Bee Illustration in Watercolour | Heidi Willis

We’re so excited to have Heidi Willis returning to the Sunshine Coast for a buzzing new 3-day workshop. Heidi will guide you through the full process of creating a beautifully rendered bee illustration, step by step, in a warm and supportive studio environment.

This popular workshop and subject present students with the ultimate opportunity to explore critical painting techniques with a focus on detail and dry brushing techniques.

“Bees are such a joy to paint, full of intricate detail, personality and beauty. From their fine hairs and delicate wings to the golden glow of their bodies and the structures they interact with, bees offer a world of creative and technical opportunity for artists at every level.... so for all my DRY BRUSHERS out there, my BEE lovers, and those wanting to improve your detailing work, this is one for you.”

About this workshop

Students will be creating a bee illustration (variety yet to be decided) measuring between 10 and 15cms in size for this deep dive into subject, medium and self. .

• Guided, Personalised Instruction: With full demonstrations, one-on-one guidance, and a relaxed, hands-on environment, you’ll have the support you need to explore and learn new things, and to grow your skills with confidence.
• A Unique Subject: Bees are a beautiful and meaningful focus, a favourite critter and subject, thats so artistically rich and endlessly inspiring. This workshop offers something different and rewarding for every student.
• A Creative Retreat: Held in the peaceful Sunshine Coast studio, this is more than just a workshop, it's a chance to step away for a wonderful, warmer winters break, to unplug, create, and reconnect with the joy of painting in a friendly, like-minded group.

What will I learn?

• Painting with Purpose: We'll dive into essential watercolour techniques, including wash and glaze, but with a stronger dry brushing focus, tailored to help you handle the fine textures and subtle tones that really bring such subjects to refinement and life.
• Build Confidence: We’ll break down the process of rendering our bee into approachable steps and stages, helping you to grasp a clearer path forwards, improve your accuracy, painting skills, and to build new confidence.
• Detail & Texture: Learn how to paint soft hairs, reflective wings, and all the beautiful nuances that make bees so captivating and realistic. Were all about technique, colour and texture in this.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is suitable for artists with any level of experience, whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up the brush for the first time. Yes, you absolutely CAN do it, you’ll see. So come along and enjoy learning more about this wonderful art form and medium.

What do I need to bring?

You can supply your own paints or you can rent a paint pack for $35 for the duration of the workshop. Please pre order your paint pack in advance by emailing us at team@bienarte.com.au

Watercolours:
Heidi uses Artist quality Winsor & Newton. This is her full list: 
Winsor Violet                                 Perylene Maroon         Permanent Rose 
Permanent Magenta                     Winsor Red Indigo      French Ultramarine Blue 
Raw Sienna                                    Burnt Sienna                Olive Green 
Permanent Sap Green                  Cobalt Blue                 Cerulean Blue 
Green Gold                                     Winsor Lemon             Cadmium Yellow 
Scarlet Lake                                   Neutral Tint 

Other Items:
• Pencil - 2B 
• Mechanical pencil 0.5 mm HB 
• White plastic eraser 
• Scotch tape 
• Palette (a KLIK Palette) x 2 
• Masking Fluid (colourless) if you have it 
• Ruling pen if you can get one, or have one. If not, ill have some you can borrow 

Paper/ Board/ Brushes:
These supplies can be difficult to get as individuals, time-consuming at best, so Heidi will take care of it for you to make it easy. Heidi will bring a set of brushes (4 in a set) and the stock you will work on in the workshop. These items can be purchased in cash from Heidi on the day. The board is $10/sheet, brush sets and printed worksheets $35.  Heidi will bring a few ruling pens to share with the group. Masking fluid, one tip, if you are bringing a bottle, pop it into a Ziploc bag to save yourself any potential disasters!

• Bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by.

What else is provided

• tea and coffee (please bring your own cup)
• a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• connection to the Bienarté art community

ARTIST HOUSE ACCOMODATION
If you would like to attend the Landsborough workshop and need accommodation you may like to consider staying at the Artist House at the same venue. There are three rooms to choose from and  price includes a continental breakfast.
Master Bedroom $170/night
Queen Bedroom $130/night
King Single Bedroom $110/night
To book, contact team@bienarte.com.au
See inside the Artist House here