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• • Painting Practice | Bronwyn Searle

    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.

    About the tutor.

    Bronwyn enjoys the challenge of taking ordinary, everyday scenes and interpreting them in her own inimitable and increasingly widely recognised style. Working in oils on canvas, she loves to explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

    Bronwyn has recently returned to still life painting, while continuing to explore the detail found in leaf litter and textures in the urban world. She is drawn to the unique beauty found in ordinary settings. This direction suits her technique and eye for detail.

    Born in Brisbane and trained at the Brisbane College of Art, Bronwyn worked professionally in the art field for more than 25 years, starting as a graphic artist and moving on to exhibition design and illustration.

    In 2012 Bronwyn was invited to be represented by the Lethbridge Gallery, Paddington, Brisbane after winning first prize in the Lethbridge 10000 Small Scale Art Awards. She exhibits a new collection of works there each year.

    Her paintings are held in a number of private collections, in Australia and overseas.

  • Foundations in Oils

    Anyone can paint if they are given the right instructions.” - Marcel Desbiens, Master Artist and Principal Tutor

    If you have never picked up a paintbrush before, this course will give you the technical skills and knowledge to help fast-track your painting process and produce stunning works of art of your own. All in a friendly and supportive environment.

    The Course has been designed by Marcel Desbiens and has been developed over the years by the team including Ai Shah, Catherine Aboud and Ros Danka.

    All materials are included. All you need to do is turn up!

    What will I learn?

    • how to set up your workstation to minimise mess and maximise your painting time
    • understand basic principles of colour mixing and paint consistency
    • learn how to control tone to create the optical illusion of reality
    • how to choose the right brushes and develop effective brush techniques
    • how to clean and care for your brushes
    • learn to paint in the traditional glazing techniques of the old masters

    Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 12 students so that you will receive personal attention.

    In each class, your tutor will give a step-by-step demonstration, and then it’s your turn for hands-on painting exercises. Each exercise builds on the previous one so that each week your skills and confidence will grow a little more.

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    Who is this course suitable for?

    This foundation course is perfect for absolute beginners or for those who want to brush up on the fundamental techniques of oil painting. 90% of students who enrol in this course either have never picked up a paintbrush or have minimal painting experience. However, others who have painted before have also come along and found that they learned so much more about oil painting techniques.

    The Foundation in Oils course is a prerequisite for the Gain Confidence in Oils course.

    What do I need to bring?

    • An old large towel to cover your table
    • 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:

    • prepared paper for painting exercises by a master artist.
    • Digital Certificate of Attendance.
    • PDF booklet, packed with painting tips and tricks.
    • Free professional-quality oil colours
    • Free pack of hog-hair bristle brushes
    • 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.

    Receive a FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours!

    Receive a FREE PACK of Hog-Hair Bristle Brushes!

    Oil Painting Starter Kits also available for enrolled students

    Once enrolled, every student will receive their FREE GIFT PACK of 5 Schmincke professional quality oil colours as well as their pack of brushes.
    To practice at home, we have made it easy for you by putting together an Oil Painting Starter Kits which contains everything you will need to get started! Save time and money and pick up your art pack.

    To purchase, see further below under "Related Products" and click on "Oil Painting Starter Kits" and "click "Buy Now" You can also view all items that are included.

    What Our Students Say About Foundations in Oils

    "A great art course! Highly recommended for beginners or those that want to learn more skills. I did the 8-week oil painting course and was surprised with the quality produced by the class (including myself : ). A great teacher. Well-paced and a good atmosphere. Paint on!"

    • Mark Allen, Bienarte regular student

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  • Tutored Life Drawing | Bronwyn Searle

    The practice of drawing the figure is fundamental for most artists, regardless of what other subjects they usually choose to paint or draw.

    We provide a spacious air-conditioned/ heated room and a life model who will pose in a variety of short and long poses.

    What will I learn?

    As your tutor, Bronwyn will guide you through each class, always starting with quick warm-up free sketches, then moving on to longer poses. Using charcoal or pastels, each class will focus on different aspects of body form, movement, and lighting.

    Who is this course suitable for?

    These life classes are suitable for absolute beginners as well as those who have been to some sessions before.

    So if you are interested in coming along to these classes, be prepared for some enjoyable drawing time with a professional life model, music, and a guiding hand in Bronwyn Searle.

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    What do I need to bring?

    Bring your drawing materials - we suggest:

    • Newsprint
    • Cartridge Paper
    • Charcoal Pencils
    • Compressed Charcoal
    • Pastels - optional (you may already have these, preferably some flesh-tone colours)

    We will give you access to easels and tables depending on space, so you have some flexibility. Limited art supplies are available for purchase at the studio if you need a top-up or are just starting out.

    You can purchase a Life Drawing Kit using the link below. It will be available for pick-up from the Studio on the day.

    What is provided?

    • a professional life model
    • easels
    • backing boards
    • chairs
    • tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
    • a friendly and supportive environment
    • connection to the Bienarte art community
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