Heidi is back in 2026!

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned painter looking to refine and elevate your work, there’s so much to learn, explore and enjoy in this beautifully focused subject.

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 and distinctive portraits of our spectacular bird life offers viewers an insight into the world as she experiences it.

About this workshop

With a botanical focus, this workshop is designed to guide students through the painting process, giving the direction, tools, techniques and confidence needed to create stunningly detailed and realistic botanical illustrations in watercolour. 

• Watercolour Fundamentals: We’ll work through the essential watercolour techniques you need to improve and ultimately master your botanical work. Combining wash, layering or glazing, and dry brush detail, we learn to balance and refine these techniques to create rich, lively outcomes.
• Precision & Structure: From our drawing to completion, we learn how to really see your subject, exploring structure and form, colour, texture and detail, then translating this to a finished watercolour story.
• Refined Layering: Learn to see and develop your painting in layers, from gentle underwashes to crisp, controlled detail, capturing softness, translucency, texture and lifelike depth in your botanical work.
• Strategy & Pathways: Feeling overwhelmed with where to start? Im my workshops I give you a clear path to walk, comforted in the knowledge that what you practice, is on the right path to success.

What will I learn?

• Step-by-Step Demonstration: Through demonstration and guided practice, I’ll walk you through the process start to completion, customising the balance to your specific needs, for the best outcome possible.
• Expert Guidance: This is a fully immersive, practical workshop designed to help you build real skills and confidence. I’ll be with you throughout to answer questions, demonstrate techniques, and support your progress every step of the way.
• Explore, Connect & Create: Workshops are about more than just painting. They’re a space to slow down, reconnect, focus, and enjoy the deep satisfaction of making something with your own hands. There’s something incredibly fulfilling in capturing the quiet beauty of the botanical world, and taking a creative pause.
• Inspiration That Lasts: This workshop is designed to equip you not only with a finished painting, but with tools, techniques and inspiration you can carry forward into your own creative practice.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for beginners to advanced or those that are looking for a refresher. 

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Bonus Opportunity: For those eager to extend their creative journey, consider the adjoining Small Bird Illustration in Watercolour Workshop to your schedule for a full 5 days. It’s going to be an exciting and enriching creative experience and we can’t wait to see you there. 

What do I need to bring?

You can supply your own paints, brushes, graphite stick,  boards and paper or you can purchase in cash from Heidi on the day. $1 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:

You can share Heidi's watercolours which will have the exact colours you will need for the workshop for $55.

Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton tubes:

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

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

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

Suitable for both Oils and Acrylic painters.

Join internationally-recognised impressionist artist Colley Whisson, as he shares with you the fundamentals of producing paintings with powerful light effects, loose brushwork and sensitivity to the subject.

In this three-day workshop, Colley will be focusing his attention on tonal values, composition, brushwork and colour saturation, with special attention on the importance of edges.

Colley’s workshops are a positive and uplifting experience – and they sell out quickly, so book early to secure your place.

We will cover Landscape, marine scape and interior in Oils. Colley invites Acrylic painters to join and paint in Acrylic.

What will I learn?

Colley uses a step-by-step process to give you the best opportunity to see and understand the way a painting is constructed.

Each student will be provided with a reference photograph per studio day - the order of these days will be determined at the start of the workshop.

Day 1: Landscape   

Long regarded as an excellent test of an Artist's ability to edit, Colley will show compositional techniques to enhance the students knowledge and understanding on how to simplify and create light filled landscapes. 

Day 2: Marine Scape

Colley shows how to translate the busyness of an ocean scene into an exciting work of art. 

Day 3 : Interior

Interiors are an excellent opportunity to push our tonal values, learn techniques on how to achieve interesting edges and how to unify the shapes. 

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Students with some basic experience to advanced are welcome.

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What do I need to bring?

(Each student will be provided with a reference photograph per studio day)

Colley is happy for you to paint in either Oils or Acrylics, so both are included below.
Please ensure to only use artist quality (archival) oil or acrylic colours.

For Oils

Oil Colours - Gamblin Preferred Oil Paints but bring what you have.
• Titanium White Venetian Red• Cadmium Deep Orange • Cadmium Yellow Medium • Cadmium Red Light • Alizarin Permanent • Viridian• Yellow Ochre • Ultramarine Blue

Medium
Odourless Gamblin Galkyd Lite or Archival Lean Medium for mixing paint (Fastest Drying).

Solvent
Odourless Turpenoid/Gamsol for cleaning brushes at the end of the day.

Brushes
Rosemary & Co
1 x size 12 Chungking Series 2025, Long Flat (Long Handle)
1 x size 1 inch Eclipse Extra Long Combers (Long Handle) or 1 x size 12 Synthetic Long Flat Brush 3⁄4 -1'' wide 1 x size 1⁄2 inch Eclipse Extra Long Combers (Long Handle)

Miscellaneous
1 x size 8 Long Flat Hog Hair (1⁄4 inch wide)
2 x size 2 Liner/Rigger Synthetic Long Bristle (1” Long)

Boards
Loose smooth canvas sheets or MDF/Canvas Boards.
1 x 12"x16" (30x40cm)
2 x 10"x12" (25x30cm)

Backing Boards

Mount Canvas Sheets onto MDF with cream masking tape. This approach is only if your using loose canvas sheets.

