Exclusive to Bienarté, this 2-day intensive workshop is for those who want to learn to paint flowers like the Dutch masters, learn how to get fine detail and realism in oil paint.  

What will I learn?

The workshop will incorporate learning about the significance of flowers in art history, colour palettes and mixing, tonal realism and oil painting techniques. Over two days there will be demonstrations, discussions and 1 and a half days of painting.

Jenny will teach how to paint flowers in a pseudo-traditional technique that she has developed from her own artistic practice spanning a decade. Working from reference imagery (provided) you will be guided through creating form, mixing colours and building detail.

This will be a fun and intensive workshop with an emphasis on the process and building an understanding of painting delicate forms and how this can inform a broader artistic practice.

Day 1:

• Flowers in Art History and the symbolism of flowers
• Transfer image on to surface
• Demonstration
• Block in dark shapes
• Supervised painting
• Build up darks and lights
• Refine mid-tones

Day 2:

• Refinement using small brushes
• Demonstration
• Continuing the painting
• 1-2-1 help where needed
• Review of the weekend's paintings
• Group celebration

Who is this course suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for people with some experience with oil paints however it will cater to early learners through to advanced.

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What do I need to bring?

• You can purchase an Oil Painting Kit of colours you will need for the weekend workshop plus an alluminium panel specially prepared by Master Artist Scott Breton, all for just $50. Please contact Bienarte and bring cash on the first day of the workshop.

Brushes:
A range of sizes from small to large (5/0-8). At least 5 in different sizes and small for fine details. For the smaller brushes - rounds, and larger brushes - filberts or square, whatever you feel most comfortable with.

 
Jennifer uses:  
o   Masters Point by Neef 2018 (2/0,3/0)
o   Neef 992 Taklon mini liner or script (5/0)
o   6 MontMarte round
o   Neef 970 Taklon round (4,8)
o   Jasart Short Flat (3/16)

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Oil Colours:
Jenny uses Michael Harding, Langridge, Gamblin, Windsor and Newton but any professional oil colour brand is fine. Brands mentioned in brackets are a guide, check the pigment number on the front or back of the paint tubes. (In bold are the most important colours).

Titanium White (PW6) 
Mars Black (PBk11) or Ivory Black (PBk9) if you prefer (optional Background colour)
Tinting White (Langridge) or Flake White Replacement (Gamblin) (Both Series 1)

Reds:
Permanent Rose (PV19) (series 2 - Windsor and Newton)
Quinacridone Magenta (PR122) (series 2 – Windsor and Newton)  
Permanent Alizarin Crimson (PR177) (series 4 -Windsor and Newton) (Alizarin Claret/ Michael Harding is slightly cheaper)

Yellows/browns:
Yellow Ochre (PY43) (series1 – Windsor and Newton)  
Arylide Yellow (PY74) (series 2 – Langridge) (*any bright yellow will suffice; this is an alternative to cadmium yellow)  
Transparent Oxide Red (PR101) (series 2 – Michael Harding)

Greens:
Permanent Sap Green (PG7, PBr 6) (series 2 – Michael Harding)
Phthalo Green (PG7) (series 2 – Gamblin)

Blues:
Ultramarine Blue (PB29) (series2 – Langridge)
Prussian Blue (PB27) (Series 1 – Michael Harding)

Optional Colours:
These are colours that are premixed tints or expensive pigments that are collectible for pigment obsessed artists however they aren’t essential for this workshop! We will mix similar colours from the above list.

Cadmium Green
Quinacridone Purple
Cobalt Violet Dark
Permanent Mauve
Radiant series by Gamblin: Turquoise, blue, red
Michael Harding pre mixed tints: Lavender, Vivid Blue, Wisteria

Surfaces:
You can choose any surface to paint on, from canvas, linen etc. however Jenny prefers and recommends wood panel or aluminium composite panel due to the smooth surface. Small to medium size 8x10” - 11x14” (20x25cm to 28x36cm)

You can pre-purchase canvases from Bienarté or from most good art supply stores.

