Classes for adults

artwork by Cilla Davis

The Art Centre offers classes for all levels of experience and ability. Our classes are held in light, airy studios providing a stimulating atmosphere in which to work. if you need help choosing a class you can visit the Art Centre during regular office hours, phone us or email us. 

Classes

Drawing and mixed media

Drawing essentials E 1007

Explore drawing techniques and the basic principles of drawing, line, tone, perspective and composition. Learn right brain drawing and how to see with an artist’s eye. Students will be encouraged to develop their own personal style. Suitable for beginners and those wishing to improve their drawing skills.

Mondays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Rachel Carroll. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


The joy of painting and drawing E 1011

This class will cover design elements and principles, colour theory, composition, tone and basic perspective. We’ll also explore techniques, materials and subject matter during the course and some art history. The overall emphasis is about enjoying the experience of creating art. All levels welcome.

Mondays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Lyn Woodger-Grant. $310 per 9-week term


The travelling artist (new class) - E 1019

Have you ever wanted to travel but not leave your art behind, or to deepen your travel experience through your art? Throughout the ages, travel has stimulated artists’ understanding of light, colour, form and subject matter, yet the decisions of what you pack and how to approach your work can be challenging! In this course you are encouraged to experiment with different portable materials, sketchbooks and practices as we embark a series of ‘mini journeys’ around Sydney, exploring techniques, materials, approaches and mindsets to keep you drawing when you journey. You will come out of the course with a specific toolkit designed perfectly for the unique mode of travel you undertake, with a new excitement for the art you practice.

Tuesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Elizabeth Eastland. $310 per 9-week term 


Painting and mixed media E 1021

An ideal course for beginners or those wishing to improve their painting and drawing skills. Enjoy the learning process. Be guided through the basic principles of painting and drawing, including tone, line, composition and perspective. Experience handling a variety of media - pastels, pencil, ink, watercolour, acrylic paint and more. Through these processes students are encouraged to explore and develop personal expression.

Tuesdays, 7pm - 9.30pm
Tutor - Brandt Lewis. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Towards abstraction E 1024

This is a class for those who want to take their art into abstraction, with a process of learning and experimenting with tools, mediums, methods and techniques - this includes making handmade brushes and tools. Each week students look at different artists via video and images, and their approach to abstraction - inquiring into styles and expressions helping to understand our own visual language. Connecting with emotion, taking risks, trust and intuition are integral to creating abstract art. Integrating drawing throughout and extending into mixed media. Enjoy the process and the result whilst increasing your understanding of colour, shape, design, texture, value and line. All welcome - some prior experience in drawing and painting is helpful.

Tuesdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Jemma Roberts. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Expressive life drawing E 1031

By using different media, beginners will be encouraged to explore individual development of personal drawing skills - understanding line and tone, observation of form-movement and shade control. Advanced students will continue to experiment with the above studies, and introduce acrylic, ink and watercolour.

Wednesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Kim Sotheren. $380 per 9-week term (including 9 model sessions)


Explore Drawing to Painting - Objective/Abstract E 1045

Learn how to really ‘see’ and develop your own personal expression, moving from drawing to mixed media and painting, from representational to abstraction. We’ll explore traditional and experimental processes using various tools and mediums such as charcoal, pencil, crayons, ink, acrylic and collage on paper, canvas or other surfaces. We will investigate different approaches by examining various artists’ work and encourage enjoyment in the process of creating, whilst learning about colour, value, line, shape, form, design and composition. Suits all levels of drawing experience.

Thursdays, 10.30am - 3.30pm
Tutor -  Sue Meredith. $470 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Life drawing E 1052

A dynamic drawing class focusing on the figure, observing fluidity, form and gesture. The class will explore a range of materials and expressive styles.

Fridays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Marguerite de Fondaumiere (new tutor). $380 per 9-week term (including 9 model sessions)

Painting

Oil painting - portraits E 1010

Portraiture is compelling, interesting, and commonly considered one of the most difficult aspects of oil painting. However, when employing practical steps and technique, portrait painting can be a very rewarding activity.

