Creative Courage: Unleashing Your True Artistic Self | Todd Whisson

About this workshop

This two-day workshop invites participants on a transformative creative journey. In essence, the workshop fosters an environment where participants can confidently explore and express themselves. Through the themes of "Undo" and "Can Do," participants will tap into their courage to create, allowing their true, authentic selves to flourish.

What will I learn?

On the first day, we focus on "Undo," where participants are encouraged to let go of preconceived notions and any creative barriers. By painting a personal item and engaging in guided critiques, participants will begin to peel back layers and rediscover their creative essence.

Day 1: Undo
On the first day, we focus on "Undo," where participants are encouraged to let go of preconceived notions and any creative barriers. By painting a personal item and engaging in guided critiques, participants will begin to peel back layers and rediscover their creative essence.

Day 2: Can Do
The second day, titled “Can Do," builds upon the foundation laid on Day 1. Participants bring the same personal item and apply new insights and techniques to their artwork. Through the second round of painting and critique, participants will witness their growth and the evolution of their creative voice.

Outcome Statement:
By the end of this workshop, participants will have gained a deeper understanding and confidence in their creative journey. They will be able to:

• Build confidence in expressing their authentic selves.
• Connect more deeply with their creative soul and personal artistic voice.
• Gain insight that supports ongoing artistic development.
• Understand that these techniques require continued practice.
• Feel encouraged to revisit and refine these practices over time to strengthen progress.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for all skill levels.

What do I need to bring?

Stretched Canvas:

• 1 x Canvas stretcher or gesso primed board maximum 60x60 cm. 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.

Other Items: 

• Small rubbish bag
• Apron
• A4 journal
• Medium size willow charcoal = 1 box
• Kneadable eraser or standard rubber
• Pencil 2B
• Workable fixative to seal charcoal drawings (optional)
• A3 canvas pad minimum 12 pages

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

Choose your medium and bring the related art materials.

Suggested  Brushes for Oils:

• 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 Brushes for Acrylic:

• Square flat - 1 inch wide (25mm wide)
• rigger/liner synthetic brush
• Any other brushes you wish to bring in both synthetic and hog hair

Bring your Oil or Acrylic Paint

Below is a suggested list of oils and acrylic paints to bring. You are welcome to bring your own colours that you want to work with.

If choosing to work with Oils, 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

If choosing to work with Oils, 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
• Plastic gloves if using Oil Paint (optional)
• Roll of Viva paper towel or chux rags

Suggested  Brushes for Acrylics:

• Square flat synthetic - 1 inch wide (25mm wide)
• rigger/liner brush
• Also bring a variety of hog hair and synthetic brushes you have

Suggested Acrylic colours: Todd uses Matisse - Structure Acrylics

• Cadmium Red Medium
• Magenta Quinacridone Violet
• Phthalo Blue
• Australian Sienna
• Cadmium Yellow Light
• Titanium White
• Mars Black

You can bring your own brand and colours too.

Other items for Acrylics

• Atelier heavy gel - 250ml - optional if you prefer to add thick texture
• Baking paper
• Chux Cloth - To keep the Acrylic wet, wet the chux cloth place the baking paper on top
• Palette - you can use a 30 x 40mm board and clip the baking paper over the board
• Water spray bottle
• Container to wash your brushes

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