The busyness of modern life often severs the connectedness of us from our emotions and spirit. For many this results in depression and a sense of "lack of purpose." The art workshops help to facilitate the growth of wholeness, helps people to lighten up and have fun through being creative.

Whether you are a serious artist, a beginner or a hobby artist the workshops  provide an uplifting, happy, unpretentious environment for people to spend a few hours a week being creative, reducing stress and meeting with like minded people.

The workshops are tailored to individual needs, recognizing that people have different personalities and intentions for wanting to learn how to create art. Different approaches to painting and drawing are encouraged using your "own voice", and working with subject matter that is of interest to you.

The fundamental basics of painting and drawing (that are not covered by some Tafe art courses and many fine art institutions )are covered. These include the principles of design ( ideas, composition and drawing), techniques, tonal values, materials and color theory. Tuition can vary from highly technical photo-realism to very practical (constructive) abstraction.

Most  people who come to my workshops are beginners (never having painted or drawn before)  but some are artists just wanting to brush-up and refine their skills including students wanting help with portfolio preparation.


 

 

 

Most frequently asked questions about the art classes and courses.

 

Can I still do the beginners painting course if I have never picked up a brush?

In the beginners courses 80% of the people have never picked up a brush before and 20% of the students are artists wanting to brush up on their skills or learn new things. People often feel inadequate when attempting something new for the first time and many people who are new to art feel they may not have any "natural talent." You are not alone - most people feel the same way but the truth is absolute beginners are often easier to teach because they have far less "bad habits" to unlearn.

 What is the main subject matter focussed on in the beginners course?

We mainly focus on portraiture however you are not obliged to do a portrait but it is a good place to start because it helps
to train your eye so you can go on to paint other things further down the track if you choose. We will discuss this in
the class but everyone's needs are different so it is flexable.

Do I need to bring an easel or a board?

Easels and boards were provided but now that the classes are online you will need to get your own. This can be discussed in the class.

What genre and style of painting do you teach?

Bonny is a visionary artist (imaginary realism) but teaches mostly principles from the traditional realism genre as this is a good base from which a person can develop their own style. Many of the principles in abstract art and realism are also the same such as the principle of creating mood, principle of engaging the viewer and many of the design conscepts.

Bonny likes to expirament with many ideas regarding the application of paint but her style is mostly smooth / no brushstrokes / polished off. Each person has their own unique, natural style ranging from very loose / free / painterly strokes to the more controlled methods of painting. It is vital that each person finds their own style but when they begin they usually have no idea what their own style is. This topic will be discussed at length in the class.