This workshop invites students to reimagine abstract florals painted alla prima.

About this workshop

Students will embrace the unpredictability of the process, loosening control and allowing the painting to guide us. Through palette knife techniques, layered textures, and bold colour stories, participants will explore semi-abstract approaches that bring out their unique artistic voice.

What will I learn?

Working from a reference image provided, students will focus on capturing the essence of our subject in a single session, using dynamic brushwork, expressive colour choices, and confident mark-making to create fresh, immediate, and emotionally engaging work.

• Develop palette knife skills to create bold marks, texture, and movement
• Explore alla prima techniques, working wet-on-wet for immediacy and energy
• Experiment with layering techniques to create depth and richness
• Understand colour storytelling to strengthen the emotional impact of their work
• Let go of control, embrace risk, and paint intuitively

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for all skill levels.

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What do I need to bring?

Board or Canvas:

• Bring two (one for each day) of either stretched canvas or board to paint on. Approximately 45x 60cm. Primed and ready to go.

Palette knives:

• 1 x Large Straight-Edge Palette Knife preferred approx. 7.5cm in length

Suggested Brushes:

• 2 x Size 12 (25mm) Square Flat Hog Hair Brushes
• 1 x Size 6 Round Hog Hair Brush

Paints - Students can choose to work in oils or acrylics:

Suggested Oil colours:

• Titanium White
• Phthalo Blue
• Permanent Magenta
• Cadmium Scarlet or Spectrum Red
• Australian Red Gold
• Cadmium Yellow Light or Lemon Yellow
• Lamp black

Mediums and Solvents (for oils only)

• 100ml Art Spectrum Medium no.1 for the oils
• A tube of Langridge impasto medium 150ml
• Minimum 100ml of art spectrum odorless solvent and a container with lid to dispense it
• Mineral Turps to clean brushes

Suggested Acrylic Colours - Todd recommends the Matisse brand:

• Australian Sienna
• Cadmium Yellow Light
• Phthalo Blue
• Quinacridone Magenta Violet
• Cadmium Red Medium
• Mars Black

Acrylic Medium (for acrylics only)

• 1 bottle of retarder
• Matisse impasto medium

Other Items:

• Any paints or brushes you wish to bring.
• Roll of Viva paper towel
• Small rubbish Bag
• Apron

What is provided?

• Todd will supply reference images for you to work from
• Easels, tables and chairs.
• Tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

About the Tutor

Todd is the Winner of the Lethbridge Landscape Prize 2022.  He is a very successful Australian Modern Impressionist Artist whose work is uninhibited yet connected, which has emerged from his passion for Plein air and Alla Prima painting.
His recent work has developed markedly, taking an abstract approach that continues to reflect his skill in traditional techniques yet has enabled him to communicate more than a visual representation and has elevated his passion and vision to another level of skill and perception.

Australian born, Heidi Willis is an entirely self-taught Natural History watercolour artist, specialising in botanical illustration and bird painting. Her work intricately illustrates our native and exotic plants, flowers, fruits and seed capsules, whilst her powerful & distinctive portraits of our spectacular bird life offers viewers an insight into the world as she experiences it.

Back by popular demand, join us for a unique workshop where we explore the artistry of classic natural history painting. Through extensive demonstrations, step by step tuition and guided hands on learning, this workshop will explore the wonderful challenge of painting a stunning realistic duck portrait in watercolour.

About this workshop

This is a multi day painting workshop in a friendly learning environment, exploring this wonderful medium, craft and creative skill. 

In this workshop, we'll embark on a new creative journey creating a classic, beautifully styled duck portrait. Enhance your painting skills and ignite your passion for natural history art and bird painting.

Don’t be overwhelmed if you're new as Heidi works with people of all levels so just come along, and let her help you through the process and get you on track for your own creative journey.

What will I learn?

Expect a fun and engaging workshop that’s both serious about painting, and seriously fun, exploring such a wonderful subject. 

Heidi will guide you on every step of the way through the painting process, sharing valuable tips and techniques to help you get on the path to independent painting.

Techniques: Gain expertise in wash, glazing, and dry brushing techniques to create intricate details and refined work.

