We’re so excited to have Heidi Willis returning to the Sunshine Coast for a buzzing new 3-day workshop. Heidi will guide you through the full process of creating a beautifully rendered bee illustration, step by step, in a warm and supportive studio environment.

This popular workshop and subject present students with the ultimate opportunity to explore critical painting techniques with a focus on detail and dry brushing techniques.

“Bees are such a joy to paint, full of intricate detail, personality and beauty. From their fine hairs and delicate wings to the golden glow of their bodies and the structures they interact with, bees offer a world of creative and technical opportunity for artists at every level.... so for all my DRY BRUSHERS out there, my BEE lovers, and those wanting to improve your detailing work, this is one for you.”

About this workshop

Students will be creating a bee illustration (variety yet to be decided) measuring between 10 and 15cms in size for this deep dive into subject, medium and self. .

• Guided, Personalised Instruction: With full demonstrations, one-on-one guidance, and a relaxed, hands-on environment, you’ll have the support you need to explore and learn new things, and to grow your skills with confidence.
• A Unique Subject: Bees are a beautiful and meaningful focus, a favourite critter and subject, thats so artistically rich and endlessly inspiring. This workshop offers something different and rewarding for every student.
• A Creative Retreat: Held in the peaceful Sunshine Coast studio, this is more than just a workshop, it's a chance to step away for a wonderful, warmer winters break, to unplug, create, and reconnect with the joy of painting in a friendly, like-minded group.

What will I learn?

• Painting with Purpose: We'll dive into essential watercolour techniques, including wash and glaze, but with a stronger dry brushing focus, tailored to help you handle the fine textures and subtle tones that really bring such subjects to refinement and life.
• Build Confidence: We’ll break down the process of rendering our bee into approachable steps and stages, helping you to grasp a clearer path forwards, improve your accuracy, painting skills, and to build new confidence.
• Detail & Texture: Learn how to paint soft hairs, reflective wings, and all the beautiful nuances that make bees so captivating and realistic. Were all about technique, colour and texture in this.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for artists with any level of experience, whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up the brush for the first time. Yes, you absolutely CAN do it, you’ll see. So come along and enjoy learning more about this wonderful art form and medium.

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What do I need to bring?

You can supply your own paints or you can rent a paint pack for $35 for the duration of the workshop. Please pre order your paint pack in advance by emailing us at team@bienarte.com.au

Watercolours:
Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton. This is her full list: 
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 
Green Gold                                     Winsor Lemon             Cadmium Yellow 
Scarlet Lake                                   Neutral Tint 

Other Items:
• Pencil - 2B 
• Mechanical pencil 0.5 mm HB 
• White plastic eraser 
• Scotch tape 
• Palette (a KLIK Palette) x 2 
• Masking Fluid (colourless) if you have it 
• Ruling pen if you can get one, or have one. If not, ill have some you can borrow 

Paper/ Board/ Brushes:
These supplies can be difficult to get as individuals, time-consuming at best, so Heidi will take care of it for you to make it easy. Heidi will bring a set of brushes (4 in a set) and the stock you will work on in the workshop. These items can be purchased in cash from Heidi on the day. The board is $10/sheet, brush sets and printed worksheets $35.  Heidi will bring a few ruling pens to share with the group. Masking fluid, one tip, if you are bringing a bottle, pop it into a Ziploc bag to save yourself any potential disasters!

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

What else is provided

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

ARTIST HOUSE ACCOMODATION
If you would like to attend the Landsborough workshop and need accommodation you may like to consider staying at the Artist House at the same venue. There are three rooms to choose from and  price includes a continental breakfast.
Master Bedroom $170/night
Queen Bedroom $130/night
King Single Bedroom $110/night
To book, contact team@bienarte.com.au
See inside the Artist House here

We're excited to have Heidi returning to Bienarté for this brand new 2 day watercolour workshop, focused on the wonderfully ever popular, quirky and fascinating world of frog illustration. 

