Introduction to Australian Landscape in Acrylics with Xiaochen (Fiona) Bao (NEW!)

Interested in creating your own landscape paintings using acrylics?

This course is an accessible introduction to the medium, focusing on foundational techniques and colour theory to capture the unique essence of the Australian landscape.

Dates: 6 – 27 March
Times: Fridays 9.30am - 12.30pm
Venue: NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith; free parking is available at either the front or both sides of the building.

About the Course

This course will cover the basics of acrylic painting, including how to get
familiar with essential tools and materials. You will learn to mix colours and apply various
brushwork techniques such as dry brushing, wet-on-wet, and using different types of brushes.

The course is designed for beginners, and we will work on smaller sizes to help you feel comfortable as you practice.

You can choose your own subject matter based on your preferences, whether it's a vast outback scene, a tranquil beach, or a lush forest. The course will guide you through the process of composition, colour application, and painting to help you complete more than one finished acrylic landscape painting.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge of materials and equipment: Understand the properties and uses of acrylic paints, brushes, canvases, and other basic materials.
• Colour theory: Learn to use colour in acrylic painting, including how to mix primary colours and create harmonious colour palettes.
• Demonstrated understanding of painting techniques: Learn and practice various acrylic painting techniques, such as dry brushing, wet-on-wet, and using a palette knife.
• Composition and creation: Understand how to approach and develop a landscape composition, from initial sketching to the final layers of paint.
• Confidence in creating: Gain the confidence to create your own acrylic paintings.
• Level of Experience: This course is suitable for beginners with no prior painting experience.

Materials List: All materials listed will be provided.

• Acrylic paints (basic set)
• Brushes (various sizes and shapes)
• Paper
• Palette
• Water container
• Paper towels

About the Tutor: Xiaochen(Fiona) Bao is a children’s book illustrator, fine artist and emerging curator based in Canberra. Xiaochen was born in Taiyuan, Shanxi, a city that is extremely rich in Chinese cultural history and traditional Chinese art. She has been studying art in Canada and the U.S. for years. Profoundly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist doctrines, she wishes her art to transmit similar positive and natural energy to the environment and viewers while inspiring meditation. She is inspired by both eastern and western ancient poems, songs, myths, and of course nature. The colors in her paintings are always dreamy, soft and harmonious. She believes that the natural environment is the one of the best catalysts for artworks, and she is passionate about exploring possibilities of acrylic paint.