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.

What on Earth is Art ?

With all the perplexity and misguided perceptions concerning today's definition of art - it is little wonder people are confused.

I believe much of the bewilderment surrounding the meaning of art is a result of people's tendency to use object-referral thinking by using other peoples' opinions as the means for formulating their own.  Art, both the creating and enjoying of it, ought to be intrinsic.  You should never let anyone else's opinion cloud your own perception of an art piece. 

 I have stopped trying to explain my work to others as I realize that the interpretation of a piece is in the eye of the beholder.  We each see the world through our own unique window that has been created by our personal experiences, our thoughts and our conditioned thinking.

Self Participation.

Art is a means by which we celebrate our individuality and diversity.  The form it takes can be anything from the way in which we choose to decorate our homes, the music we select, the films we watch, the meals we craft to the drawings we sketch.  Everyone has a fundamental urge to participate in some form of creative expression at some stage in his or her life.  It is an integral part of our being.  Sometimes we dismiss the importance of art because its not needed to sustain existence on this planet.  If you were an animal this would be true, but the need for creative expression and appreciation of beauty distinguishes us from animals.  We have a subconscious craving to stimulate body, mind and soul.  Our spirit also needs its nourishment and creativity is a way in which we can get in touch with that part of ourselves.

Art is a physical or material manifestation of ethereal thought, feeling or spirit.

Throughout history art has been created for many reasons; meditation, wealth, to communicate, to protest, to express culture, define religion, to decorate and just for pure pleasure. Art, therefore is an extension of self, ones culture, and reflects our history.

Is there such a thing as good or bad art?

 My fundamental answer to this question lies within another question. Who's opinion are you thinking? The art (including music, theatre, writing etc.) you are drawn to or distain are a reflection of your own unique personality. No one should be able to tell you who you are. Some art critics, gallery owners and dealers tend to want to be the sole definers of "good art" and "bad art."  There will never be a clear universal definition of what art is because everyone's perceptions, tastes, experiences and ideas are so different.

Art, in its various forms, is an important part of life. It adds to the color, excitement, joy and beauty to our vibrant, diverse world.  Without it the earth could be a cultural desert and we would be one more step away from knowing who we are and why we were born onto this planet in mystery.

- By Bonny Hut

Contact Bonny Hut: Phone/ text or Whatsapp: +61 0439 658588
Email: bbw(at)bonnyhut.net
Courses are generally held in Melbourne (Northcote and Sunbury)
and Ballarat, VIC, and once in a while in Bali, Indonesia.
Bridge Between Worlds ABN: 7555 9037 220