ANNOUNCEMENTS

Having already nurtured the development of over 15,000 new artists, Bienarté is offering a series of
Life Drawing Workshops throughout 2024.

Starting Soon

• • A Portrait from Life in Oils | Andrew Bonneau

    “Andrew Bonneau is a patient and supportive art instructor and very generous with his artistic knowledge. Attending his drawing and painting workshop filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge and opened up my capabilities. I gained valuable tools and resources and a renewed drive and direction. Given the opportunity, I would definitely attend more of Andrew’s workshops.” - Cindy

    About this workshop

    Study portraiture with nationally-renowned realist painter, Archibald and Doug Moran Prize finalist, Andrew Bonneau.
    In this workshop students will spend 3 days developing a single portrait painting from life. This is a unique opportunity to spend an extended period carefully looking at and understanding the structural complexity of the human head in relation to a light source. The emphasis will be on the accurate observation of the model.

    We will be working from the life model for the entire workshop.

    What will I learn?

    Beginning from an initial 'block in' in graphite, we will proceed to develop a refined drawing which we will then transfer to canvas to begin painting.
    All aspects of the process will be discussed and demonstrated, such as proportion, anatomy, perspective, conceptualising the model in relation to the light source, modelling form, colour theory and paint handling.

    Who is this course suitable for?

    Basic knowledge and skills in drawing and painting will be helpful for this workshop.
    The more experience you have in painting and drawing from life the better, but the workshop is suitable for all levels.

    What do I need to bring?

    Oil Colours - Andrew recommends professional brands such as Winsor & Newton, Norma Schmincke, Old Holland, Michael Harding

    • White (Lead, Flake or Titanium), Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light or Scarlet, Cadmium Orange, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Alizarin Crimson, Terra Rose, Venetian Red or Indian Red, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, Burnt Umber, Ivory Black

    Brushes

    • A selection of small to medium sized brushes (Eg Sizes 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, etc...) Sable or synthetic brushes are recommended
    • A large bristle brush

    Canvas Options

    • A fine grade of primed white linen or cotton canvas is recommended. Otherwise a primed board, the idea is to have minimal texture. Recommend pre-toning with light grey or brown oil colour (eg burnt umber with white) about a week before the workshop.  Canvas should be stretched and around 10" x 12" (25x30cm), or 14" x 16" (35x40cm)-  larger would be fine too

    Drawing Materials

    • HB pencils, Kneadable eraser, Blade and sandpaper for sharpening pencils
    • Paper – A few sheets of any medium or low textured paper about 18" x 24" (45x60cm)
    • Drawing board & Clips
    • Small mirror

    Other Materials

    • Palette knife & Palette (Andrew uses a wooden palette sealed with oil or varnish).  Perspex and disposable palettes are available for sale from Bienarte.
    • Odourless solvent in a jar with lid
    • Paper towel
    • Medium – recommend 50/50 odourless solvent and refined linseed oil

    What is Provided?

    • Clothed life model for the duration of the workshop
    • Standing Easels, tables and chairs
    • Large light-filled studio space
    • Tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
    • A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
    • Connection to the Bienarte art community
  • 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.

  • Untutored Studio Painting

    This is an opportunity to develop your studio practice in a professional artist studio setting.

    We provide a spacious air conditioned /heated room, with stand-up easels, a table and a chair each.

    We also have wash-up facilities, toilets and a kitchenette on site.

    What will I learn?

    This is an untutored class for you to further your own practice in any medium, however, you must be self-contained, so not use any medium that could be disruptive to other artists.

    Who is this suitable for?

    Artists of all levels who want to practice their skills in any medium, including oils, watercolour, drawing and acrylics will find the time to work on their own practice of benefit. Absolute beginners are welcomed as well as experienced artists.

    What do I need to bring?

    Bring all your art materials.
    Bring a towel or sheet to cover your table.
    We will give you access to the stand up and table easels and tables.
    There is access to the art sinks.
    If you are using oil colours, only odourless solvent is permitted. Limited art supplies are available for purchase at the studio if you need a top-up or are just starting out.

    Please note that we may allow up to 12 students to share the space, so you will need to be self-contained and able to pack up your space, leaving a clean area for the next day’s students.

    If you find it hard to devote time to your painting practice, get stuck with a painting and don’t know where to take it next or you’re looking for a group of like-minded artists to paint with and bounce offf ideas, then this is the opportunity for you.

    What is provided?

    • table easels and stand up easels
    • chair
    • table
    • tea and coffee (bring your own mug)
    • a friendly and supportive environment
    • connection to the Bienarte art community

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