Watercolour Two (Daytime) with Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao

If you have completed our Watercolour One course, you're ready for the next exciting step......

Dates:  10 November – 1 December 2026
Times: Tuesday, 9:30pm – 12.00pm
Venue: NatureArt Lab, Workspace A, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

About the course:

This course continues the exploration of painting with watercolour looking at harmony in colour and combination of techniques.  Students will learn how to stretch paper and will complete a series of exercises and projects based on themes from nature. We will look at monochromatic, complementary and analogous colour schemes and will gain practice combining wet and dry techniques with transparent glazing.   

Watercolour Two is a recommended/prerequisite for the follow-on Watercolour Three and Four. 

Learning outcomes:

- An enhanced ability to identify and mix colour and an understanding of how different hues affect each other.

- Skills in stretching paper

- Further skills in transparent glazing and applying washes on wet and dry

- An understanding of highlights, surface and cast shadow

Prerequisites/level:   Suitable for 16+ ages, beginners who have completed Watercolour ONE and those wanting to revise their practice.

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. 

Image credit: Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao

Please contact us if you have any questions at: info@natureartlab.com.au