Pre-prepared aluminium surfaces will be available to buy on the day

Max size: 11x14” (28x36cm)

Other:
Visual Diary
Willow Charcoal
A mix of pencils, including 2B
Kneadable eraser
Fast Drying Medium ('Liquin' by Winsor & Newton, or 'Odourless Lean' by Archival)
Jars
Pen/ Marker
Mixing Palette - medium/large, glass or disposable tear-away
Document box to store palette/ papers
Palette knife/ Paint scraper
Odourless Solvent in a container/jar that can be sealed when not in use
Container or brush tray with linseed oil for brushes
Roll of paper towel/ paint rags
Brush Soap (The Master Brush Cleaner & Preserver)
Smart phone/ Tablet  

What is provided?

• Reference Photos
• Easels, tables and chairs.
• Tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

About The Tutor

Jennifer is a contemporary figurative artist working primarily with oil paints on canvas and cradled wood panel. She graduated from the University of South Australia with a Bachelor of Visual Arts (First Class Honours) in 2011 and a Masters of Teaching in 2016.

In her oil paintings, Jennifer constructs images which straddle the line between realism and illusionism. Her work often tells a story or weaves an ambiguous narrative. This is found by the subtle hints in symbolic objects, clothing, facial expressions or even a small gesture.

Jennifer’s work has been exhibited in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Queensland and the United States.

Do you find it hard to devote time to your painting practice?
Do you get stuck with a painting and don’t know where to take it next?
Do you have technical questions about your painting?
Are you looking for a group of likeminded artists to paint with?

The Studio Painting Practice casual courses provide:

• uninterrupted time to focus on your own work in a studio setting
• an expert tutor to help you extend your skills
• a small group of passionate likeminded artists

What will I learn?

Everything you need to know to complete your own painting project.

Who is this course suitable for?

Those who have completed Foundation in Oils and ‘Gain Confidence in Oils’ courses, or who have the equivalent skills and experience.

You could start a painting in this class, or bring one you're already working on.

Casual classes give you the opportunity to attend the ones that fit with your schedule without commiting to the Term

What do I need to bring?

Bring your painting materials with you. Limited art supplies are available for purchase at the studio if you need a top up.

Please bring odourless solvent only and avoid any strong smelling mediums.

Bring somehting, like an old towel or sheet, to cover the table

What is provided?

• easels
• backing boards
• chairs
• tables
• tea and coffee (please bring your own mug)
• a friendly and supportive environment
• connection to the Bienarte art community.

Do you find it hard to devote time to your painting practice?
Do you get stuck with a painting and don’t know where to take it next?
Do you have technical questions about your painting?
Are you looking for a group of likeminded artists to paint with?

The Studio Painting Practice casual courses provide:

• uninterrupted time to focus on your own work in a studio setting
• an expert tutor to help you extend your skills
• a small group of passionate likeminded artists

What will I learn?

Everything you need to know to complete your own painting project.

Who is this course suitable for?

Those who have completed Foundation in Oils and ‘Gain Confidence in Oils’ courses, or who have the equivalent skills and experience.

You could start a painting in this class, or bring one you're already working on.

Casual classes give you the opportunity to attend the ones that fit with your schedule without commiting to the Term

What do I need to bring?

Bring your painting materials with you. Limited art supplies are available for purchase at the studio if you need a top up.

Please bring odourless solvent only and avoid any strong smelling mediums.

Bring somehting, like an old towel or sheet, to cover the table

What is provided?

• easels
• backing boards
• chairs
• tables
• tea and coffee (please bring your own mug)
• a friendly and supportive environment
• connection to the Bienarte art community.

About this workshop

This 2 Day workshop will suit students who have been exposed to the medium of watercolour and want to extend their knowledge to the next level. We will specifically concentrate on how to inject and capture the mood of the subject. 

