blueBanksia art directory lists art short courses and events

Wildlife Art

With the special inspiration that wildlife gives us for painting, this workshop will concentrate on how to bring animals to life, capturing emotion and character. Kate will explore the process of building a painting from the initial concept through to completion using colour, light and good composition to create mood and atmosphere.

Oil Painting Techniques

Through demonstration and discussion, Kate will cover the oil techniques she uses whether painting from life, photos or sketches in a warm, friendly and enthusiastic environment. Students will be encouraged to express and explore the vital elements of their own artistic process.

Myléne Hillam (pronounced Millane) is a mixed media artist living in Queensland. She is a sought after designer and teacher who travels the country demonstrating and teaching a variety of art and crafting media at retail and trade shows.  She also teaches a broad range of workshops which include an introduction to resin bangle making, jewellery making and mixed media art. Her work is regularly featured in jewellery and general craft magazines throughout Australia and the US.

Once a medical technologist daily using a microscope, the progression to studying nature with a camera and then a paintbrush seemed a natural one for Wendy Jennings after living in some of Australia’s diverse National Parks over 30 years.

"Realism and accuracy are the key to work, down to the tiny insect always present. I have developed an affinity with nature and love discussing it with clients or with visitors at exhibitions and workshops. My aim is to stimulate an interest in the conservation of the world’s wildlife and its habitats. I have had no formal art training but took it up while living in a remote park as a hedge against the loneliness. It did not take long before it became an obsession. There is much to be learnt from nature. We should not separate ourselves from it, or think we are greater than it, or we may miss something it has to teach us."

Meredith (Meri) Peach has had professional careers in both art and biology, and her biological background informs much of her artwork. Originally an illustrator, she later switched to biological research, then resumed working as an artist in 2002.

Meri now produces functional and sculptural baskets, paintings on canvas, mixed media artworks and digital illustrations. Since 2004 Meri has worked almost full-time as an artist, with a sideline in biological education and consulting. She has taught workshops in basketry since 2005.

Born in Guildford Surrey in the UK in 1950, Bill trained initially as a Design Draftsman. He has painted professionally since 1980 and has had over 30 solo and group exhibitions He has travelled widely, painting and surfing and now lives near Yallingup in the South-West of Western Australia.

Bill exhibits regularly in Australia. He has shown work at Abney Gallery in New York and had a solo exhibition at Gallery 90 in the UK.

Australian Wilderness Artist

During the recent Mitchell School of Arts, we had the pleasure of meeting Robyn Collier as she was running a workshop in the room next door. The workshop was called Working with Water. As the week progressed the days became hotter… I really enjoyed popping into Robyn’s class as the art works depicted stunning water scenes. Some waves could almost be touched and I longed to dive into them! 

Coloured pencils have been my passion ever since I was re-introduced to them as a ‘serious medium’ while at Uni, while I’ve always loved graphite – Janet M

Janet’s brilliant use of coloured pencils and graphite has justifiably placed her in the forefront of artists using her chosen medium and her realistic, detailed and gentle drawings of animals and birds full of personality and humour, are keenly collected in Australia and overseas. 

Art has always played a part in my life - sometimes all consuming, sometimes pushed aside because of other commitments.

Born in Kojonup, a town in Western Australia's south west, the only child of parents who operated a bakery and tea rooms, much of my childhood was spent finding things to occupy myself.

I have always loved drawing and we were fortunate enough to have a “resident artist", Mr. Battie, who (I suspect as a favour to my mother) agreed to give me lessons.