Joy of Painting
What is Joy of Painting?
I like to think of Joy of Painting as an online “spark box” of painterly inspiration delivered to you each month by a caring mentor. I know how exciting it feels to learn a new technique, discover a game-changing tool, or find new a color palette that sings! That’s why I take great pride in developing a new painting lesson each month that will move you forward as an artist and spark your imagination. And, as a member, you also aren't limited to just the new lesson of the month; you also have unlimited access to the entire catalogue of past months as long as you are a member in good standing.
My specialties are florals, collage, mixed-media and color; and I love showing you how I create paintings so that you can learn from them, apply my techniques to your own skills, and grow your unique artistic practice. To keep things interesting, I also, occasionally, have guest speakers and plan lessons inspired by master artists. My hope is that Joy of Painting helps you tap into the kind of creativity that feels endlessly abundant and nourishes your artistic soul.
What Cathy's Students Have Shared...
Joy of Painting is my favorite art class I’ve ever taken!
First of all, Cathy’s cheerful and friendly way of teaching makes you feel like you are painting with a good friend. Every month I’m excited to see what the lesson is. I’m so inspired to paint, and Cathy has such a wonderful way of teaching, with a “You can do it!” vibe that makes you really feel that you CAN paint anything. And, so, I dive into each month’s lesson, learning so much about technique and color theory as I joyfully paint. If it wasn’t for Cathy, I would never even have tried to paint flowers, and now I’m painting them all the time. I just adore her and Joy of Painting!
This Membership has been Incredible!
I recently had the pleasure of joining and participating in Joy of Painting with Cathy! I have only been back in the art world for a year after a 30-year hiatus. I stumbled upon Cathy’s artwork on social media and was so inspired by her work and just knew I had to take a class (or 3)! This membership has been incredible! I’ve learned so many fun techniques, how to use supplies and tools, how neutrals can impact my art (I NEVER used them!) and so much more! Cathy has such a kind and fun spirit, she’s a wonderful teacher and has so much amazing content in her classes. Cathy is very accessible and answers questions in a very timely fashion. I’d like to add that I have grown so much as an artist during this class. My excitement and passion has evolved, my skills are improving daily and I’m having so much FUN!!! Follow Trina's art journey on Instagram @kms.artwork
Each new lesson brings out a bit more wonder and joy at what is emerging from me.
Joy of Painting has been a real treasure for me. Each new lesson and art discovery seems to bring out a bit more wonder and joy with what is emerging for me.
I’m growing with my artistic abilities while also becoming increasingly aware of what feels really nourishing and exciting for me.
A wonderful side effect is that I’m just naturally gravitating to discovering/awakening a new level of joy in all areas of my life. It has sparked a lot for me. From learning what supplies sparks joy for me while allowing the currents of excitement to bring to life more and more where the 'Art of Living in Joy’, is mine.
Thank You Cathy for Sparking so much JOY in my Art and my Life!
Xoxo Bonnie
Joy of Painting has Inspired me to Take More Chances
This program has inspired me to take more chances. Since I started, collage is now incorporated to all my art. I never wanted to use collage, now I’m obsessed. I’ve branched out into painting creatures such as birds and even wildlife animals. Cathy is a generous, patient, extremely talented instructor.
I sold my first painting (ever)!
I came across mixed media art during the lockdown in 2020 and played around a bunch, but it never felt cohesive. I came across Cathy's Instagram page and fell in love with her work. And when I saw that she was doing mentoring classes in Joy of Painting, I signed right up. It's been very helpful to use her methods and put to use the techniques she's shown us, I even sold my first painting (ever) after only taking the classes for 4 months.
Joy of Painting inspires me to create gifts of artwork that bring others joy, too!
For me the Joy of Painting translates into the joy of seeing other people's expressions of joy when I present them with a painting of mine created from Cathy's lessons.
Cathy Lights Up a Room with Her Joy and Positivity
Cathy's class was everything I hoped for and more. Not only was I able to create a 52 card oracle deck under her guidance and wisdom, but it was an absolute joy to do so. Cathy lights up the room with her joy and positivity. She is a cheerleader for each and every one of her students and makes learning all the ins and outs of creating a deck life changing. Seriously. I grew so much in this course and I am so grateful to know the wonderful human who is Cathy Nichols!