A fun and expressive subject to explore, offering  a rich combination of character, form, colour and texture. Frogs are beautiful, complex and this workshop is all about learning to capture this wonderful subject in realistic watercolour. Whether you're an experienced painter or completely new to the medium, this course is designed to give you new knowledge, skills and confidence in your painting journey.

Running solo or with another of Heidi's workshop options on her Brisbane and Sunshine Coast tour, explore the beautifully intricate world of botanical art and natural history in watercolour.

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.

About this workshop

This is a 2 day painting workshop in a friendly learning environment, exploring this wonderful medium, craft and creative skill. 

It's for those who have a love of nature, watercolour, painting in general, with an eye for detail. 

• Clear, Supportive Guidance: As always, you’ll be fully supported with step-by-step demonstrations, one-on-one feedback, and a teaching approach that meets you where you are. I’ll walk you through the entire process with clarity and care.
• Unique Subject, A New Challenge: Exploring the new story frogs bring helps you grow your skills, expand your exposure to the medium and craft, learning to manage watercolour better with every new challenge, and this one is full of learning opportunity and unique fun.
• Create, Connect & Enjoy: Workshops are about more than just painting. They’re a chance to step away from the rush, dive into your creativity, and connect with other like-minded artists in a warm and inspiring environment... its a great unplug!

What will I learn?

In this workshop, students will immerse themselves in the world of watercolour painting as they focus on illustrating small birds. Through this detailed and intricate process, they will:

• Work With Watercolour Techniques: We’ll dive into washes, layering and dry brush techniques to help you build vibrant colour and texture, perfect for capturing the unique surface qualities of frogs.
• Observation and Process: We'll break this challenging subject down into digestible steps and processes, helping you to see, work and paint better!   
• Layering for Depth & Subtlety: Frogs offer the perfect opportunity to work with luminous glazes, creating subtle transitions of tone, colour and texture in your work. You'll learn how to see and layer you watercolour for more realistic, dimensional and improved results.
• Detail and Texture: Whether it's the glisten of a moist skin, the intricacy of markings or the softness of a shadow, this subject gives us the perfect playground for exploring naturalistic detail in your work. Learning to refine your work makes a big difference, all of these things bringing your painting to life!

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.

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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:

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

NEW to Bienarte!

A sweet start to your morning with Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse and Paul Cezanne! 
Access to all materials are provided. Just bring yourself or a friend or two! 

If you are curious about painting and have always wanted to try,  this is a wonderful opportunity to give it a go with very little commitment.  Absolutely no experience needed.

Join us for our very unique Palette & Pastries mini workshop, where you can enjoy a fun morning of painting in the beautiful styles of iconic masters!

Our unique painting experiences introduces you to the colourful world where you can learn techniques while painting your very own painting to take home.

See the dates below and choose your artistic adventure:

Claude Monet’s Water Lilies Morning 
Saturday 16 May 2026

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Claude Monet’s "Water Lilies." In this workshop, you’ll be guided by a skilled artist, Kerry Rushton to explore the soft, impressionistic brushwork that captures the serenity of water and blooming flowers.

Van Gogh’s Café at Night 
Saturday 30 May 2026
10.am - 12.30pm

Step into the vibrant world of Vincent van Gogh’s "Café Terrace at Night." During this workshop, our skilled artist will help you capture the swirling skies and bright colours that bring this iconic scene to life. Get inspired by the energy of the café atmosphere and bring your canvas alive with bold strokes and vivid hues.

Henri Matisse’s The Open Window
Saturday 11 July 2026
10.am - 12.30pm

Discover the bold colour and expressive style of Henri Matisse’s The Open Window. In this workshop, Kerry Rushton will guide you through creating this vibrant and uplifting scene, inspired by Matisse’s love of light, colour and simple forms. Enjoy exploring loose brushwork and playful composition in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere —
with no pre-drawing necessary.

Paul Cézanne’s Three Pears
Date TBA

Explore the timeless still life style of Paul Cézanne in this calming and creative workshop inspired by Three Pears. Guided by Kerry Rushton, you’ll learn how to build form, colour and depth using Cézanne’s distinctive brushstrokes and gentle tonal changes. Perfect for all skill levels, this session offers a wonderful introduction to painting fruit with richness and simplicity.

Kerry will lead you through the steps, making it easy and fun to create your own stunning artwork, regardless of your skill level.

What will I learn?

How to use the brushes to create the marks you need.

How to mix the colours required and learn about shades and tints.

How to build the layers of the painting, step by step.

Who is this course suitable for?

Perfect for Everyone

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, this event is perfect for friends, couples, or anyone looking to explore their creativity in a relaxed and inspiring environment!

This  mini workshop is an exercise in enjoying the process, guided with demonstrations from the Kerry with time for a little extra one-on-one guidance.

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What do I need to bring?

Just bring your passion and enthusiasm!

What is provided?

Delicious pastries & refreshments: Enjoy a delectable selection of delicious pastries alongside your choice of tea and coffee, energizing you while you paint.

• Acrylic paints, brushes and canvas

• Aprons

• table easels

• chairs

• tables

• a friendly and supportive environment

• connection to the Bienarte art community.

About Kerry Rushton

Kerry Rushton has a menagerie of talents. From professional artist to passionate ‘beginner’s Instructor’. Kerry had a 10-year career painting on film and theatre sets before running art classes and establishing an art gallery. She was recently the Artist in Residence at the Monet in Paris Experience and taught hundreds of people how to ‘paint like Monet’. She is predominately self-taught with skills in illustration, murals, and abstract expressionism. Kerry loves to create luscious layers and then strip them away to reveal the history within. Her work is spontaneous and explores rich, deep colours and neutrals. “I start with chaos and then sensitively discover the story within”. Kerry strives to inspire the students to rediscover their inner child's curiosity. Observe, connect with and embody the confidence that naturally seeps into other areas of life through painting and creating.

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

Running solo or with another of Heidi's workshop options on her BRISBANE tour, explore the beautifully intricate world of small bird illustration in watercolour, Heidi's favourite! 

These wonderful subjects may be small in size, but they’re absolutely bursting with personality, colour, and exquisite detail, making them the perfect focus for this richly rewarding workshop. There’s so much to learn, explore, and enjoy. Heidi will guide students through the process of creating a beautifully realistic bird portrait of their own. 

This friendly and supportive environment is perfect for anyone with a love for nature, painting, and detail, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out.

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.

About this workshop

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

It's for those who have a love of nature, watercolour, painting in general, with an eye for detail. 

If not… come along and learn about the beauty of this too! 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.

• Supportive, In-Depth Instruction: This is a hands-on, fully guided experience, complete with live demonstrations, one-on-one support, and real-time answers to your questions as we go. I’ll walk with you through every stage of the process.
• Explore, Connect, Learn & Grow: Workshops are about more than painting. They're about growth, discovery, and enjoying the shared experience of creativity. Come as you are - curious, rusty, confident or anywhere in between, and give yourself the space to focus, breathe and create.
• Real Results, Real Learning: If you've been wanting to deepen your skills, break out of a rut, or simply enjoy learning in a beautiful, relaxed setting, this course is for you. And yes, it’ll be a lot of fun, too.

What will I learn?

In this workshop, students will immerse themselves in the world of watercolour painting as they focus on illustrating small birds. Through this detailed and intricate process, they will:

• Build Your Watercolour Foundations: This workshop will take you through core watercolour techniques, from soft washes, delicate glazing to dry brush work, giving you the tools to approach realistic subjects with clarity and confidence.
• Master Detail & Texture: Small birds are a joy to paint, offering endless opportunities to explore feather texture, colour and fine detail, all while practicing control and refinement in your brushwork.
• Work in Layers: You’ll gain confidence in building your painting in layers, key to creating depth, interest, luminous colour, and a refined finish that brings your subject to life.
• Bring Your Bird to Life: With guidance throughout, you’ll develop the skills, knowledge of the medium and practical pathways to capture our feathered friends beautifully

Who is this workshop suitable for?

his workshop is suitable for artists of all experience levels. Whether  just beginning your watercolour journey or seeking to refine and advance your skills, you're in the right place to grow your realistic painting skills. 

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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:

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