In this course we will continue to develop drawing skills focusing on forms in nature and progressing from preliminary to finished works. We will use further exercises with graphite, conte pencil and pen and ink to train the eye. We will also introduce techniques with colour pencil.  Topics will include foreshortening, symmetry, spirals and how the Fibonacci series relates to complex forms in nature.  Students will gain the maximum benefit from this course by completing at least 3 hours practice between classes. Suitable for students who have completed Introduction to Drawing or those with some previous drawing experience. Morning tea will be available.  19 October - 29 November 2018 (6 weeks x 3 hour sessions); Please note: no class on 9 November. Friday mornings from 9.30am - 12.30pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

Learn all the basics of nature photography and how to successfully photograph wildlife (from insects to mammals), landscapes and nature in general! Learn how to be technical and creative with your nature photography. Over four three-hour sessions you will learn in detail: camera equipment, exposure, lenses, getting sharp images, light, composition, macro and close-up, flash, approaching animals and digital editing. Includes a hands-on practical session in the field to apply techniques. Please contact us if you have any further questions on requirements or details of the course. Refreshments are included for the program. Limited to 10 students.  Theory sessions: September 6, 13, 20 and 27 (6.00pm - 9.00pm) Practical session: September 23 (8.40am - 3.00pm) Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith  

Learn how to use pastels and pastel pencils over a six week course with master pastellist, Ellouise Theron. Learn about the materials and techniques required to create textures and effects with small experimental studies, then progress to create accurate and dynamic pastel paintings using these techniques.You will focus on composition, drawing, the importance of value in a painting and colour theory. Students will be able to use their own reference material or tutor-provided reference.  Suitable for all levels of experience from beginners through to anyone wishing to revise their pastel painting. A materials list will be provided. Refreshments are included.  15 October - 19 November 2018 (6 weeks x 3 hour sessions) Monday mornings 9.30am - 12.30pm Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to painting with watercolour. Through a series of exercises and projects students will learn about materials, stretching paper, different properties of pigments and basic techniques for applying paint to paper.  Suitable for beginners and those wanting to revise their practice. Refreshments will be available. 25 October, 1 November, 15 November, 22 November (4 weeks x 3 hour sessions) Thursday evenings 6.00pm - 9.00pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

Learn the principles and techniques of botanical art, in order to create a realistic botanical watercolour painting. You will observe and draw plants, looking at composition, tone and form, then bring the drawing to life using washes, glazes and dry brush work for fine details.  Suitable for beginners through to intermediate students. Morning tea is provided. A materials list will be provided on booking. Wednesday 17 October - 21 November 2018 (6 weeks x 3 hour sessions) 9.30am - 12.30pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Canberra  

Insects have existed for around 400 million years, making them the most successful life-forms on Earth. Australia is home to an astonishing number and variety of insects - well over 80,000 species have already been assigned scientific names but the majority remain undescribed. Insects vary enormously in size, shape and colour, providing wonderful subjects for illustrators.  This six-week series of classes with professional illustrator Peter Marsack will explore insects and the ways we can illustrate them, concentrating on a variety of Heteropteran bugs to working across a range of insect families, some familiar and some less so. Sessions will look at understanding the structure of insects as a way of building up drawings and paintings; the use of magnification in drawing, the use of references, especially specimens and photos; and the process of rendering in pencil, ink (including scraperboard), watercolour and gouache. Demonstrations will form part of all practical illustration sessions.  Peter is an award-winning artist with extensive experience; he has drawn and painted insects ranging from tiny Collembollans to wasps, dragonflies, mantids and butterflies. Suitable for all levels of experience, though it would be an advantage to have completed Drawing 1 (or equivalent). Participants will have the option of working from specimens that we provide or developing artwork from their own references with expert guidance.  Refreshments provided; Materials list available on booking. Course dates; 15 October - 19 November 2018 (6 weeks) Date/Times: Monday evenings 6.00 - 9.00pm Venue: Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith      

Learn how to paint a magpie with experienced artist and tutor Lesley Wallington! Understand the magpie's character and anatomy, develop your use of pencil techniques for quick sketches and transfer of a drawing.  Learn basic watercolour techniques, colour mixing, creating light and shade and transparent layering. Create a completed artwork by the end of the day. Suitable for beginners and intermediate level students. 9.30am - 4.30pm Saturday 24 November 2018 Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith

Give the gift of art inspired by nature at Canberra's only natural history art school!   

Using moth images and actual specimens of white, or almost white moths, you will explore the various ways a white subject can be captured with coloured pencil. The coloured pencil medium is capable of conveying beautiful textures. Subtle strokes and layering will be explained as well as the tools and papers used to achieve different effects.  Suitable for all levels of experience. Morning and afternoon tea available. Please bring your own lunch. Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September 2018. 9.30am - 4.30pm both days. Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

Creating feathers and fur in colour pencil is both inspiring and achievable. Janet will teach different techniques with the colour pencil to capture the vibrant colours of the birds as well as the soft and bristly fur of Australian animals. Students will also learn how to infuse their drawings with life and personality, an essential element of Janet’s own artworks. Each day will have a different subject with all the techniques needed to continue your own artworks in the future. This workshop is suitable for all levels of skill, as Janet teaches with step by step demonstration and personal instruction.  A materials list will be provided on booking; refreshments are available. Please bring your own lunch on both days.  17 - 18 November 2018 Saturday and Sunday from 9.30am - 4.30pm each day Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith.  

This course is an intensive drawing weekend where you will be working with and looking closely at insect specimens from our beautiful natural history collection, with artistic guidance from accomplished artist John Forrester Clack. Through drawing you will be rendering as accurately as possible on to cotton paper tone, shade and texture using a full range of graphite pencils. This will demand a great deal of dexterity, visual concentration in looking and creative mark-making to explore these small and beautiful creatures. Students will have access to binocular microscopes and USB microscopes for observation. This workshop will offer two approaches to drawing - Day One will focus on detailed scientific approaches; Day Two will offer a choice of tackling the subject as a continuation of a detailed scientific approach OR to present an artistic portrayal in a large and flamboyant interpretation. Suitable for all levels of experience. A materials list will be provided on booking.  22 - 23 September 2018 (two day workshop) Saturday and Sunday 9.30am - 4.30pm Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith.

Experience Floriade through a drawing and sketching workshop with Julia Landford. Price details and bookings will be available soon through Floriade!

Join a fabulous tulip pastel workshop with Amanda Gear.  Price details and bookings will be available soon through Floriade!

Slow down. Look at nature. Find your inspiration in the natural world. Join us for an inspiring, creative session where you'll learn how nature and art can be combined to create unique, beautiful and captivating artistic images. Whether you're a complete beginner or an accomplished artist, you will develop your skills of observation, drawing and appreciation for our natural environment.  You will be provided with your very own visual diary. Bring a pen, pencil or other sketching materials and enjoy some drawing and observation time!  Sunday 9 December 2018, 10.00am - 12.30pm Venue: Banks Building, Australian National Botanical Gardens Image: Julia Landford