This course will cover the fundamentals of portrait painting such as proportion, skin tone as well as general oil painting techniques to give students confidence and knowledge to portray the human face in oils. During classes we will discuss the work of some of the best portrait artists - Rembrandt, Sargent, Raphael as well as contemporary artists working in Australia.

Jackson welcomes all levels of oil painting experience and will guide students through various painting exercises and personal projects. This is an opportunity to learn about oil painting and to celebrate the rich and dynamic history of portraiture.

Mondays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Jackson Davies. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


The joy of painting and drawing E 1011

This class will cover design elements and principles, colour theory, composition, tone and basic perspective. We’ll also explore techniques, materials and subject matter during the course and some art history. The overall emphasis is about enjoying the experience of creating art. All levels welcome.

Mondays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Lyn Woodger-Grant. $310 per 9-week term
Paint with acrylics E 1009

A great class for the new artist! Be introduced to the world of painting in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Acrylics are the perfect medium for someone who is learning to paint with its wonderful textures and techniques.

Mondays, 7pm - 9.30pm
Tutor - Brandt Lewis. $310 per 9-week term 


From realism to abstraction: the versatility of acrylics E 1008

This course will take you on a journey that explores the many different applications of acrylic paint including mixed media and collage while also exploring new themes. Take your work from Realism to Expressionism and then into Abstraction. This is a course which does it all.

Mondays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Rachel Carroll. $310 per 9-week term


The travelling artist (new class) - E 1019

Have you ever wanted to travel but not leave your art behind, or to deepen your travel experience through your art? Throughout the ages, travel has stimulated artists’ understanding of light, colour, form and subject matter, yet the decisions of what you pack and how to approach your work can be challenging! In this course you are encouraged to experiment with different portable materials, sketchbooks and practices as we embark a series of ‘mini journeys’ around Sydney, exploring techniques, materials, approaches and mindsets to keep you drawing when you journey. You will come out of the course with a specific toolkit designed perfectly for the unique mode of travel you undertake, with a new excitement for the art you practice.

Tuesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Elizabeth Eastland. $310 per 9-week term


Painting and mixed media E1021

An ideal course for beginners or those wishing to improve their painting and drawing skills. Enjoy the learning process - be guided through the basic principles of painting and drawing, including tone, line, composition and perspective. Experience handling a variety of media including pastels, pencil, ink, watercolour and acrylic paint. Through these processes students are encouraged to explore and develop their own exciting and personal expression.

Tuesdays, 7pm - 9.30pm
Tutor - Brandt Lewis. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Towards abstraction E 1024

This is a class for those who want to take their art into abstraction, with a process of learning and experimenting with tools, mediums, methods and techniques - this includes making handmade brushes and tools. Each week students look at different artists via video and images, and their approach to abstraction - inquiring into styles and expressions helping to understand our own visual language. Connecting with emotion, taking risks, trust and intuition are integral to creating abstract art. Integrating drawing throughout and extending into mixed media. Enjoy the process and the result whilst increasing your understanding of colour, shape, design, texture, value and line. All welcome - some prior experience in drawing and painting is helpful.
 
Tuesdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Tutor - Jemma Roberts. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Botanical drawing and painting E 1039

Join a supportive daytime group and learn the exciting art of botanical painting and drawing through demonstrations and guided observations of structure, form, tone, texture and colour.

Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Shipra Shah. $310 per 9-week term


Exploration of painting techniques E1034

Creative learning to find your own distinct painting style. Individual teaching covering mixed media, medium, colour mixing, composition, observation of form and depth and research. Introduction to one portrait painting class, graphic or realistic study. Students are encouraged to develop self-expressive works in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Kim Sotheren. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Oil painting E 1038

You will learn the fundamentals of painting and during each session be introduced to new techniques so you build your skills. Students will learn about paint materials, the fundamental skills of tone and composition, different ways of applying paint, organising your palette and colours and how to move on to larger individual projects. This course is for beginners and intermediate students.

Wednesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Brandt Lewis. $310 per 9-week term


Artists' workshop E 1043

This workshop is perfect for those wishing to develop their own style by working from the human form, still life and landscape with a focus on creativity. Intermediate and experienced artists are welcome.
 