The truly magical qualities of watercolour can best be demonstrated in portraying atmospheric effects. We will paint a variety of subjects, producing two paintings a day from start to finish; each painting will be chosen to demonstrate a certain technique or a key learning point. 

There will be lots of useful discussions as well as tips on how to avoid potential pitfalls.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

If you enjoy the challenge of producing loose and bold watercolours, then this is for you. 

Chan is well known for his generosity in sharing his insights and experiences in watercolour. There will be many demonstrations showing you how to create depth, incorporate figures, and connect shapes, edge control and how to exploit the medium in creating magical effects.  Each student will receive personal attention and encouragement.

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What do I need to bring?

Paper:
Saunders Waterford 300GSM Rough Surface or Arches 300GSM rough or medium texture.
For students trying to use quarter sheets, you can use Arches 185GSM medium surface (Cold Pressed) which will be little cheaper. Chan encourages students to work in quarter sheet papers. We are planning in completing two paintings a day.

Brushes: 
A few artist quality brushes will make a significant difference to your work. 

Essential Brushes:
Medium Size squirrel hair or natural hair Mop brush ( Size 8 to 12)
Size 12 round Brush with sharp point (Synthetic or Natural hair)
Size 8 Round with sharp point (Synthetic or Natural hair) Extra Brushes (Optional)
Size 6 Dagger also known as a “Sword brush” (Natural Hair). 
1'' Flat Brush (Synthetic)
2'' Hake (Natural Hair) 

Paint: 
If you already have watercolour paint, bring what you have. If you are buying, please make sure you buy artist quality paints. Chan prefers tube paints - you can use Windsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Art Spectrum, Daler Rowney, Rembrandt, Holbein, Schmincke. 

Essentially you will need warmer and cooler of each primary colour. 
Blues - Cobalt blue (Cool ), Ultramarine blue (Warm), Winsor Blue Green Shade (W&N) or Phthalo blue (in other brands) (Green Blue)
Yellows - Raw Sienna (W&N) or Yellow Ochre (Cool), Cadmium Yellow Medium (warm) 
Reds - Cadmium Red Light (Warm), Permanent Rose or Alizarin crimson (cool)
Darks - Burnt Sienna, Payne’s Grey 

Extra Paint (Optional)
Cerulean Blue, Turquoise blue Light, Raw Umber, White Gouache, Australian Red Gold or Quinacridone Gold Watercolour 

Board:
A board with some sort of coating will be desirable as it will be saturated with water

Mixing palette: 
Plastic or Metallic mixing palette with sufficient wells for mixing large washes.

Other Extras:
2B Lead Pencil or Mechanical Clutch pencil with fillable 2B Lead
Box of tissue paper
Water container
Water spray bottle - Atomizer
Masking Tape or Paper clips
Old towel or sponge to remove/control excess water
Failed or old painting so we can use their backs for rough work

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge and microwave at the studio for your convenience.

What is provided?

• tea, coffee (please bring your own mug)
• a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• connection to the Bienarte art community

About the Tutor

Chan Dissanayake is a multi award winning watercolour artist’s living in Canberra ACT Over the last 20 years his passion has turned to watercolour. A medium that thrives in spontaneous response and free expression.

His mastery in watercolour is manifested by the vast varying subject matter that he tackles from rural landscapes, urban city scapes to coastal seascapes. In 2017, Chan received the ultimate accolade for an Australian Watercolourist when he was elected to the elite Australian Watercolour Institute. Known for his innovative approach to teaching and generosity in sharing his knowledge, Chan has gained considerable reputation as an outstanding tutor. 

He conducts workshops throughout the country and leads international painting tours for Travelrite International. Currently, he teaches watercolour at the ANU (Australian National University). He has contributed many articles to leading art publications including International Artist, Australian Artist and Artists Palette.

His quick and direct approach to watercolour has earned him much success and respects both nationally and internationally.

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs