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Welcome to Bienarté and our friendly team.

Discover the artist within you. In small, inspirational and carefully structured classes.

Every single person has the ability to create art and under the guidance of a skilled and attentive teacher, your talent can flourish.

Master Artist Marcel Desbiens has years of experience teaching students to find their own artistic voice and to gain and strengthen their technical skills. Hear what past and current students say about us.

Learn from award-winning local, interstate and international guest artists who offer courses and workshops for all skill levels in Oil colours, Acrylic, Watercolour, Drawing and Pastels in various specialty subjects. We also offer private lessons for intensive training in any technical area you need.

And all this, in the comfort of our purpose-built air-conditioned art studios.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bienarte is proud to have nurtured the development of over 15,000 new artists, 

There are so many courses and workshops to choose from. Book in early to save disappointment.

Starting Soon

      • Bridging Confidence in Oils | Ai Shah

        Ai will be supporting all students to the next level after completing the “Foundation in Oils” and “Gaining Confidence in Oils” classes. This will assist students to paint independently and to feel more comfortable as they develop their practice at home. In 7 weeks, students can do one or more paintings, depending on their own individual progress.  

        What will I learn:

        All students will bring their own subject to class. Through guidance with their painting progress Ai will be helping them to develop their own voice and to keep working on their paintings in their own space and progress in between classes.

        Ai will be encouraging discussion about each student’s work and consider many aspects of interest including painting subject, focal point, message, composition, and style. She will also advise on their own workspace set up at home and talk about how to maintain their practice. Many other aspects of being an artist will be raised in discussion including the use of social media and much more.

        As each student improves, the class will be encouraged to observe the progress of their class mates and share ideas. This engenders goodwill, support and friendship.

        Your own painting project:

        • Choosing the right support from a variety of options (canvas, board, paper, etc)
        • The process of composition
        • Choosing a subject
        • Planning the development stages from beginning to completion of your painting

        Who is this course suitable for

        While priority is given to students who have completed the 8-week Foundations in Oils course and Oil Painting with Confidence, this course is suitable for anyone with a basic practical understanding of Oil colours and their application

        This course is suitable for students who are keen to dedicate a weekly time to paint in a supportive and encouraging environment. This is to encourage all the students who are new to oil and wish to practice and develop their oil painting skills. 

        What do I need to bring?

        • An old large towel to cover your table
        • Oil colours and hog hair paint brushes from Foundations in Oils Course. Art materials also available to purchase if needed.
        • 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:

        • Digital Certificate of Attendance.
        • PDF booklet, packed with painting tips and tricks.
        • 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.

        Useful Information

        For Visitors FAQs

      • Drawing For Absolute Beginners | Kerry Daley

        Offering both morning and evening classes. This course runs for 8 weeks.

        About this workshop

        Develop your drawing skills with this comprehensive 6-week foundation course, designed for those with all levels of experience.

        Under the guidance of experienced artist and tutor Kerry Daley, you will  build a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of drawing, including line, form, tone, perspective, and composition.

        What will I learn?

        The course places a strong emphasis on perceptual drawing skills, helping you learn to observe shapes, proportions, and spatial relationships accurately.

        Each week combines demonstrations, structured exercises, and individual guidance to help you gain confidence, refine your observation skills, and explore a variety of materials and techniques.

        By the end of the course, you will have developed a strong foundation in drawing, enabling you to approach subjects with skill, clarity, and creative expression in your own work.

        Who is this workshop suitable for?

        This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience, including those that are not able to draw a stick figure!

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        What do I need to bring?

        We take care of all the art materials for you so that you have all the right tools to begin!

        Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

        What art materials are provided?

        You will receive the following drawing materials kit to keep:

        • A3 and A4 Drawing Paper (250g)
        • Drawing pencils: 2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B
        • Eraser
        • Putty Rubber

        Access to the following drawing equipment during classes:

        • Sharpener (or Knife)
        • Sandpaper Point Sharpener
        • 30cm clear ruler

        What is provided

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

        About the Tutor

        Kerry Daley is a visual artist and arts educator based in Brisbane, Australia. She holds a Fine Arts degree with majors in Drawing and Art History, and a Higher Diploma in Education. Kerry maintains an active professional practice across multiple disciplines including drawing, painting, and ceramics, with a strong focus on technical skill, craftsmanship, and disciplined studio practice.

        With extensive teaching experience, Kerry is known for her clear, structured, and supportive approach to instruction. Her teaching prioritises skill development, confident decision-making, and a deep understanding of materials. She helps students build both technical ability and independence in their practice. Her personal work explores themes of identity, environment, and the relationship between the natural and the constructed, informing a teaching approach that is grounded, thoughtful, and practical.

        Useful Information

        For Visitors FAQs

      • Introduction to Watercolour | Kerry Daley

        About this workshop

        Develop your watercolour skills in this comprehensive 6-week foundation course, open to all levels of experience. 

        By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in watercolour painting, equipped to approach subjects with both technical skill and personal expression.

        What will I learn?

        Guided by experienced artist and teacher Kerry Daley, students will build a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of watercolour. 

        Each week combines demonstrations, structured exercises and individual guidance to help students refine their skills and explore a variety of watercolour methods.

        The 6 week course emphasises techniques such as:

        • Colour mixing
        • Applying washes
        • Layering
        • Transparency and control of pigment and water.
        • Developing brush control
        • Mastering essential watercolour techniques
        • Gaining confidence as a painter, enabling students to make creative decisions with clarity and intention.

        Who is this workshop suitable for?

        This workshop is suitable for all levels of experience.

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        Bonus Opportunity: For those eager to extend their creative journey, join us in Kerry's upcoming gouache workshops or 6 week gouache painting course!

        What is provided?

        Access to all art materials to use in the studio will be provided

        • A3 and A4 watercolour paper 300g, rough, hot pressed and cold pressed (a variety)
        • Gummed watercolour tape, Boards for stretching the paper, sponges
        • Blue painters tape
        • Pencil and rubber
        • Watercolour brushes – round: small medium and large
        • Watercolour paint: Lemon Yellow, New Gamboge, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light (or Scarlet Lake), Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Sap Green, Burnt Sienna,
        • Palette (ceramic plate or other)
        • Paper towel
        • Water containers (2 each)

        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

        About the Tutor

        Kerry Daley is a visual artist and tutor based in Brisbane, Australia. She holds a Fine Arts degree with majors in Drawing and Art History, and a Higher Diploma in Education. Kerry maintains an active professional practice across multiple disciplines including drawing, painting, and ceramics, with a strong focus on technical skill, craftsmanship, and disciplined studio practice.

        With extensive teaching experience, Kerry is known for her clear, structured, and supportive approach to instruction. Her teaching prioritises skill development, confident decision-making, and a deep understanding of materials. She helps students build both technical ability and independence in their practice. Her personal work explores themes of identity, environment, and the relationship between the natural and the constructed, informing a teaching approach that is grounded, thoughtful, and practical.

        Useful Information

        For Visitors FAQs

      • Painting Practice in Oils | 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

  • More Courses

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Marcel Desbiens | Master Artist | Principal Tutor