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Welcome to Bienarté and our friendly team.

Discover the artist within you. In small, inspirational and carefully structured classes.

Every single person has the ability to create art and under the guidance of a skilled and attentive teacher, your talent can flourish.

Master Artist Marcel Desbiens has years of experience teaching students to find their own artistic voice and to gain and strengthen their technical skills. Hear what past and current students say about us.

Learn from award-winning local, interstate and international guest artists who offer courses and workshops for all skill levels in Oil colours, Acrylic, Watercolour, Drawing and Pastels in various specialty subjects. We also offer private lessons for intensive training in any technical area you need.

And all this, in the comfort of our purpose-built air-conditioned art studios.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Having already nurtured the development of over 15,000 new artists, Bienarté is offering a series of
Life Drawing Workshops throughout 2024.

Starting Soon

      • Abstract Painting with Acrylic, Texture & Glaze | Kerry Rushton

        Join Kerry Rushton in this action packed abstract painting workshop as you feel your way through her playful layering process. Kerry has been honing this layering processes in her own professional practice, liking to ‘mix it up’ and find new ways to evolve as an artist. Her supportive and demonstrative tutoring will give you the tools you need to keep experimenting and find what feels right to you. 

        What will I learn?

        In this hands on workshop, you will work on multiple pieces at a time as you build up your work throughout the day and take home with you a sense of play and curiosity.

        • Different ways of applying texture, acrylic paint, glaze, crayons and use of sandpaper.
        • How to apply composition and value among the chaos 
        • Small exercises to build colour combinations and utilise shades and tints

        Who is this course suitable for?

        This workshop welcomes beginners through to experienced, although some understanding of using paints and brushes is essential.

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        What do I need to bring?

        Canvas and Boards:

        • Bring between 2 and 5 of these to work on multiple pieces at once You can work on canvas or board. 
        • Min. 30 x 30cm to Max. 60 x 60cm.
        • Boards can be cradle mount, MDF or plywood. If bringing MDF or plywood, please prime on both sides prior.

        Acrylic Paints:

        • In a variety of colours including old pots or house paint
        • Must have Burnt Umber

        Medium:

        • Bring a minimum 250ml of clear painting medium or glaze medium (used for glazing)

        Brushes, Sponges and Mark Making Items:

        • Bring an assortment of brushes, small to large, flat to round. (Please see photo example below).
        • Sponges - sea sponge and/or handled sponge
        • An assortment of mark making items. (Please see photo example below)

        Sanding Equipment:

        Kerry will bring two electric sanders for you all to use, please bring hand sanding equipment as well:

        • 1 x piece of 60grit sandpaper
        • 1 x piece of 120grit sandpaper
        • 1 x sanding block

        Other Materials:

        • Modelling paste or Light Modelling Paste
        • Masking tape - anything between 24mm to 48mm
        • 550g Calcite (Marble dust). (not essential) 
        • Stencils if you have them. (Please see photo example below)
        • Hairdryer

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

        {image name:"Materials_KR3"}

        What is provided?

        • Easels 
        • Chairs 
        • Tables
        • Cardboard for practice 
        • Tea and coffee (please bring your own mug) 
        • A friendly and supportive environment 
        • Connection to the Bienarté art community
      • Portrait Drawing in Graphite | Lyn Diefenbach

        Experience the wonderful world of pencil drawing using the portrait as your subject. In this 1 day workshop, Lyn will take you through the basic skills of portrait drawing showing how to gain a good likeness and sculpt the planes of the face. You will work from your own photo reference.

        Included in your workshop is a FREE video introducing you to the fundamentals of technical know-how valued at $30.

        Once you have booked in, please log in to your student portal to see the free video from Lyn that you must watch before coming to the workshop. THIS IS ESSENTIAL VIEWING!.

        What will I learn?

        Through demonstrations and a series of ‘hands-on’ exercises, you will learn easy methods for drawing portraits in pencil.

        Who is this course suitable for?

        This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.
        Ask our friendly team for advice if you are not sure if this workshop is for you.

        What do I need to bring?

        Paper:
        2 sheets of drawing paper eg Strathmore regular surface – no smaller than 16” x 20” or 41cm x 51cm
        Pencils:
        One each of 2B, 3B, 4B and 6B

        Erasers:
        Kneadable eraser
        One white plastic Maped “Epure” eraser
        One Tombo Mono Zero Silver 2.3mm round (pen style) eraser

        Drawing Board:
        Piece of one half-inch-thick (13mm) Foam Core

        Other:
        2 Drawing Clips – Large
        A soft brush for dusting eraser crumbs
        #1 X-Acto knife
        Paper Towels

        What is provided?

        • Easels, tables and chairs
        • tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
        • a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
        • connection to the Bienarté art community

        Useful Information

        For Visitors FAQs  

        About the Artist

        What has Lyn been up to in 2024!

        I don’t think my feet have touched the ground this year. In summary:
        . 4 international conventions - 2 on the ground, 2 online
        . 7 international online demonstrations (often at obscure hours)
        . 4 judging gigs that I remember
        . 2 major commissions in oil (one huge!)
        . 59 (ish) days teaching, 5 more to go
        . Award of Excellence at the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention
        . Selection for International Guild of Realism Exhibition in US
        . First professional teaching video released internationally
        In between I’ve somehow managed to find time to produce over 30 paintings – studio work, plein air. And I’ve kept up my journals because too much painting is never enough!

      • Pretty Peony in Watercolour - Paint and Sip | Beth Kennedy

        Join local professional botanical artist Beth Kennedy as she takes you through the basic skills and techniques used in watercolour painting while you enjoy the tipple of choice! Beth has taught many painting workshops both in Brisbane and interstate, she is a warm and encouraging teacher who will be on hand to answer any questions you might have during the evening.  