Reconnection with My Creative Spirit
Cathy I sincerely want to thank you so much for this class and how it has been such a huge shift in my life and my work - it’s been such a great challenge as an artist to think in a more collective body of work and language and even though I finished the deck I find myself still wanting to explore how to expand the ideas and push myself more - this is actually closer to the way I used to paint and create and explore in college and when I wasn’t doing art as my full income back in the day and I have missed this so much and it’s helped me realize I can paint “my” way and it can speak to people. I was getting so caught in the trap of painting what markets showed me would sell but this reconnection with my creative spirit has been the most rewarding experience I have had in such a long time. So thank you truly. Such a blessing.
Your course has allowed me to trust my own vision and capabilities
It seems a silly thing, but sometimes striking out on your own, even with some experience under your belt, can be intimidating. Your course has allowed me to trust my own vision and capabilities. Also working alongside other creatives around the world and getting direct feedback from everyone has been invaluable. As we each bring our own visions to life this community has given me the courage and support to know that yes, I can do this too! You took a project that can at times feel overwhelming and made it light, approachable and the encouragement and beauty along the way only fed into my personal well of inspiration. And gosh darn it if you aren't the cutest when you teach, I chuckled along the way and more often than not I had a big smile on my face while I watched the video tutorials. 😘 Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have shared.
Monthly Art Projects to Grow Your Technique & Vison
I've chosen each monthly project with care to help you follow your joy, tap into your gifts and keep developing as an artist. Core content revolves around 4 main areas: Creativity & Flow, Technique, Personal Vision and Inspiration from Master Artists. On the 1st of each month, you'll say hello to a new video tutorial, step-by-step PDF and color palette to keep you growing and thriving as an artist.
Path to Finding More Joy and Mastery as an Artist
The Joy of Painting Success Path
We all have a special way of seeing the world and come to painting with unique skill sets. In the Joy of Painting success path, I share my own personal philosophy for finding your voice and developing your creativity, vision and technique so that you can embrace the radiant artist within!
A New Color Palette Each Month
Gorgeous color combos to inspire you.
Color is the beginning of every one of my paintings, and in "Joy of Painting" I curate a new beautiful color palette with paint names every month. I use the palette in the monthly projects, too, to show you how to work with color for harmony and balance. All the palettes are stored in our "Resource Library" to use for future reference.
Community
Access to our safe, private, Joy of Painting Community located within our membership. This is a place to share your work, be seen and make friends around the world. There will be occasional live Zoom meetings with special guests and bonding activities!
You'll also have access to our Community Resource Library -- a go-to, always growing space featuring the best paint, supports, pens, and vendors for the art supplies that make painting truly joyful. As a Founding Member, you will have unique access to co-creating our space for the future!
About Cathy
Your Teacher & Guide Cathy Nichols
About Cathy Nichols
Cathy Nichols is a full-time artist, oracle card designer, and online teacher. She specializes in vibrant mixed media paintings with layered handmade papers, sheet music, flowers and all things joyful. Her popular online courses include “Mixed Media – Painting Modern Expressive Flowers,” and “Create Your Own Oracle Deck.
You can find Cathy’s studio in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC, where she lives with her family and paints her colorful, layered stories.
Email
FAQ
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What if I don't like the membership? Can I cancel?
Yes, You can cancel at any time. You will only be charged for the month(s) that you are a member.
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Are lessons mandatory? What if I get busy and can't make art for a month or so?
Joy of Painting is about JOY, not stress. The membership is always here to support you on your journey. You are welcome to do the lessons as they best suit your time and lifestyle. You will have access to all past and present lessons as long as you are a member. As my favorite yoga teacher always said, "do you best, and leave the rest behind."
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Will the price of Joy of Painting increase for me, or will I be 'grandfathered in' at my sign-up price?
One of the biggest benefits of becoming a member right now is that you will NEVER have your membership price increased as long as you remain a member in good standing.
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Will the content be suited to beginners AND experienced artists?
YES! I've created the Joy of Painting Success Path to help you identify your own level of experience as an artist before you begin. Once you've identified where you lie within the 5-stage journey, you'll be able to tailor the membership content to fit your needs. So, if you are a beginner or a professional artist who has been painting for years, there is something wonderful to be learned from each monthly lesson.
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Why is the first month $35?
When you sign up to Joy of Painting as a new member, you immediately have access to our entire course catalogue -- over 12 full classes, several bonuses and recorded interviews with guest speakers -- in addition to the new class that you receive each month. That's why I include a $14 one-time sign-up fee. (I also think this keeps things more fair for longtime members.) So, while your first month is $35, you will only be charged $21 per month for all subsequent months.