new every lesson.
What is something you learned or improved upon?
I learned the different effects with different brushes and layering. I learned mixing of colours, starting with the base and moving forward.
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
Being a beginner, I feel much more confident and look forward to classes. The passion grows every week. Have loved doing palette knife painting.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
Heléne is a wonderful teacher, being a talented artist herself. Give it a go, you may be as surprised as I was at the artistic passion I have gained.
Elaine Heenan
Art Class
If you are thinking about taking a class, don't hesitate
What was your favourite part of your classes?
Heléne provided an environment that allowed us to make mistakes, point out our own techniques, and was constructive and encouraging as we progressed week by week.
How would you describe Heléne's teaching style to a friend?
Fun, friendly, encouraging, and full of great advice.
Was there a specific 'a-ha!' moment for you during our sessions?
Painting our first bird - I detailed the eye, and suddenly it was real.
What is something you learned or improved upon?
My main stumbling block was not knowing where to start. How to balance position and colour to create something pleasing to the eye.
How do you feel about your art now compared to when you started?
I was totally a beginner - now I feel proud to hang pieces on my own walls, and friends declare their love for my art.
If you were to recommend Heléne's classes to a friend, what would you say?
Don't hesitate. Art is never wrong - it just emerges as you learn better techniques and processes. Helene creates the perfect space to do this.
Liz Farquhar
Art Class
I look forward to it each week
I liked the relaxed, informative, supportive, and constructive feedback.
I learnt reflections, mixing of colours, different brush types and techniques and to follow natural intuition also.
Heléne has a natural teaching ability, time goes by so quickly in class! Lovely ladies and I look forward to it each week, even if it is a challenge too sometimes
Lorelle Stranaghan
Art Class
Even more beautiful than we'd imagined
We’d been thinking about commissioning a painting of the view from Stockade Hill for a while - that sweeping outlook over Howick and the Hauraki Gulf is iconic, and loved by so many. It’s a place that holds meaning for us, and we wanted to bring a piece of it into our home.
When we saw Heléne’s work at the local market, it stopped us in our tracks. Her style had exactly the depth, colour, and atmosphere we were looking for.
From the first conversation, Helene was warm, easy to talk to, and really clear about how the process would work. She kept us updated along the way and made everything feel smooth and straightforward.
Her creativity, skill, and collaborative approach meant she was able to take our vision and turn it into something even more beautiful than we’d imagined.
The finished painting is incredible. It’s vibrant, layered, and full of feeling - it captures the view beautifully and brings a part of Howick into our home in such a special way. We absolutely love it.
Pam and Gillian
Commission - 'Howick Seaview'
Heléne is an awesome teacher
I liked how welcoming and friendly everyone in the class is.
Heléne is an awesome teacher - very encouraging, knowledgeable, and patient. I loved how we were guided through each step while also having our own creativity!
I learned various techniques, layering, blending, and how to use different brushes for different effects.
Thank you Heléne for the wonderful classes!
Susan Truong
Art Class
Find your own style
I liked getting to know the people in our class. We all do the same painting as Heléne but no two are the same.
Every painting we have done there is some new technique to learn - perspective, waves, clouds, adding detail, using different brushes and palette knife.
Heléne is a very talented artist who, as a teacher, lets you find your own style. She will assist when you get stuck or frustrated but won't take over and encourages you to keep trying.
Anna Meyer
Art Class
Friendly, supportive environment
I liked learning new techniques in a friendly, supportive environment.
We have been learning about perspective this term and it has really helped me to progress.
I like that Heléne continues to reinforce the basics (composition and colour mixing) without controlling our individual style.
Judy Alderdice
Art Class
Excited to continue practicing
The atmosphere was very welcoming and inspiring for my Term Classes.
I've really enjoyed the painting classes and I especially liked the knowledge and skill Heléne has. I learnt that a palette knife can be used to paint an apple on a plate and I'm excited to continue practicing what I've learnt.
I've learnt to mix colours, canvas preparation, shading, perspective drawing and many more techniques.
I'm looking forward to returning Terms 3 and 4!!!!
Deborah Lumb
Art Class
Well worth doing
Going to Heléne's classes has given me the confidence to paint. So enjoyable and rewarding.
As a beginner I've learnt heaps. Heléne is very good at teaching us the techniques needed.
It is well worth doing these classes, whether it is for fun (like me) or you are more serious.
Lynda Boles
Art Class
Heléne is very patient and great to learn from
I loved coming to class, learning lots of new techniques, and meeting like-minded arty people.
Heléne is very patient and great to learn from. I have learnt a lot and am still learning.
If you're thinking of getting your Art on, then I totally recommend Heléne's classes.
Kerri Rusher
Art Class
Heléne makes it fun
I liked learning new techniques. Working in a class and seeing all the different takes on a subject.
I learnt about acrylic Landscapes and Still Life, mixing colours, and what different brushes do.
It's a great fun environment, good to have it locally. Heléne makes it fun.
Karen Stewart
Art Class
Enjoyed meeting other locals
I've enjoyed meeting other locals, learning many new ideas, and learning to relax when painting.
I've learnt that yellow brightens and white lightens; heaps of things!
Really enjoyed the whole experience.
Alice Zeilstra
Art Class
You never want to stop
The confidence that Heléne gives her students makes us want to try even what appears difficult.
I have learned how to blend and where to start a painting, perspective, and how to make a painting less two-dimensional.
This is the kind of class that you want to never stop. Students return each Term if they can.
Molly Hubert
Art Class
Friendly, encouraging, supportive tutor
I like the friendly, encouraging, supportive tutor and group. Learning new things and building the confidence to give my own paintings a go.
I learnt everything about painting with Acrylics - was a total beginner. Colour mixing, painting techniques, perspectives/layout.
Mo
Art Class
You feel like you have very personal support
Heléne's passion for her craft is addictive, she is extremely patient and teaches at the group's pace.
The Gallery space to learn in is inspiring and the group was small enough to feel like you have very personal support.
I learnt so many fabulous things, how to mix colours, how to create depth, and the tools you need to paint a landscape.
Cushla Reed
Art Class
Heléne Henare - Artist
Heléne Henare is an acclaimed New Zealand artist known for her evocative works that weave together contemporary expression, and deep spiritual resonance.
Her art speaks of a connection to land, sea, and ancestry, and has earned her recognition both locally and internationally.
Heléne’s artwork encourages reflection, storytelling, and cultural celebration.