        Pretty peonies, drinks and nibbles - what a lovely way to spend an evening with friends and family or come on your own and mingle!

        What will I learn?

        Beth will demonstrate basic watercolour techniques and you will then paint onto a beautiful peony drawing on watercolour paper. Gorgeous pinks and greens, blues and yellow (any colours you love!) will bring the drawing to life as you wash watercolour paints onto the thick watercolour paper. Your painting will be framed at the end of the class - perfect to pop onto your wall at home or give as a Christmas gift! 

        This workshop is suitable for any skill, age and is beginner-friendly. This is about enjoying the creative process- no experience needed. 

        Beth has worked as a professional artist for over 20 years, she loves colour and pattern and believes in the joy that creativity can bring to our lives.  

        Who is this workshop suitable for?

        No experience required. Beginners welcome! 

        What do I need to bring?

        Please bring your beverages and nibbles to enjoy while you paint.  

        What is provided?

        All art materials will be provided. Please arrive 10 minutes early to be ready for a 6.30PM start. 

        • paints
        • watercolour paper
        • brushes
        • disposable glass wear
        • a friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
        • connection to the Bienarté art community
        • a frame to take home your beautiful peony artwork

      • The Oil Portrait - Getting the WOW Factor | Lyn Diefenbach

        There is the option to rent the oil colours and solvent should you need to for $40

        One Stretched Canvas – approx. 16 x 20 inches (40 x 50cm) for the portrait.

        All students will receive Lyn's Portrait Drawing video 2 weeks before the class commences. This will be available for students to access for two weeks. Come to the workshop with your portrait drawn.

        Do you want to create portraits that breathe character and life? Portraits that convey a presence? Let Lyn show you how…

        The workshop covers all aspects of portraiture, focussing on capturing a good likeness.

        Included in your workshop is a FREE video introducing you to the fundamentals of technical know-how valued at_ $30._

        • Please come with your portrait pre drawn for class, we will spend time at the beginning of the class helping you with any adjustments. If you are totally overwhelmed, trace it :)

        Once you have booked in, please log in to your student portal to see the free video from Lyn that you must watch before coming to the workshop. THIS IS ESSENTIAL VIEWING!.

        What will I learn?

        You’ll learn how to manipulate relationships of line, tone, colour and edge to infuse your work with dimensionality and impact.

        Lyn’s workshop will enable you to work on your own individual subject. Enjoy clear, informative demonstrations and individual attention at your easel.

        One portrait will be done from a photograph of your choice. Learn how to use a photograph as a painter’s tool and to go beyond its limitations. The techniques that you learn in this class will keep you in good stead when painting from life.

        Who is this course suitable for?

        This workshop is suitable for all skill levels

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        What do I need to bring?

        Materials List

        Canvas:

        ** Please come with your canvas stained with a thin wash of raw umber (oil with a lot of solvent) **

        ** This needs 2 days to dry before the workshop starts**

        Oil Colours – Winsor & Newton Artist quality or equivalent:

        Burnt Umber, Raw Umber, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow

        Titanium White, Ivory Black, Alizarin Crimson

        Naples Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Sap Green, Prussian Blue

        Other Brands:

        Winton Soft Mixing White

        Old Holland Red Umber

        Art Spectrum Cobalt Violet

        Schmincke Burnt Ochre Light (previously known as Flesh Tint)

        Brushes:

        Rosemary & Co Filbert Series 276, Sizes 6,8,10 & 12 OR

        Art Basics series 877KF Sizes 6, 8, 10 & 12 (pre order a week before the workshop)

        For drawing the portrait and for fine detail, please bring a round pointed brush

        NB: Lyn uses soft brushes, not bristle. You are welcome to bring your own favourites.

        Miscellaneous:

        Paper Towels

        Large Palette (eg white painted MDF) approx 18 x 24 inches

        Odourless Solvent

        Pastel Pencil - Burnt Sienna

        Mixing Palette Knife (metal)

        Archival Classic Medium

        Photographs for Portrait:

        Make sure these have excellent clarity, a good play of light and dark and are large enough to work.

        from. If you are using computer printed photos, use photo quality paper NOT PLAIN.

        You are welcome to bring your Ipad/tablet.

        Access to table easels and stand-up easels are available at Bienarté

        Pre orders of canvases available from Bienarté

        What is provided?

        • Easels, tabels and chairs
        • Tea and coffee (you might like to bring your own cup)
        • A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
        • Connection to the Bienarté art community

        Student Feedback

        Lyn, thank you so much. You have given me a gift that will last a lifetime

        **…opened a whole new reality of seeing things **

        A great inspiration and a great teacher

        …Not only is her work beyond words, but Lyn's caring personality, and approach to life equals her work…

        Thank you so much for such a wonderful informative class. Your teaching was so clear and easy to follow.

        Many thanks for your generosity, patience, humour and talent

        Thank you for your generosity in passing on skills and knowledge. Truly inspirational

        Useful Information

        For Visitors FAQs

        About the Artist

        What has Lyn been up to in 2024!

        I don’t think my feet have touched the ground this year. In summary:
        . 4 international conventions - 2 on the ground, 2 online
        . 7 international online demonstrations (often at obscure hours)
        . 4 judging gigs that I remember
        . 2 major commissions in oil (one huge!)
        . 59 (ish) days teaching, 5 more to go
        . Award of Excellence at the International Association of Pastel Societies Convention
        . Selection for International Guild of Realism Exhibition in US
        . First professional teaching video released internationally
        In between I’ve somehow managed to find time to produce over 30 paintings – studio work, plein air. And I’ve kept up my journals because too much painting is never enough!

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Marcel Desbiens | Master Artist | Principal Tutor