About this workshop

Join award winning artist Todd Whisson, who will show you how to  loosen up, create a freshness in your work or simply find your own style.

What will I learn?

Todd will demonstrate and guide you through subject choice, composition, unique palette knife techniques and how to get freshness in your painting through design, value and colour.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for all skill levels.

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What do I need to bring?

Stretched Canvas:

• bring two canvases  (one for each day) up to 60cm x 60cm. A size that you are comfortable to work with. Gesso primed and ready to go.
• If you are flying to the workshop, we recommend an unstretched canvas.

Palette knives:

• 1 x Large Straight-Edge Palette Knife preferred approx. 7.5cm in length
• 1 x packet of 4 assorted Craftright scrapers from Bunnings

Suggested  Brushes:

• 2 x Size 12 (25mm) Square Flat Hog Hair Brushes
• 1 x Size 6 Round Hog Hair Brush
• rigger/liner synthetic brush
• Any other paints or brushes you wish to bring

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

• A tube of Langridge impasto medium 150ml (optional for thick texture)
• Minimum 100ml of art spectrum odourless solvent and a container with lid to dispense it
• Mineral Turps to clean brushes

Other Items: 

• Roll of Viva paper towel or chux rags
• Small rubbish bag
• Apron

What is provided?

• 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.

Todd works in both Oils and Acrylic

Do you already have some skills in painting with acrylics?
Do you want to learn more about composing your painting and why tone matters?
Do you want to learn about how to use colour better?
Do you have trouble finishing your paintings?
Are you looking for dedicated time and space to paint?

Mentoring in Acrylics will provide students with uninterrupted time to focus on their own work in a studio setting, while being guided by acrylics expert Anita West!

What will I learn?

Everything you need to know - including techniques and ideas  - so you can complete your own painting project.

• Individual mentoring on your own painting projects.
• Expert guidance on how to use acrylic paint effectively.
• Demonstrations on the use of transparent and opaque layers
• Guided discussions on the importance of composition and  tone.
• Using perspective.
• Demonstrations on colour mixing.
• Techniques to resolve your paintings.
• A safe and nurturing space to critique your paintings with other like-minded artists.

Who is this course suitable for?

Those who have some experience in painting with acrylics and are ready to move to the next level.  Perhaps you have a home studio and would like to make your environment more professional, or you're stuck on current or past paintings and need advice on directions you could take.

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What do I need to bring?

Bring along the painting you are currently working on or an idea that you would like to turn into a painting.

It is preferable that you use a polycotton canvas or a board that is smooth primed.  Please bring your own acrylics and brushes.

Limited art supplies are available for purchase at the studio if you need a top up.

It is suggested that students also include a range of TRANSPARENT acrylics.  Colours could include:

• Paynes grey
• Raw/burnt umber
• raw/burnt sienna
• Blues (ultramarine, pthalo)
• Transparent yellows
• Transparent reds
• Titanium white
• Any black (carbon, ivory, mars)

Please also bring

• Clear painting medium (this is necessary)
• Rags
• Note book
• Palette, brushes etc.

What is provided?

• Easels
• Backing boards
• Chairs
• Tables
• Tea and coffee (please bring your own mug)
• A friendly and supportive environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community.

About the tutor

Anita is an Australian artist living and working in Brisbane. She has maintained a professional art practice for over 30 years and her passion is painting the unique Australian landscape. She has had over 25 major solo exhibitions and paints an average of 15-25 new major paintings for each show. Even though she is considered prolific, every painting has a unique story and the quality of the work continues to grow. Her work is in the collections of public institutions, commercial businesses, regional galleries and private homes across the world. Anita has an enviable history of commissions and is represented in Sydney with Harvey Galleries (10 years) and Gallery One at Southport (6 years).

Anita’s paintings have won major awards, and her works have been selected in many art prizes across Australia. Anita’s reputation for her unique, technically proficient and beautifully layered landscapes are highly sought-after both as an investment and for private collections. Her career is continuing to gain recognition in the Australian Contemporary Market.

NEW! Offering Graphite pencil and Coloured pencil options.

Bienarté is now offering new morning mentoring sessions with Kerry Daley, designed for artists with a basic understanding of drawing who would like to further develop their skills and build confidence in a friendly and supportive environment. Offering graphite and coloured pencil personal projects.

These sessions provide the flexibility to work on your own artistic goals while receiving personalised guidance, feedback and encouragement from an experienced tutor. Whether you are looking to strengthen your observational skills, improve proportion and perspective, refine your shading techniques, or tackle more complex subjects, Kerry will help you progress at a pace that suits you.

Perfect for artists with some drawing experience who are looking to continue their learning journey, these mentoring sessions offer the ideal balance of independent practice and expert tuition. Work on projects that interest you, strengthen your technical skills, and gain valuable insights tailored to your individual needs and artistic aspirations.

With a focus on your choice of either graphite pencil or coloured pencil developing strong drawing foundations and building confidence through regular practice, these sessions provide a supportive environment in which to grow as an artist while exploring your own creative interests.

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!

What do I need to bring?

Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

If choosing graphite drawing, please bring with you drawing paper and drawing pencils eg  2H, H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B and a 30cm ruler

If choosing coloured pencils, please bring a good quality range with you and drawing paper

We have available a selection of graphite drawing materials to purchase and drawing paper

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

Suitable for artists working in traditional oils or water-soluble oils.

Choose your class

• Monday Morning — 8 weeks, 12 Oct–30 Nov, 9:30am–1:00pm
• Tuesday Evening — 4 weeks, 10 Nov–1 Dec, 6:00–9:00pm

 

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.

 

Lars Vester

Lars Vester is a Danish born artist living in Brisbane, working predominantly in the medium of oils.

Upon graduating from the Aarhus Art Academy in Denmark, he completed his studies via an Apprenticeship of Art Direction, Graphic Design and Illustration at The Masters Group, Denmark.

Lars’s work is often constructed from memory and his impression of the environment, with a particular focus on expressing the moment through the ephemeral qualities of colour and light.

Lars has had a number of successful exhibitions in both Europe and Australia, including various solo, group and Award Shows.  

His work is represented in several private and corporate collections around the globe.

 

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs