Frequently Asked Questions
What is intuitive painting?
Intuitive painting is a practice of painting from the inside.
The focus is not on how the painting turns out. It’s on staying with the movement of the creative process as it unfolds.
There is no project to complete and nothing to get right. You begin with whatever color draws your attention and continue one step at a time, responding as you go.
What it feels like in a class
Most people arrive a little nervous. That’s expected.
You don’t need to know what you’re doing before you begin.
A facilitator is present to support you when you feel stuck, when doubt shows up, or when you are not sure what comes next. The teaching team brings more than 90 years of combined experience holding this practice and supporting people as they move through it.
Simply being in a room (online or in person) where others are also painting makes it easier to remain with the process, even when it feels uncertain. No one will comment on your work or compare paintings.
A short video on our homepage gives you a feel for what a class actually looks like.
What if I get stuck or don’t know what to paint?
Moments of uncertainty, hesitation, or inner criticism are expected. Many people have thoughts like “I’m not good at this,” “I’m doing it wrong,” or “I don’t know what to paint.”
When this happens, you don’t need to figure it out on your own. A facilitator is present to help you stay with the process as it unfolds.
Is there a low-cost, no-commitment way to try this?
Do you offer live online classes?
Yes. Most of our classes are offered live on Zoom, and people join from all over the world. The online space follows the same practice as in-person classes, with a facilitator guiding the process in real time.
More details are available on our Painting From Home page.
How do I set up a painting space at home?
It’s simpler than most people expect. You can find a home setup guide and supply list on our Painting From Home page.
Are there any studios in my area?
Unfortunately, we’re not able to keep an updated list of studios that teach intuitive painting in the lineage of Michele Cassou’s work. The truth is, they’re few and far between.
That said, most people who take our online classes are surprised by how much they enjoy them. The creative process can really happen anywhere, and painters often say they feel deeply connected to the group and well-supported by the facilitator.
Will anyone see what I paint?
Only within the circle of the class. No one will comment on or critique your painting. Your creative freedom matters more than what shows up on the page.
Is it like therapy?
It can feel deeply therapeutic, but it is not therapy and does not involve analysis or interpretation of what appears on the page.
Do I need to be artistic or have any experience?
No. Many of our painters come in with no artistic background at all. Curiosity is enough.
I’m a working artist. Is this for me?
Yes. Many trained artists come to CCE to paint without the pressure of a finished product. That freedom often opens up something deeper that they bring back into their own work.
Who are the teachers?
Our teaching team is led by Claudia Erzinger, Maria Freebairn-Smith, and Jan Haller.
Together they bring decades of experience guiding this practice and a deep commitment to creating space where painters feel supported, seen, and free to explore.
More on our Staff page.
What is the lineage of this practice?
CCE teaches in the lineage of the Point Zero Method, developed by Michele Cassou. All of our teachers trained directly with Michele and Stewart Cubley.
Michele’s approach grew out of her early work with children at Arno Stern’s Closlieu studio in Paris, and developed into its own practice.
Life is busy. How do I make this work?
Most of our students are juggling a lot. Many tell us that giving themselves just a few hours a week to paint actually gives them more energy and presence for everything else, not less.
If a weekly series feels like too much to commit to, we also offer a Flex Pass. It lets you attend four classes within three months, so you can fit painting in when your schedule allows. More on our Flex Pass and Drop-In Classes page.
I can’t afford full price. Are there options?
Yes. CCE offers work trade and scholarships for painters with financial need.
To learn more or apply, please email us at ccepaintingstudio@gmail.com.
What do I need to bring or buy?
For in-person classes, all materials are provided.
For online classes, there’s a simple home setup with a short supply list on our Painting From Home page.
What if I miss a class in a series?
You can make it up by joining another weekly class within that series. We’re happy to help you find one that fits your schedule.
Do you offer class times that work for international painters?
Our morning online classes (10am Pacific) work well for painters in Europe, falling in the late afternoon or early evening. Thursday evening classes (6pm Pacific) work for painters in Asia and Australia, falling in the late morning.
Where are you located?
Our in-person studio is at 300 Chenery Street in San Francisco. Most of our classes are also offered live online via Zoom, so you can join us from anywhere in the world.
“I was convinced I had no creativity, nothing inside me to paint. The complete joy and freedom I feel surprised me.”
~ Carol