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Workshops - 2026 Term 1

Watercolour Workshop: Italian Magical Light.
Sunday 18th January 1pm-5pm
John Orlando Birt
From the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society Inc., John will be conducting a 1-day Watercolour Workshop: Italian Magical Light.
John is a celebrated en plein air painter who loves the adventure of discovering new locations to paint, as well as the challenges that plein air painting presents. He has lived in Italy through his work in industrial design and continues to travel there regularly, drawing inspiration from its landscapes, architecture, and light.
Step into the enchanting world of Italy in this Italian-themed workshop! Immerse yourself in the charm of sunlit buildings, sparkling waters, reflections, and boats gently bobbing in harbors.
Under John’s guidance, you will explore the concept of “Magical Light” – learning how to capture the shimmering quality of light as it dances across surfaces, buildings, and water. The workshop emphasizes creating your painting’s first impression through light, giving your compositions depth, mood, and a sense of wonder.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you will enjoy a day of experimentation, practical guidance, and inspiration, leaving you with a painting full of Italian magic.
Spaces are limited – secure your place and let the light inspire your art!
John recommends that students bring their own colours, but emphasizes that the right paper is essential for best results.
From the Twenty Melbourne Painters Society Inc., John will be conducting a 1-day Watercolour Workshop: Italian Magical Light.
John is a celebrated en plein air painter who loves the adventure of discovering new locations to paint, as well as the challenges that plein air painting presents. He has lived in Italy through his work in industrial design and continues to travel there regularly, drawing inspiration from its landscapes, architecture, and light.
Step into the enchanting world of Italy in this Italian-themed workshop! Immerse yourself in the charm of sunlit buildings, sparkling waters, reflections, and boats gently bobbing in harbors.
Under John’s guidance, you will explore the concept of “Magical Light” – learning how to capture the shimmering quality of light as it dances across surfaces, buildings, and water. The workshop emphasizes creating your painting’s first impression through light, giving your compositions depth, mood, and a sense of wonder.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, you will enjoy a day of experimentation, practical guidance, and inspiration, leaving you with a painting full of Italian magic.
Spaces are limited – secure your place and let the light inspire your art!
John recommends that students bring their own colours, but emphasizes that the right paper is essential for best results.

Watercolour Workshop:
Australian Summer Light
Sunday 25th Jan 1pm-5pm
John Orlando Birt
Watercolour Workshop:
Australian Summer Light.
Capture golden tones, blue summer skies, and the radiant warmth of sunlight across the land. John will demonstrate how to use light, colour, and tone to create paintings that glow with atmosphere and life.
This workshop is designed for all experience levels and promises a relaxed, creative day filled with practical tips and artistic inspiration.
Places are limited – secure your spot and paint the magic of Australian summer light!
Students are encouraged to bring their own colours. Please ensure you use the right paper for best results.
Watercolour Workshop:
Australian Summer Light.
Capture golden tones, blue summer skies, and the radiant warmth of sunlight across the land. John will demonstrate how to use light, colour, and tone to create paintings that glow with atmosphere and life.
This workshop is designed for all experience levels and promises a relaxed, creative day filled with practical tips and artistic inspiration.
Places are limited – secure your spot and paint the magic of Australian summer light!
Students are encouraged to bring their own colours. Please ensure you use the right paper for best results.

Intro to Linocut Printmaking:
Sun 1st Feb
1.00pm-5.00pm
Cecilia Jacobs
Course Description:
Immerse yourself in the expressive world of linocut printmaking.
In this one-day workshop, you’ll explore the tactile process of designing, carving, and printing your very own linocut artwork. Guided step-by-step from initial sketch to final print, you’ll discover the joy of transforming simple materials into bold, hand-crafted images. You’ll leave with a collection of your own prints, a deeper understanding of the creative process, and the confidence to continue experimenting with printmaking at home. No prior experience is necessary.
Course Description:
Immerse yourself in the expressive world of linocut printmaking.
In this one-day workshop, you’ll explore the tactile process of designing, carving, and printing your very own linocut artwork. Guided step-by-step from initial sketch to final print, you’ll discover the joy of transforming simple materials into bold, hand-crafted images. You’ll leave with a collection of your own prints, a deeper understanding of the creative process, and the confidence to continue experimenting with printmaking at home. No prior experience is necessary.

Ink, Pen & Wash - 2 Day Workshop:
19th & 20th January
It Hao Pheh
This ink and watercolour course explores mostly urban scenes, benefiting those who admire buildings and cities. Based on basic material, the methods used, together with practice, will quickly enable you to develop creativity and imagination.
Each course will be a different and educational experience, designed for you to achieve the best results in the shortest period. At the same time, studies of composition, perspective and figure work will be added in to form a wide understanding.
Various techniques will be introduced and short demonstrations will be done throughout. This course will definitely improve your skills to bring the urban scenes to life.
This course will be a mix of plein air and studio, weather pending.
Please wear comfortable footwear, a hat, a chair and BYO drinks and lunch.
Class days and times:
Day 1 Jan 19 - Monday 10.00am-3.00pm
Day 2 Jan 20 - Tuesday 10.00am-4.00pm
Location:
Brighton Art Society Inc
Bayside’s Arts & Cultural Centre, Level 1, 32 Wilson Street, Brighton Victoria 3186
This ink and watercolour course explores mostly urban scenes, benefiting those who admire buildings and cities. Based on basic material, the methods used, together with practice, will quickly enable you to develop creativity and imagination.
Each course will be a different and educational experience, designed for you to achieve the best results in the shortest period. At the same time, studies of composition, perspective and figure work will be added in to form a wide understanding.
Various techniques will be introduced and short demonstrations will be done throughout. This course will definitely improve your skills to bring the urban scenes to life.
This course will be a mix of plein air and studio, weather pending.
Please wear comfortable footwear, a hat, a chair and BYO drinks and lunch.
Class days and times:
Day 1 Jan 19 - Monday 10.00am-3.00pm
Day 2 Jan 20 - Tuesday 10.00am-4.00pm
Location:
Brighton Art Society Inc
Bayside’s Arts & Cultural Centre, Level 1, 32 Wilson Street, Brighton Victoria 3186

Oil Painting Workshop: Impressionism Still Life.
Sunday 22nd March 1pm-5pm
Ray Wilson
Join Ray for an inspiring still life oil painting session where he will share his personal approach through a live demonstration, then provide individual guidance as you create your own artwork. Learn how to bring your paintings to life with a focus on composition, colour, tone, measurement, and angles. Participants will also receive detailed notes outlining Ray’s techniques and methods — a valuable resource to continue developing your skills beyond the class.
Tuition fees
Members - $70
Visitors - $110
Join Ray for an inspiring still life oil painting session where he will share his personal approach through a live demonstration, then provide individual guidance as you create your own artwork. Learn how to bring your paintings to life with a focus on composition, colour, tone, measurement, and angles. Participants will also receive detailed notes outlining Ray’s techniques and methods — a valuable resource to continue developing your skills beyond the class.
Tuition fees
Members - $70
Visitors - $110
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