ANNOUNCEMENTS

Having already nurtured the development of over 15,000 new artists, Bienarté is offering a series of
Life Drawing Workshops throughout 2024.

Starting Soon

• • Foundations in Oils

    "Anyone can paint if they are given the right instructions.” - Marcel Desbiens, Master Artist and Principal Tutor

    If you have never picked up a paintbrush before, this course will give you the technical skills and knowledge to help fast-track your painting process and produce stunning works of art of your own. All in a friendly and supportive environment.

    The Course has been designed by Marcel Desbiens and is also available online with lifetime access HD videos for those that cannot attend our in studio classes in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast.

    All materials are included. All you need to do is turn up!

    What will I learn?

    • how to set up your workstation to minimise mess and maximise your painting time
    • understand basic principles of colour mixing and paint consistency
    • learn how to control tone to create the optical illusion of reality
    • how to choose the right brushes and develop effective brush techniques
    • how to clean and care for your brushes
    • learn to paint in the traditional glazing techniques of the old masters

    In each class, your tutor will give a step-by-step demonstration, and then it’s your turn for hands-on painting exercises. Each exercise builds on the previous one so that each week your skills and confidence will grow a little more.

    Who is this course suitable for?

    This foundation course is perfect for absolute beginners or for those who want to brush up on the fundamental techniques of oil painting. 90% of students who enrol in this course either have never picked up a paintbrush or have minimal painting experience. However, others who have painted before have also come along and found that they learned so much more about oil painting techniques.

    The Foundation in Oils course is a prerequisite for the Gain Confidence in Oils course.

    If travel time is an issue for you, consider the Live Online Via Zoom workshop that runs in a similar way but without your needing to leave your home!

    And if fixed learning times are an issue for you, consider the Self-Paced Learning | Foundations in Oils course that has easy-to-follow videos for you to watch at a time to suit you.

    {image name:"GalleryImage_FoundationsInOils" align:"centre" caption:"Images from previous Foundations In Oils Courses"}

    What do I need to bring?

    • An old large towel to cover your table
    • A notebook and pen are optional for note-taking
    • Apron (Bienarte Aprons are available for purchase from our on-site shop)

    What is provided

    All the materials you will need for this course will be provided, including:

    • prepared paper for painting exercises by a master artist.
    • Digital Certificate of Attendance.
    • PDF booklet, packed with painting tips and tricks.
    • Free professional-quality oil colours
    • Free pack of paint brushes
    • Access to reference photos to practice at home.
    • Tables, chairs, easels
    • Tea and coffee (bring your own mug)
    • A friendly and supportive environment
    • Connection to the Bienarté art community.

    Receive a FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours!

    Receive a FREE PACK of Paint brushes!

    Oil Painting Starter Kits also available for enrolled students

    Once enrolled, every student will receive their FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours as well as their pack of brushes.
    To practice at home, we have made it easy for you by putting together an Oil Painting Starter Kits which contains everything you will need to get started! Save time and money and pick up your art pack.

    To purchase, see further below under "Related Products" and click on "Oil Painting Starter Kits" and "click "Buy Now"
    You can also view all items that are included.

    Useful Information

    For Visitors FAQs

    What Our Students Say About Foundations in Oils

    "A great art course! Highly recommended for beginners or those that want to learn more skills. I did the 8-week oil painting course and was surprised with the quality produced by the class (including myself : ). A great teacher. Well-paced and a good atmosphere. Paint on!"

    • Mark Allen, Bienarte regular student
  • Painting Practice | Bronwyn Searle

    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 Painting Practice course provides:

    • 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.

    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.

    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 the tutor.

    Bronwyn enjoys the challenge of taking ordinary, everyday scenes and interpreting them in her own inimitable and increasingly widely recognised style. Working in oils on canvas, she loves to explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

    Bronwyn has recently returned to still life painting, while continuing to explore the detail found in leaf litter and textures in the urban world. She is drawn to the unique beauty found in ordinary settings. This direction suits her technique and eye for detail.