Thursdays, 9am - 12pm

Tutor - Erika Beck. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Oil painting (afternoon) E1044

This course is designed for beginners who wish to learn the basics of oil painting, as well as experienced students wishing to extend their knowledge and skills. Students have the opportunity to explore foundational oil painting techniques through a variety of exercises such as portraiture and still life studies. Students will be shown professional painting practices such as palette mixing, brush cleaning, planning processes, as well as discussions of painting mediums and pigments. In each class, you will be guided through painting projects and receive individual feedback. Jackson is committed to developing a positive dialogue between students to foster a welcoming studio environment. Above all, the course will give you a rounded education in artist’s materials as well as the confidence to develop your own paintings. 

Jackson has a Master of Cultural Materials Conservation and his teaching is informed by his knowledge of artist’s materials, tools and techniques. Jackson is an award-winning artist represented by Art2Muse in Woollahra. 

Thursdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Jackson Davies. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session) 


Saturday painters - release the inner artist E 1057

This structured class will deliver the basic fundamentals of painting and allow more advanced painters to discover new ways of working. This is a chance to explore stimulating concepts and ideas in an enthusiastic setting. All levels welcome.

Saturdays, 1pm - 4.30pm
Tutor - Marguerite de Fondaumiere (new tutor). $335 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)

Glass art

Glass Art E1050 - E1051

Learn to make unique creations in clear and coloured glass and sometimes even recycling old glass. Working with pure colour in transparent and opaque forms, pieces can include platters, bowls, sculpture, wall hangings, mobiles, jewellery or whatever your imagination allows. We will work together in a fun and relaxed environment and fire on-site so you can collect your pieces throughout the term. All levels welcome.

Fridays, 9.30am - 12.30pm
Tutor - Jan Blum. $350 per 9-week term (including firing of class work)

Fridays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Jan Blum. $350 per 9-week term (including firing of class work)

Guitar

Guitar for beginners E 1048

A beginner’s introduction to the guitar, targeted and structured for adults. You will learn techniques, basic chords, lead melody exercises as well as popular songs with a relaxed approach. The perfect introduction to learning an instrument for those who always wish they learned guitar when they were at school.

Thursdays, 7pm - 8pm
Tutor - Toby Fredkin. $255 per 9-week term. *Own guitar required


Guitar extension E 1049

This course is aimed at advanced guitarists with a solid knowledge and understanding of the guitar, who are comfortable with chords and lead melody exercises. It is designed for those who wish to develop and hone their skills through learning an array of contemporary songs.

Thursdays, 8pm - 9.30pm
Tutor - Toby Fredkin. $270 per 9-week term. *Own guitar required

Pottery and sculpture

Creative pottery - a journey with clay E 1006

Have fun and explore the tactile qualities of working with clay. This course will cover hand-building, wheelwork and sculptural forms, with emphasis on self expression. Beginners to advanced students are encouraged to express their creativity.

Mondays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor Julianne Smallwood. $340 per 9-week term (including firing and glazing of class work)


Creative pottery and sculptural forms E 1016

From timid beginners to advanced potters. The tactile sensuality of this forgiving medium will help find and extend your hidden talents. This flexible course covers sculptural forms, the wheel and hand-building.

Tuesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Jacqueline McBeath. $340 per 9-week term (including firing and glazing of class work)


Sculpture E 1017

Using life models as inspiration, explore the sensuous and tactile qualities of the sculptural form in clay. Students will be guided through self-initiated projects, exploring media such as soapstone, sandstone, plaster and resins.

Tuesdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor -  Helen Leete. $370 per 9-week term (including 4 model sessions and firing of class work)


Ceramic sculptural E 1018

Ceramics sculptural will use an array of hand building techniques, slip casting, surface decoration and glazing possibilities to express your imagination with this magnificent medium. This class is suitable for beginners to advanced.

Tuesdays, 7pm - 9.30pm
Tutor - Diamando Koutsellis. $340 per 9-week term (including firing and glazing of class work)


Ceramic hand building and surface treatments Wednesday E 1027 - E 1029

Ceramics is a wonderful form of self expression. In this course we will learn surface treatment techniques, focusing on hand building skills. Learn to create your own individual style. Each student will have one on one time with the teacher to talk about creative ideas and plans. This course welcomes all levels of experience.

Wednesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Kim-Anh Nguyen. $340 per 9-week term (including firing and glazing of class work)

Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Kim-Anh Nguyen. $340 per 9-week term (including firing and glazing of class work)


Ceramic hand building and surface treatments Thursday E 1040 - E 1041

Ceramics is a wonderful form of self expression. In this course we will learn surface treatment techniques, focusing on hand building skills. Learn to create your own individual style. Each student will have one on one time with the teacher to talk about creative ideas and plans. This course welcomes all levels of experience.

Thursdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Kim-Anh Nguyen. $340 per 9-week term (including glazing and firing of class work)

Thursdays, 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Tutor - Kim-Anh Nguyen. $340 per 9-week term (including glazing and firing of class work)


Creative pottery and sculptural forms E 1042

Suitable for beginners to advanced potters, this class explores the tactile sensuality of this medium and helps you find and extend your hidden talents. The course covers sculptural forms, the wheel and hand building.

Thursdays, 7pm - 9.30pm
Tutor - Julianne Smallwood. $340 per 9-week term (including glazing and firing of class work)

Printmaking

Printmaking - traditional to experimental E 1047

Explore printing techniques such as solarplate, etching, drypoint, lino, woodcut, collagraph and monotypes. Creative freedom is encouraged; find your own creative voice and pursue a body of your own work. Safer printmaking practices are used. Suitable for all levels of experience.

Thursdays, 9.30am - 1.30pm
Tutor - Susan Baran. $405 per 9-week term

Jewellery

Jewellery studio E 1056

An introduction to the ancient craft of jewellery making using sterling silver and base metals (copper, brass and nickel). Beginners learn to silver solder, cut, file and form metal to create their own rings, earrings or pendants. More advanced students can develop their personal style and progress their skills in areas such as stone setting. Suitable for all levels.

Fridays, 9am - 2pm
Tutor - Susanna Strati. $525* per 9-week term 

* Students must purchase metal and tools including jewellery saw blades, silver solder and emery papers. Some hand tools and larger equipment are provided. Continuing students can discuss jewellery specialist tools with the tutor.

Watercolour

Watercolour objects and compositions E 1012

Explore the beauty, versatility and delicate nature of watercolours. This course will develop skills and confidence to use watercolours for object drawing and still life. Topics include the principles of watercolour application and theory, sketching proportionately, creating depth in an object, detailing with light and tone, and the fundamentals of perspective and composition. Suitable for beginners or intermediate level.

Mondays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - Shipra Shah. $310 per 9-week term


Watercolour E 1022

Enjoy the beauty and magic of watercolour. It’s a great class for beginners to advanced. Be part of this dynamic class that covers composition, colour theory, tone and design.

Tuesdays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Ann Milch. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)


Watercolour with Tony Belobrajdic (evening) E 1055

Learn to paint quick, expressive watercolours with fewer brush strokes. Choosing one focal point of interest, learn to apply a decisive brush stroke and move on. Work with large brushes, adding shape against shape, stroke by stroke, leaving large areas of paper untouched. You will create atmosphere using a limited palette, simplify shapes avoiding too much detail, regardless of complexity of subject. Learn to make basic pencil sketches, then progress to paint directly with brush to produce artwork that is fresh and spontaneous. There will be a variety of subjects each term, with portraits being 30% of the course work. 

Thursdays, 7 - 9.30pm
Tutor - Tony Belobrajdic. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session) 


The art of watercolour E 1054

The vibrant freshness in watercolour allows you to create expressive and beautiful paintings and combine aspects of nature, animals and the human form. We’ll look at shadows (value), shapes (proportion) and composition (structure). Techniques and methods will also be shown. All levels are welcome.

Fridays, 9am - 12pm
Tutor - Dee Jackson. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session) 


Watercolour for all E 1053

Join this fun, relaxed course and discover this wonderful, soft yet powerful medium. You’ll begin by learning basic techniques, colour mixing and effects. Bring along your own subject - a favourite photo of a landscape, loved one or pet. You’ll be amazed by your progress in only a very short time.

Fridays, 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Tutor - John Wells. $320 per 9-week term (including 1 model session)

 

Weekend workshops

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