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.

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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.

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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.

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Unlock the vibrant world of still life painting in this immersive two-day acrylic workshop with award winning artist and tutor David Bongiorno. Designed for beginners and intermediate painters alike, this course will guide you through the essentials of composition, colour mixing and acrylic techniques—from underpainting to finishing touches.

About this workshop

Through a structured mix of demos, exercises and studio practice across two days, students will build a solid foundation in still life painting as they complete their own original work. 

Day 1: Foundations and Colour Studies

• Explore the building blocks of still life: form, light and value
• Learn key composition rules and sketch multiple thumbnails
• Mix acrylics for accurate value scales and colour harmony
• Practice essential brushwork through colour studies

Day 2: Painting Your Still Life

• Create a full still life painting from sketch to completion
• Develop depth with layering, contrast and detail refinement
• Learn how to finish and varnish your painting professionally
• Receive group and individual feedback in a supportive critique session

What will I learn?

• How to build dynamic still life compositions using shapes, lighting and space
• Colour theory and mixing techniques to bring your painting to life
• Acrylic painting methods including layering, glazing, dry brush and blending
• Confidence to approach any still life subject with clarity and creativity!

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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What do I need to bring?

Acrylic paints

David suggests the following colours

• Titanium White
• Pyrrol Red
• Alizarin Crimson
• Ultramarine Blue
• Yellow Ochre
• Lemon Yellow
• Raw Umber
• Ivory Black
• Burnt Sienna

Brushes

• A variety of filbert brushes (“Neef” brand is good) in sizes 10, 6 and 2
• Filbert hog bristle brushes (2,6,10)

Canvas

• Canvas pad (A4 and A3 recommended)
• A4 and A5 Canvas boards

Palette

• White laminated wooden palette or plastic palette

Other

• Palette knife
• Rags
• Apron
• Pencils HB, 2B
• 5 simple objects no larger than 20cm
• Small cardboard box (40cm H x 50cm W x 40cm D) - You can also borrow from Bienarte
• A3 cartridge pad
• A3 trace pad
• Varnish - universal medium/varnish  (gloss or satin)

What is provided

• Tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own cup)
• Easels, tables, chairs water containers
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Bienarté art community

About the Artist

Award-winning artist, curator and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, painting and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. 

He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

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