The Practice

In their words

From artists I’ve worked with in workshops and programs


The best art workshop I have taken! Nino is an amazing artist who teaches with such kindness, humor and knowledge. I left with so many ideas and new techniques but also with more intention into why I want to paint. Over the four days of the workshop we had the time and materials to practice and grow. Such an inspiring week and the bolt of excitement I needed for my art practice!
- Rachel Austin


"This workshop was truly inspiring and felt almost magical. Nino is an exceptional teacher—generous, open, and completely unguarded in sharing his techniques. He has a rare gift for drawing out the best in each participant. Westerbeke Ranch is a stunning and deeply special setting, and the food is absolutely incredible. Spending five days fully immersed in creating, surrounded by such talented and inspiring artists, elevated both my work and my perspective. I’m so glad I gave myself permission to say “yes” to this experience—it was genuinely life-changing."
- JJ Jacobs


This week was the very best “Yes” I have ever said! Nino’s “way” of teaching is so giving and honest! I walked in full of self doubt , but soon realized - the play really is the key! Through this playful journey, there were trials and “yes’s”and “what if’s “and “why not’s” along with so much laughter! Because of Ninos gentle ( but strong) guidance, I walked away with a new awakening in my creative soul and the knowledge that I am enough! Thank you Nino for sharing so much of you and allowing me to rediscover who I am both as an artist and as a human being!
- Laura Lanoil


"The workshop was just the perfect storm and would be hard to replicate. Westerbeke Ranch is beautiful, the food is outstanding and we had the perfect group!! That will be hard to beat or replicate. Nino, you are the constant in the workshops and you are all things…..calm, gracious, kind, patient, encouraging, funny, on top of being an amazingly talented artist. You shared your craft openly and taught with such honesty and kindness."
- Jean-Ann Taylor


This was a transformative and immersive week. There was a supportive environment, space to explore my own interests/voice and safe group to struggle and push through. Nino was really open to given room for me to focus on what I had to express.
- Erik T Beadle


"I needed the permission to play, create messes and be ok not making masterpieces. It was so fun to explore Nino’s way of painting in such a supportive, non-judgmental environment."
- Lea Jacobson


"I feel more confident about my work. I love working with Nino - not only is he an amazing painter and generously shared his own techniques but he was always moving thru the studio talking with each student about their work. That is a treasure for everyone in the workshop!"
- Lyn Feakes


"Nino, your class gave me food for thought and recipes and techniques that will enrich my own growth."
- Linda McDonough


"This class can be taken by any level of student as long as you are willing to have a beginners mind and be open to the teaching and learning."
- Suzanne Lyons


"A workshop like this feels like I’ve put my finger in a light socket. The energy comes homes with me. Plus, paint, paint, paint-don’t think!"
- Kate Russum

"The experience of working in a room w others for 6 hours a day was unique. I usually work alone and having the company and community was a nice change from the being solo. Seeing others successes and frustrations in real time helped me see that we all experience similar highs and lows and the sharing of that mitigates the frustration and enhances the successes."
- Page Kelleher


"I learned the real importance of doing things again and again to develop confidence in mark making and process.
This workshop reminded me how fun and experimental the painting process can be - just try something, if it doesn't work, add something else. It's just paint!"
- Darlene Laguna


"I feel a lightness and more joy has been brought back into my practice."
- Barbara Helton


"If you feel in a rut with your painting, this is the class to experiment, have fun, make connections, and get inspiration as well as learning a new way of painting.
Also, found doing a live class with other artists can add a lot to the painting experience in terms of learning, inspiration, and enjoyment.. And that includes having a great and relaxed instructor."
- Marla Brandt

"I think when we put ourselves in situations where we find others in a like-minded community, we can connect on really beautiful levels, build bridges, find our tribes, find other "weirdos" willing to bare insecurities, self doubt, and help each other to stretch boundaries.
I really enjoyed how Nino mixes his paints together to blend on the canvas, showing thick and thin textures, colors that might be completey different, yet somehow come together cohesively. I also loved the little pre painting exercises to get creativity and ideas moving.
- Tiffani Wetherbee

“With Nino guidance, painting the area over that I thought was perfect but was Improved by the chance. The laying out the paints ahead of time gave me a freedom terrific.”
- Carol Prior

“Nino’s Workshop was such a treat on so many levels. The small group format allowed for a relaxed and supportive environment. Nino did demonstrations everyday to get us going and also sparked discussions about why we create, and how we overcome obstacles and maintain our curiosity as artists. The depth of instruction was incredible and the variety of exercises gave us the opportunity to look at many different approaches to our own work. Can’t wait for the next one!”
- Jen Brannon