Step into the studio with abstract artist Kerry Rushton and experience the energy of her playful and explorative approach to creating abstract expressionism art.
 
In this immersive workshop, Kerry will guide you through her distinctive to layering process that she has refined over years of dedicated practice. Known for her ability to “mix it up” and continually evolve, Kerry will share insights that inspire bold experimentation and fresh perspectives.
With her warm, encouraging teaching style, you’ll not only discover new techniques and application, but be given the space to push the boundaries and see what is possible.

What will I learn?

In this lively, hands-on workshop, you’ll work on several pieces at once—layering, experimenting, and watching your artworks evolve throughout the day. You’ll head home not only with your creations, but also with a refreshed sense of play, curiosity, and the confidence to keep exploring.

• Experiment with texture using artist modelling paste, acrylic paint, glaze, crayons, graphite, different tools and sandpaper.
• Bring order to the chaos by learning how to apply composition and value within expressive abstract work.
• Play with colour through focused exercises that help you unlock striking combinations, rich shades, and delicate tints. Kerry will share her approach to harmonising colours to create a sophisticated palette.

Who is this course suitable for?

This workshop welcomes beginners and anyone with some experience, 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 4 substrates.
• Either stretched canvas or board (cradle mount, MDF, plywood)
  Min. 30 x 30cm to Max. 60 x 60cm. Please do not bring oversized pieces.
• If bringing boards, MDF or plywood, please prime on both sides prior.

Modelling paste:
Any modelling or texture paste (min 250ml)
Recommend for value - Kmart Modelling paste (500ml) $8.

Acrylic Paints: Mostly I use flow paints (not pouring paints), but you can also use structure paint.   

• Bring a variety of acrylic paint including essentials :  White paint (preferably flow paint or flat house paint).                  
• Structure or flow - black, burnt umber, Transparent Red Oxide and Nickel Azo Gold. (Small amounts)

Other colours could include structure or flow:

• Yellow - Cadmium, Indian, Ochre, Hansa, Lemon, Cadmium Yellow Light
• Blue - Cerulean, Phthalo, Prussian, Ultramarine, Cobalt
• Red - Cadmium, Vermillion, Scarlett, Magenta

Bring along any colours you have at home including house paint sample pots.  

Other Materials:

• Large paint palette. (Recommend a large plastic tray)
• Roll baking paper.
• Sketchbook - any size.
• Clean up cloths or paper towel.

Medium 

• Minimum 250ml of clear painting medium or glaze medium (used for glazing)
• Transparent Gesso - recommend for value, Monte Marte (250ml) Clear Texture Gesso $9.
• OR spray fixative.

Brushes, Sponges and Mark Making Items: 

• Bring an assortment of brushes, small to large, flat to round. (Please see photo example below).
• An assortment of mark making items. (Please see photo example below)
• Water based crayons, oil or water based coloured pencils, soft pastel (not essential - only if you have them)
• Soft graphite pencils or charcoal (not essential - only if you have them)
• Sandpaper - 1 piece of 80 or 120 grit

Other non essential materials:

• 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. 

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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

We are delighted to announce that award-winning Melbourne artist, Jessie Rose Ford is returning to Brisbane! 

Join us for this one day workshop, or dive deeper and sign up to her two day weekend workshop for the full experience.

Enter into the wonderful world of watercolour botanicals with Jessie as she guides you with her clear, step-by-step process, plenty of demonstrations and encouraging feedback. 

About this workshop

This workshop offers a supportive, hands‑on introduction to the foundations of botanical art, with a focus on watercolour painting.

What will I learn?

• Colour Theory Essentials: Gain a practical understanding of basic colour theory relevant to botanical art. Learn how to mix and match any colour and avoid muddy mixtures.
• Watercolour Techniques: Explore core techniques such as wet‑in‑wet, wet‑on‑dry, dry brush, blending, and lifting out. Jessie will show you how and when to apply each method to achieve transparent layers, soft gradients, or crisp botanical detail.
• Control and Finishing: Discover how to build up depth and form without overworking your paper.

By the end of the day, you'll walk away with your own completed  painting and a reference sheet of techniques and colour mixes to practice at home. Your newfound understanding of colour and watercolour methods will give you confidence to continue botanical painting beyond the workshop.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Students with all experiences are welcome, from beginners to advanced.

What do I need to bring?

Jessie will provide a printed photograph for each student to work from.

Students can bring their own materials or rent a kit for $50. The kit will come with all quality art materials you need, all you need to bring is yourself and lunch.

If you'd like to bring your own materials, please bring the following: 

Paper

• Watercolour paper: 300gsm Smooth/Hot Press paper in A4 size. Suggested brand: Arches

Brushes    

• Round watercolour brushes in suggested sizes 00, 2, 4 and 6.
• Bring along any other brushes you have

Watercolour Paints  - If you already own similar colours you do not necessarily need to go out and buy the specific colours suggested.