    Born in Brisbane and trained at the Brisbane College of Art, Bronwyn worked professionally in the art field for more than 25 years, starting as a graphic artist and moving on to exhibition design and illustration.

    In 2012 Bronwyn was invited to be represented by the Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane after winning first prize in the Lethbridge 10000 Small Scale Art Awards. She exhibits a new collection of works there each year.

    Her paintings are held in a number of private collections, in Australia and overseas.

    Useful Information

    For Visitors FAQs

  • Portrait Drawing in Graphite | Lyn Diefenbach

    Experience the wonderful world of pencil drawing using the portrait as your subject. In this 1 day workshop, Lyn will take you through the basic skills of portrait drawing showing how to gain a good likeness and sculpt the planes of the face. You will work from your own photo reference.

    Included in your workshop is a FREE video introducing you to the fundamentals of technical know-how valued at $30.

    Once you have booked in, please log in to your student portal to see the free video from Lyn that you must watch before coming to the workshop. THIS IS ESSENTIAL VIEWING!.

    What will I learn?

    Through demonstrations and a series of ‘hands-on’ exercises, you will learn easy methods for drawing portraits in pencil.

    Who is this course suitable for?

    This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.
    Ask our friendly team for advice if you are not sure if this workshop is for you.

    What do I need to bring?

    Paper:
    2 sheets of drawing paper eg Strathmore regular surface – no smaller than 16” x 20” or 41cm x 51cm
    Pencils:
    One each of 2B, 3B, 4B and 6B

    Erasers:
    Kneadable eraser
    One white plastic Maped “Epure” eraser
    One Tombo Mono Zero Silver 2.3mm round (pen style) eraser

    Drawing Board:
    Piece of one half-inch-thick (13mm) Foam Core

    Other:
    2 Drawing Clips – Large
    A soft brush for dusting eraser crumbs
    #1 X-Acto knife
    Paper Towels

    What is provided?

    • 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 Artist

    What has Lyn been up to in 2024!

    I don’t think my feet have touched the ground this year. In summary:
    . 4 international conventions - 2 on the ground, 2 online
    . 7 international online demonstrations (often at obscure hours)
    . 4 judging gigs that I remember
    . 2 major commissions in oil (one huge!)
    . 59 (ish) days teaching, 5 more to go
    . Award of Excellence at the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention
    . Selection for International Guild of Realism Exhibition in US
    . First professional teaching video released internationally
    In between I’ve somehow managed to find time to produce over 30 paintings – studio work, plein air. And I’ve kept up my journals because too much painting is never enough!

  • Pretty Peony in Watercolour - Paint and Sip | Beth Kennedy

    Join local professional botanical artist Beth Kennedy as she takes you through the basic skills and techniques used in watercolour painting while you enjoy the tipple of choice! Beth has taught many painting workshops both in Brisbane and interstate, she is a warm and encouraging teacher who will be on hand to answer any questions you might have during the evening.  

    Pretty peonies, drinks and nibbles - what a lovely way to spend an evening with friends and family or come on your own and mingle!

    What will I learn?

    Beth will demonstrate basic watercolour techniques and you will then paint onto a beautiful peony drawing on watercolour paper. Gorgeous pinks and greens, blues and yellow (any colours you love!) will bring the drawing to life as you wash watercolour paints onto the thick watercolour paper. Your painting will be framed at the end of the class - perfect to pop onto your wall at home or give as a Christmas gift! 

    This workshop is suitable for any skill, age and is beginner-friendly. This is about enjoying the creative process- no experience needed. 

    Beth has worked as a professional artist for over 20 years, she loves colour and pattern and believes in the joy that creativity can bring to our lives.  

    Who is this workshop suitable for?

    No experience required. Beginners welcome! 

    What do I need to bring?

    Please bring your beverages and nibbles to enjoy while you paint.  

    What is provided?

    All art materials will be provided. Please arrive 10 minutes early to be ready for a 6.30PM start. 

    • paints
    • watercolour paper
    • brushes
    • disposable glass wear
    • a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
    • connection to the Bienarté art community
    • a frame to take home your beautiful peony artwork

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