Abstracting a Floral in Acrylic with a Palette Knife and Brush | Todd Whisson

This workshop invites students to reimagine abstract florals painted alla prima using acrylic paints.

About this workshop

Students will embrace the unpredictability of the process, loosening control and allowing the painting to guide us. Through palette knife techniques, layered textures, and bold colour stories, participants will explore semi-abstract approaches that bring out their unique artistic voice.

What will I learn?

Working from a reference image provided, students will focus on capturing the essence of our subject in a single session, using dynamic brushwork, expressive colour choices, and confident mark-making to create fresh, immediate, and emotionally engaging work.

• Develop palette knife skills to create bold marks, texture, and movement
• Explore alla prima techniques, working wet-on-wet for immediacy and energy
• Experiment with layering techniques to create depth and richness
• Understand colour storytelling to strengthen the emotional impact of their work
• Let go of control, embrace risk, and paint intuitively

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for all skill levels.

What do I need to bring?

Stretched Canvas:

• Bring two (one for each day) Approximately 60cm x 60cm up to 1m x 1m. A size that you are comfortable to work with. Gesso primed and ready to go. You are welcome to choose  smaller gessoed boards if you prefer.
• 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

Synthetic Brushes:

• Square flat - 1 inch wide (20mm wide)
• Any other brushes you wish to bring

Suggested Acrylic colours: Todd uses Matisse - Structure Acylics and you are welcome to bring your own brand and colours.

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

Mediums and Solvents

• Atelier heavy gel - 250ml - optional if you prefer to add thick texture

Other Items:

• 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
• An A3  journal
• 2B pencil

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 with both Oils and Acrylic