Subject Mastery: Learn to tackle the challenges of painting lifelike birds with confidence.

Creative Growth: Enhance your artistic abilities in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Enjoy the creative ambiance of Bienarté’s fantastic Brisbane studio. Don’t miss out on this chance to refine your craft and connect with fellow art enthusiasts with our shared loves.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for artists with any level of experience so come along and enjoy learning more about this wonderful art form and medium.

Bonus Opportunity: For those eager to extend their creative journey, consider joining me for a 5-day adventure in Brisbane by adding the adjoining 2-day Botanical Illustration In Watercolour Workshop to your schedule. It’s going to be an exciting and enriching experience!

What do I need to bring?

Students can supply their own paints, brushes, boards and paper or you can purchase in cash from Heidi on the day. Please pre order your kit in advance by emailing us at team@bienarte.com.au. You'll also need $1-$2 for the printed worksheets for the workshop.

Other Items to Bring:

• Pencil - 2B (PROGRESSO graphite stick, if possible)
• Mechanical pencil 0.5mm HB 
• White plastic eraser 
• Scotch 'magic' tape
• Small sketchpad, A4 Cartridge paper is fine, or just whatever you have.
• A Palette (KLIK Palette is recommended, Cavalier Art Supplies supplies stock these) Heidi uses 2 but 1 will be enough for a start.

Watercolours:

We wont know what specific colours we will need until the event, below is Heidi's complete kit and any are likely to be used. You can share Heidi's for the workshop for $55.

Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton tubes:

Winsor Violet                                    Perylene Maroon                         Permanent Rose 
Permanent Magenta                        Winsor Red                                  Indigo                      
French Ultramarine Blue                  Raw Sienna                                 Burnt Sienna                               
Olive Green                                       Permanent Sap Green                Cobalt Blue                                  
Cerulean Blue (Red shade - the lightest one possible)                      Cobalt Turquoise (Light) 
Green Gold                                       Winsor Lemon                              Windsor Yellow Deep 
Scarlet Lake                                     Neutral Tint

Brushes:

Brush sets available from Heidi on the day. Brushes range from approx $4 - 7.50 each. A standard class set of 4 is around $30, but
you can buy more if you need/wish.

• Taklon nylon brushes (sizes 3/0, 1, 3, 5 with GOOD points and a cover sleeve on them)

Paper and Boards:

Boards are available from Heidi for $10 each (allow for half to 1 board a day) 

Heidi will bring the stock/paper you will work on in the workshop. 

Masking Fluid and Pen:

Bring these if you already have them. Heidi will bring a few ruling pens to share with the group. 

• Masking Fluid (colourless) - Pop it into a Ziploc bag to save yourself any potential disasters!
• Ruling pen or ink nib pen

Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

What else is provided

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarte art community

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

Unleash your creativity with Peter Griffen's Expressive Landscape Workshop. Join the dynamic artist, Peter Griffen, for an exhilarating weekend of hands-on experimental abstract painting in acrylic.

About the workshop

This workshop is all about freedom and expression, where we'll respond to free-form approximations and abstractions. Get ready to invent and explore newfound techniques under Peter's expert guidance.

Our process will blend the act of painting and drawing landscape with our own imagination, distractions, and incidental thoughts. The ability to replicate is not a focus but each will be encouraged to find their unique and inventive way to convey it.

During the workshop, Peter will demonstrate various acrylic paint techniques, including brushing, scraping, splashing, dripping, glazing, and collaging. You'll have the freedom to experiment with additional mediums like graphite, pastels, charcoal, ink, and whatever piques your interest.

You can work from photographs if it inspires you, Peter will encourage the creation of multiple paintings simultaneously. 

Get ready to let your creativity soar in this one-of-a-kind art experience.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Suitable for all levels.

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What do I need to bring?

Paint:
Acrylic White - 250ml to 500ml - Peter will use this more than the other paints.
Black
Yellow - warm & cool
Red - warm & cool
Blue - warm & cool
Phthalo Green
Orange
Dioxazine Purple

Paper:
At least 20 sheets of cartridge or mixed media paper, at least 200gsm, approx. 60x40cm (Other painting surfaces, artist paper, canvasses are also welcomed, bring a few, but not too small!) 

