I have taught hundreds of students and most have never painted a day in their lives unless you count arts and crafts when we were kids. :-) Everyone has an inner artist living inside them and my classes help to bring out everyone's inner creativity.
Alcohol inks are very enjoyable and provide some great color and designs. I use non-porous surfaces for the classes when using the inks. My preferred surface is to use tiles for the classes. The tiles make a great painting surface with the inks.
Most classes do not require you bring materials. I do have some partners who require you purchase materials at their location and usually that information is in the class description. When in doubt, just send me an email.