scroll down for more information about:
how to paint in watercolour
watercolour master class
watercolour in the classroom
how to finish a painting
notes

introduction

These are some of the workshops Christine uses as the basis of her painting teaching. This is not an complete list: Christine is happy to work with you to create learning experiences that match the needs of your artists. Contact us to discuss with Christine how we can work with you. 

  how to paint in watercolour

beginner's, introduction or reminder class
Watercolour is a beatuifully simple medium, with a terrifyingly complicated reputation. This workshop is about the medium as well as the picture. It is so designed that by lunchtime on the first day the student will understand (or be reminded of) everything there is to know about painting in watercolour. The class investigates what makes this medium special, how to handle its peculiarities and some conservation issues - collating the learning experiences in a small sample book for reference.
In a two day workshop, the second day builds on the first day’s information by applying it to the practice of making a picture. Colour and tone are investigated. Elements of composition are referred to within the context of critical analysis. Students come away from this day with a small painting illustrating their understanding of how to approach any subject from conception to completion. Subsequent days explore different challenges such as painting out of doors without the need for a sherpa; painting from life; creating the illusion of distance; the problems of painting Australian trees in the landscape etc.
suitable for beginning artists, painters from other media, watercolourists with some experience, lapsed watercolourists
type: one or two day workshop, week long (or longer) workshop, individual tutorial
materials: Artists may need to bring their own painting gear, however paper appropriate to the learning experiences will need to be purchased from the teacher. Some paint and brushes will be available for purchase if required and if there isn't an art shop in the town.  A detailed material list will be sent prior to the workshop.
media: watercolour on paper
class size: up to 15 unless every participant is at the same stage of development
other: see notes below
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watercolour master-class 
for artist who want to be reminded of their ability and gently nudged out of the rut of their own experience

This workshop is aimed at painters who are already using the medium of watercolour in their artistic practice: in fact students must have completed at least 20 watercolours to be eligible for enrolment in this class. Experienced watercolourists will find themselves challenged (in the nicest possible way) - on the first day concentrating on extending their knowledge of the medium with experimentation with various papers, mediums and techniques etc. The second day will be about the picture: taking control of the composition at the beginning, middle and end. We’ll look at an effective critical strategy that works on building success and give the artist tools to go away even more confident and successful.
suitable for artist who have some painting experience
pre-requisite: artists who have painted and signed at least 20 paintings
type: 1 or 2 day workshop, individual tutorial
materials: sample paper packet will need to be purchased at cost from the tutor. Artist will need to bring all their usual painting gear.
media: watercolour on paper
class size: up to about 15
other: see notes below
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watercolour in the classroom

Christine has had much success working with high school art groups creating learning experiences resulting in young artists feeling more comfortable drawing what is in front of them. For more information about workshops created for primary and high school classes as well as professional development for teachers go to the artist in the classroom.
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  how to finish a painting  

"there’s something wrong with this painting but I don’t know what it is …" 
This is a workshop that looks at what happens after the inspiration and indeed most of the perspiration. It’s about the logic of what your audience sees and how to get them to see what had inspired you. It explains the reasons for some of the compositional “rules” we’ve been taught, such as “never put anything in the middle” etc. We look at thirds, halves and how patterns and geometry can take control of the painting without us even knowing it.

In this workshop, Christine will explain briefly how she makes a painting – which may be different to what you have been shown before. Then she’ll describe how she analyses a finished piece using the four fingernails of success theory (how to tell if a painting really is a failure) and the seven questions to see with (how to look beyond the subject to the picture itself). Armed with these tools, and with the tutor’s support, the participants will work on and resolve their own previously “failed” or unfinished works during the day.

This workshop is aimed at creating independent artists, with strategies to solve problems such as what to do when teachers or peers are too far away or how to train your “innocent bystander” so that he or she actually helps. Participants will leave this workshop with, as well as an improved painting or two, a greater understanding of what their painting is saying and how to identify the potential for success in all the paintings we do.
suitable for (but not a pre-requisite) artists who have a few paintings under their belt
type of workshop: one or two day workshop, indiviual tutorial
material: artists will be working with their own materials, but will need to bring at least three paintings that they've given up on, finished and hate , or think could be better + two pieces of A4 paper - one for each set of questions that will change the way they view their painting forever. A detailed material list will be sent prior to the workshop.
media: any works on paper especially water based media. Adjustments can be made for artists who work on board or canvas
class size: up to 10
other: see notes below
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