Canvas:
Your choice, but around 60x40cm is good.  Bring as many as you'd like. You're welcome to bring something larger, bearing in mind that you may not finish a large painting.

Brushes:
A range of very fine to broad (approx. 6cms) brushes 

Other:
Derivan (or Matisse) Polymer Gloss Varnish 500ml 
Spatula 
Bucket 
Small plastic containers 
Rags and/or paper towels 
Scissos and/or Stanley knife 
Palette
4-8 Large bulldog clips
Masking tape
Gesso

Bring anything else you may want to use, such as: Found objects, old magazines (for collage), other acrylic paints,  left over water based house paint, crayons, pastels pens and inks, pencils, other painting surfaces, charcoal, inks, support board and tape, small paint rollers, gesso, trowel, impasto medium, acrylic painting medium, spray bottle.

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

What is provided?

• Tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

About the Tutor

Born in Adelaide in 1948, Peter Griffen has been painting for over fifty years. He lives in his warehouse studio in the inner west of Sydney and travels throughout Australia and overseas exhibiting and teaching. He enjoys painting outdoors but the bulk of his time is spent in the studio creating abstract images derived mainly from the landscape. Typical of his work is its playful, dynamic quality and strong use of colour.

He has had over fifty solo exhibitions in Australia, five exhibitions in London, three in Paris, two in St Tropez, one in Lyon, one in New York and one in New Zealand. His participation in group exhibitions is also widespread; art fairs in Canada, UK, Belgium, Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney, he has been a finalist in the Blake, Sulman, Dobell, Fleurieu, Eutick, Alice, Faber-Castell, Fishers Ghost, Biennale Internationale du Pastel (France) and has been invited to exhibit in the Tattersalls Landscape Exhibition and Messagers de la Terre (France).

Apart from continual studio explorations, central to his creativity is his love of en plein air studies of the world that he travels in. Central Australia and the coast, Paris, France, London and country, Italy, Portugal, USA and New Zealand.

Throughout the world he has tutored numerous workshop, he is the President of The Glebe Art Show and has judged many prizes.

Unleash your creativity and explore the beauty of watercolour painting with Lauren Le Sueur in this 2 Day Weekend Workshop. 

No experience is necessary just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm. All materials are supplied. You will be guided step by step to learn the skills, technique, and confidence to begin your watercolour journey.

Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a therapeutic escape, or a new skill to explore, watercolour painting offers endless possibilities. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of watercolour and discover the joy of bringing colour to life on paper. 

About this workshop

This workshop will provide students with a great foundation to explore watercolour painting. It is designed to be relaxed and supportive, allowing students to explore at their own pace and enjoy the process without pressure.  

Students will receive one-on-one guidance and feedback from Lauren, a supportive and inspiring watercolour artist who understands the beginners journey. 

What will I learn?

• The essential materials. Students will explore the different types of watercolour paper, brushes, paints and palettes and how they affect your artwork.
• Practice various brush strokes and paint manipulation techniques to create texture and detail.
• Learn how to control water and pigment for varied effects, from light washes to bold lines.
• Explore techniques such as wet into wet or wet onto dry to create soft, blended backgrounds and more detailed defined shapes.
• Learn to mix colours on the palette or on the paper to create exciting colour vibration.
• Understand tonal values in watercolour and why it's important.
• Explore the various styles of watercolour painting from Landscape, Still Life, Illustrative, Naive and more. This will give students an insight into their own individual style and the direction they would like to take moving forward.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

No experience required. Beginners welcome!

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What do I need to bring?

Access to all materials will be provided.

What is provided?

• Easels, tables, chairs
• Tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection with the Bienarté art community

About  Lauren Le Sueur

Lauren is a local Brisbane artist fully immersed in the world of watercolour. She has painted with some of the best watercolourists in the world and her passion and love for the medium show through in her vibrant paintings. Lauren believes that expression rather than perfection is essential to being a joyful artist.

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs