A painting doesn't start with the paint or the act of painting itself, but with the foundation: a meticulous priming. That is where the quality and longevity of a work of art lie. During this weekend, you will learn how the old masters prepared their panels and canvases and experience for yourself how important these first steps are. You will go home with:
Discover how craftsmanship, materials, and painting come together and lay the foundation for work that will last for generations with your own hands.
Weekend program
Friday afternoon: We start by stretching linen and preparing panels. Then we cook the glue and you apply the first layers. In the evening, we will share a hot meal (included) and you will set the chalk and marble dust to soak. If you wish, you can stay overnight and have breakfast with us (see Accommodation).
Saturday: We finish the primers. There is time to experiment with silverpoint and egg tempera. Around noon, we will serve a light but nutritious “Heerlijkheid soup” with bread. In the afternoon, we will wrap up the program.
Optional: Some primers, such as oil-based primer, require drying time between coats. You can therefore choose to return on Friday, June 5th, or take a priming kit home to continue working independently.
This workshop is suitable for anyone looking to deepen their painting process at the foundational level. Whether you paint with oil, tempera, ink, or another medium, understanding primers will make your work stronger and more durable. No experience is required, just curiosity.
Material options
Panels and canvases must be ordered in advance. We will contact you about this after booking.
Additional option:
Accommodation:
De Heerlijkheid has 3 B&B rooms available. You can find more information under Staying over.
May 29 and 30, 2026
Friday: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
€225
Includes all priming materials (glue, chalk, pigments), dinner on Friday, lunch on Saturday, and coffee and tea.
Do I need experience to participate in a course or workshop?
Not at all, you don't need any experience.
Is it easy to park at Atelier De Heerlijkheid?
Certainly, there is plenty of parking available at Driekoningenplein and next to the cemetery. We do ask that you park your car in a designated space, angled along the cemetery wall, to ensure there is room for other vehicles. Additionally, please make sure that wherever you park, wide agricultural vehicles can always pass through easily.
If you live nearby, it’s even better to come by bike. You can park it safely in our yard.
Can I share any dietary requirements or allergies?
Yes, you can let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies in advance, and we will see what we can do. We serve vegetarian food by default.
Is Atelier De Heerlijkheid accessible by public transport?
Yes, it is. Line 250 departs from the central station in 's-Hertogenbosch and this local bus stops right at our doorstep. The schedule is limited, and the local bus does not run on Sundays.
Line 5 also departs from the central station and stops at the Beeckendael stop in Engelen. From there, it is a fifteen-minute walk to De Heerlijkheid.
Can I stay overnight?
Absolutely. We have 3 B&B rooms available for rent in combination with a workshop. Through Erfgoed Logies and Vipio we also offer rentals outside of workshop hours.