• Permanent Rose, or another 'cool red'
• Scarlet Lake, or another 'warm red'
• Winsor Blue Red Shade, or another 'warm' blue
• Phthalo Blue/Winsor Blue Green Shade, or antoher 'cool' blue
• Winsor Yellow Deep, or another warm yellow eg. New Gamboge or Cadmium Yellow)
• Lemon Yellow (called Winsor Lemon in the Winsor and Newton brand), or another 'cool' yellow

Paint Palette    

• One with several wells to mix several mixtures in, such as the 20 well rectangle palette for about $5.50 from Officeworks. Or bring a few white china plates.

Masking Fluid and Nib

• Make sure the masking fluid is tinted and removable. Windsor & Newton is a reliable brand
• Calligrapher’s nib & pen holder:
          - A Speedball ‘Hunt’ 513EF works well. Or make sure it’s to use for fine lines - usually as 'EF' in the name
          - A pen holder, which is bought separately

Other  

• HB graphite pencil
• A soft, kneadable eraser
• Sharpener
• A small cloth/face washer or paper towel for drying your brushes.
• Masking Tape for taping your watercolour paper down.

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge and microwave at the studio for your convenience.

Ask our friendly team for advice if you are not sure if this workshop is for you.

What is provided?

• Boards, water jars, paper towel
• Tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own mug)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Brisbane Painting Classes art community

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

We are delighted to announce that award-winning Melbourne artist, Jessie Rose Ford is returning to Brisbane! 

Join us for this weekend workshop, or dive deeper and sign up to her one day beginners workshop on the Friday, for the full experience.

Enter into the wonderful world of watercolour botanicals with Jessie as she guides you with her clear, step-by-step process, plenty of demonstrations and encouraging feedback. 

About this workshop

Whether you're new to watercolour or looking to deepen your skills, this workshop offers a supportive, hands‑on introduction to the timeless art of botanical drawing and painting.

What will I learn?

• Observational Drawing and Composition: Learn about the importance of undestanding lighting and how to render a 3D drawing of a flower plus leaves.
• Colour Theory Essentials: Gain a practical understanding of basic colour theory relevant to botanical art. Learn how to mix and match any colour and avoid muddy mixtures.
• Watercolour Techniques: Explore core techniques such as wet‑in‑wet, wet‑on‑dry, dry brush, blending, and lifting out. Jessie will show you how and when to apply each method to achieve transparent layers, soft gradients, or crisp botanical detail.
• Control and Finishing: Discover how to build up depth and form without overworking your paper.

By the end of the day, you'll walk away with your own completed flower painting and a reference sheet of techniques and colour mixes to practice at home. Your newfound understanding of colour and watercolour methods will give you confidence to continue botanical painting beyond the workshop.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

Students with all experiences are welcome, from beginners to advanced.

What do I need to bring?

Jessie will provide a printed photograph for each student to work from.

Students can bring their own materials or rent a kit for $50. The kit will come with all quality art materials you need, all you need to bring is yourself and lunch.

If you'd like to bring your own materials, please bring the following: 

Paper

• Sketching pad or paper (A4 or A3 size is fine) I usually use loose sheets that are used for printing on
• Watercolour paper: 300gsm Smooth/Hot Press paper in A4 size. Suggested brand: Arches
• Tracing paper 50gsm

Brushes    

• Round watercolour brushes in suggested sizes 00, 2, 4 and 6.
• Bring along any other brushes you have

Watercolour Paints  - If you already own similar colours you do not necessarily need to go out and buy the specific colours suggested.

• Permanent Rose, or another 'cool red'
• Scarlet Lake, or another 'warm red'
• Winsor Blue Red Shade, or another 'warm' blue
• Phthalo Blue/Winsor Blue Green Shade, or antoher 'cool' blue
• Winsor Yellow Deep, or another warm yellow eg. New Gamboge or Cadmium Yellow)
• Lemon Yellow (called Winsor Lemon in the Winsor and Newton brand), or another 'cool' yellow

Paint Palette    

• One with several wells to mix several mixtures in, such as the 20 well rectangle palette for about $5.50 from Officeworks. Or bring a few white china plates.

Masking Fluid and Nib

• Make sure the masking fluid is tinted and removable. Windsor & Newton is a reliable brand
• Calligrapher’s nib & pen holder:
          - A Speedball ‘Hunt’ 513EF works well. Or make sure it’s to use for fine lines - usually as 'EF' in the name
          - A pen holder, which is bought separately

Pencils:

• 2H, HB and 2B

Other  

• A soft, kneadable eraser
• Sharpener
• A small cloth/face washer or paper towel for drying your brushes.
• Masking Tape for taping your watercolour paper down.
• Paper towel

Please bring your lunch and snacks or you can purchase from cafes close by. We do have a fridge and microwave at the studio for your convenience.

Ask our friendly team for advice if you are not sure if this workshop is for you.

What is provided?

• Boards and water jars
• Tea, coffee and biscuits (please bring your own mug)
• A friendly, supportive and encouraging learning environment
• Connection to the Brisbane Painting Classes art community

Useful Information

For Visitors FAQs

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!