Watercolour Three with Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao

Continue your journey in painting with watercolour with this four-week course designed to develop your skills and confidence with leading watercolourist Lesley Wallington.

About the course:
In this course we will further our understanding of colour theory and look at perspective and composition. Students will complete several worksheets and
nature-based studies gaining skills in selecting a palette, mixing colour and combining wet techniques with transparent glazing. We will continue our practice with positive and negative, creation of ground and use of surface and cast shadow to show volume in form. Watercolour Three is a recommended prerequisite for Watercolour Four.

• Dates/Days:  18 August – 8 September
  
• Times: Tuesdays 9.30pm - 12.00pm
  
• Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, Canberra

Learning outcomes:
- An enhanced ability to see light and dark and an understanding of colour contrast.
- practice in choosing colour palettes
- Experience working with watercolour on different paper surfaces.
- Further skills in combining wet techniques with transparent glazing.
- understanding of simple perspective and composition.

Suitable for students 16+ who have completed Watercolour One and Two or who
have experience painting with watercolour and wish to further their skills.

About the tutor:
Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao is a Canberra-based fine artist, children’s book illustrator, and dedicated art educator whose work celebrates the spiritual essence and intricate beauty of the natural world. Drawing on her extensive international arts education—including a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York and a Master of Arts in Art History and Curatorial Studies from the ANU—Fiona brings a profound depth of both theoretical and practical knowledge to her practice.

Deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, Fiona believes that attentive observation of nature is both a creative and therapeutic act. Her artworks, which frequently highlight the quiet strength of flora and fauna, aim to transmit positive, grounding energy while inspiring mindfulness in the viewer.

As a teacher with years of experience guiding students of all ages across a diverse range of mediums, Fiona combines deep artistic theory with straightforward, practical instruction. In her watercolor classes, she expertly breaks down fluid dynamics and sophisticated color theory—such as utilizing a "limited palette" to create luminous, breathable shadows without relying on harsh black pigments. An enthusiastic advocate for using art to connect with the environment, Fiona possesses the unique ability to inspire and direct a class while encouraging the individual style, curiosity, and creative expression of each student.

NatureArt Lab Awards

2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT

2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT.