Art Est. holds many weekend courses and workshops that cater for burgeoning artists too busy to escape the 9-5 during the week!

Push the boundaries and try something new, or enjoy a day learning new skills and techniques from your favourite artist.

Workshops are designed to enable you to immerse yourself in one or two days of creativity and with a maximum of 12 students, so you are guaranteed individual attention. Easels and drawing boards are provided in the Art Est. studio, and you will be emailed your list of materials to bring. Some courses have a small fee for supplementary materials that are best supplied to the group by the tutor.

Workshops are usually held on Sundays, and some Saturdays, at the Art Est. studios with some classes venturing into the great outdoors. Complement your term class with a workshop to build your skills and explore new media!

There is plenty of free onsite parking, especially on the weekend, so it has never been easier to have an artistic escape! Find out more about our tutors on the Artists page.  You can also click on the tutor's name in the course information below to find out more.

Join our mailing list to receive monthly updates about courses, workshops and events at Art Est. Feel free to call us on 9564 1519 to discuss your options.

Students 15 years and over are also welcome to enrol in any adult art class.

Note that other weekday classes are listed on the Daytime Courses page.

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This course will look at two distinct approaches to painting; the alla prima technique (completing a painting in one sitting) and building up a painting in several layers. We will discuss the fundamentals of composition, light, tone, colour and expression as they relate to these two approaches including techniques for underpainting, working with a limited palette and working with opaque and transparent paints.

Students will complete four small paintings using the alla prima technique and one larger painting, built up in layers. The choice of subject is up to the student.

The first class we will be working from a still life object so bring a few items that you might like to paint (flowers, fruit, bowls, pots etc). Bring a canvas 40cmx40cm or smaller and whatever oil or acrylic paints and brushes you already have – materials will be discussed in the first class so don’t buy anything especially until then.

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Learn quickly how to paint with the tricky medium of watercolour. You will be taught how to keep colours transparent and beautiful. We will cover different subjects from still life to flowers and landscape in a loose style that does not concentrate on a lot of detail. This method will enable you to tackle all sorts of subjects with confidence. You will come away with a feeling of wonder and addiction to this extraordinary watery paint.

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Discover the wonderful world of printmaking and throw away any preconceived notions from your school day experiences! Printmaking is such a great art form. This course will introduce you to the basic principles of printmaking through the use of monotype, drypoint etching, collograph and relief techniques. In the process of completing three printing projects, you will learn to use the printing press, the tools for cutting the matrixes and the process of editioning. As well, you will explore the rich history of printmaking as a fine art medium.

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So you've seen the masterpieces of Picasso at the AGNSW, now it's your turn to learn his techniques using a variety of materials and approaches to making art.  This course will include collage, wall relief, sculpture, painting and drawing.  A great introduction to the art of Picasso, and the man who changed the way we view the world!

Students will be introduced to a variety of ways of making art using references to Picasso’s work. A fun and engaging program for everyone, no matter what your artistic ability.

Come along and explore your inner Picasso and have some fun!

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In this workshop enjoy creating a series of  small paintings on board, water colour paper, canvas and other supports.

Understanding and using various methods and techniques incorporating the use of modelling compounds, liquid pencil, inks, water colours acrylics and gold leaf. Suitable to the raw beginner or to the more advanced student.

Each student will learn freedom of expression, have fun working with various mediums and techniques. Take home finished paintings and a wealth of knowledge to use in the future.

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Learn quickly how to paint with the tricky medium of watercolour. You will be taught how to keep colours transparent and beautiful. We will cover different subjects from still life to flowers and landscape in a loose style that does not concentrate on a lot of detail. This method will give you the essential techniques to tackle all sorts of subjects with confidence. You will come away with a feeling of wonder and addiction to this extraordinary watery paint and be confident that you can tackle anything.

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Learn to draw and paint animals from Taronga Zoo with Rachel Fairfax, who took part in Taronga Zoo's inaugural Zoo Air (Artists in Residence) in 2009.

In the first day of this 3 day workshop, you'll be visiting Taronga Zoo with your tutor and class. Make sketches, take photographs of animals, birds and reptiles and find the inspiration for the work you will do back in the Art Est. studio.

Returning to the Art Est studios for Saturday and Sunday, learn how to translate their drawings and photographs into paintings.  Skills in drawing on site, translating drawings into paintings, composition, colour and paint application will be taught by Rachel using examples from other artists’ work and Rachel’s own work.

Note that you will need to make your own arrangements for getting to Taronga Zoo.

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Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Barbara has studied art and natural history drawing in the UK and Canada and currently works as a teacher of Botanical Illustration for Education Department, the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Eden Gardens and Mitchell Art School, Charles Sturt University.

In this one day workshop you will learn from Barbara the art of botanical illustration and produce a series of studies drawn from flowers and fauna.

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This two day workshop is perfect for anyone who has limited art experience and wants a crash course in the fundamentals of drawing and painting.

Day 1 will take a traditional approach and teach you essential drawing skills step by step. Starting with observational drawings of simple objects, learn how to draw using the principals of tone, complementary colours, shading and more working in pastels

Day 2 you will learn about paints and painting materials. Starting with monochromatic paintings of simple still life objects, you will learn methods of applying paint as well as how to create light, shade and volume in your paintings. Students will then progress to painting with colour, learning the fundamentals of colour theory, colour mixing, and uses of complementary colours in painting.

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This three part workshop will be an introduction to and a demonstration of the application of several colour intaglio processes using safe etching techniques. Secondly, to explore the skills required in the production of a Limited Edition Original fine Art Prints.

You will be guided through the indirect methods of etching on aluminium plates. Create your own personal visual imagery in a SAFER printmaking environment. With humour and support, the tutor will have a range of techniques for you to try, gaining full understanding of each process.

Learn about different approaches, through discussions, demonstrations and hands on plate-making and printing. The tutor will share her experience and joy of printmaking and you will come away with a fresh eye for your work and the endless possibilities of printmaking.