1 x 12"x16" (30x40cm)

Coat canvas with an off white or cream Acrylic paint at a ratio of 50% water, 50% paint. For more detailed information Follow this link to read the PDF document outlining how to prepare the boards or canvas the Colley way, or watch his Youtube video here: 

Other
1 x Flat non-porous Palette or Smooth surfaced Laminex (Formica) 
1 x Metal palette knife
3 x Small packet of tissues
15 x Pieces of cotton rags or your normal brush cleaning material
1 x 25mm roll of cream coloured masking tape
5 x Plastic rubbish bags for onsite waste
1 x Small plastic container ''Tupperware'' type with lid to clean brushes daily

For Acrylics

Acrylic Colours
• Titanium White • French Ultramarine Blue • Phthalo Green • Yellow Ochre • Light Red Ochre/Terra Rosa • Cadmium Yellow Medium • Cadmium Orange • Cadmium Red Light (Scarlet) • Permanent Alizarine

Medium
Slow drying medium of your choice

Brushes
1 x size 12 Stiff Synthetic (1 inch wide)
1 x size 6 Filbert Stiff Synthetic (1⁄4 inch wide)
1 x size 10/12 Synthetic Long Bristle (3/4 or 1 inch Long) 
2 x size 2 Liner/Rigger Synthetic Long Bristle (1” Long)

Boards
Loose smooth canvas sheets or MDF/Canvas Boards.
1 x 12"x16" (30x40cm)
2 x 10"x12" (25x30cm)

Backing Boards

Mount Canvas Sheets onto MDF with cream masking tape. This approach is only if your using loose canvas sheets.

1 x 12"x16" (30x40cm)

Coat canvas with an off white or cream Acrylic paint at a ratio of 50% water, 50% paint. For more detailed information Follow this link to read the PDF document outlining how to prepare the boards or canvas the Colley way, or watch his Youtube video here: 

Other
1 x Flat non-porous Palette or Smooth surfaced Laminex (Formica) 
1 x Metal palette knife
3 x Small packet of tissues
1 x water spray aerator
15 x Pieces of cotton rags or your normal brush cleaning material
1 x 25mm roll of cream coloured masking tape
2 x Empty plastic 16.9 oz (This is for water to clean brushes)
3 x Plastic rubbish bags for onsite waste
1 x Small plastic container ''Tupperware'' type with lid to clean brushes daily.

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

We have available standup easels and table easels for your convenience.

What others say about Colley

"Colley Whisson's workshop is an experience totally worth repeating... many many times! He is an amazing instructor and Artist all wrapped up in one." Waverley Art Group (North Carolina, USA)
"My paintings have come alive since doing Colley's workshop. I feel I have advanced way beyond any other workshop experience." Ruth M

What is provided?

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

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

This two-day oil painting workshop offers an immersive introduction to alla prima (wet-on-wet) painting, focusing on still life and observational practice. Through a series of guided exercises, demonstrations, and studio sessions, students will explore drawing, tone, colour mixing, and composition in a supportive and relaxed environment. 

The workshop emphasises learning through doing, encouraging students to work intuitively, build confidence, and embrace a more expressive, process-driven approach to painting. Day one focuses on foundational skills including drawing, tonal understanding, and colour mixing, while day two expands into still life painting, composition, and developing a personal approach to subject matter. 

Suitable for beginner to advanced students, this workshop is designed to strengthen both technical skills and creative confidence.

What will I learn?

By the end of the workshop, students will: 

• Understand the fundamentals of alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting
• Develop skills in observational tonal studies and mark-making
• Apply the “thick over thin” principle in oil painting
• Explore composition and still life arrangement
• Build confidence working intuitively and letting go of perfectionism
• Complete a several studies and a resolved painting

Who is this course suitable for?

This workshop welcomes beginners and anyone with some experience. Some experience in oils is helpful.

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What do I need to bring?

Oil Paints

A basic palette (professional or student grade): 

• Titanium White (150ml)
• Cadmium Yellow Light (40ml)(or similar warm yellow)
• Lemon Yellow (40ml)
• Yellow Ochre 40ml
• Cadmium Red Light (or similar warm red) 40ml
• Alizarin Crimson (cool red) 40ml
• Ultramarine Blue 40 ml
• Phthalo Blue (or Cerulean Blue) 40ml
• Burnt Umber 40ml

(Note: Black is not essential – we will mix our own darks.) 

Brushes 

• A selection of flat/square brushes (synthetic or hog hair)
  • Small, medium, and large sizes (e.g. 4, 6, 8, 10 or similar)

Surfaces 

To keep work achievable within the workshop timeframe, please bring: 

• Canvas or canvas paper / boards
• Maximum size: A3 (approx. 30 x 40 cm)
• Recommended:
  • 1–2 x A3 surfaces
  • 3–5 x A4 oil canvas paper sheets (for studies)

Drawing Materials 

• A4 sketch pad
• Pencils (HB–2B)
• Soft pastels (for tonal exercises) 1 – 4 tones.
• Brown paper (optional but recommended)

Palette & Tools 

• Palette (wood, glass, or disposable palette pad)
• Palette knife (for mixing and scraping)

Solvent & Cleaning 

• Odourless solvent (e.g. Gamsol or low-odour turps) 500ml
• Small container/jar for solvent
• Rags or paper towels

Additional Items 

• Apron or old shirt
• Gloves (optional)
• Small rubbish bag
• Glad wrap or container for storing paint overnight

Optional 

• Personal objects for still life (Day 2)
• Reference images (if desired)

Lauren will have a still life display along with reference images.

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

What is provided?

• Easels
• Chairs
• Tables
• Cardboard for practice
• Tea and coffee (please bring your own mug)
• A friendly and supportive environment