Learn to develop your drawing and painting skills with our visual arts short courses in Sydney!

Take your drawing or painting skills to the next level in these Drawing and Painting Studio Sessions. Designed as a supervised open studio, these sessions provide a dedicated space for artists of all levels, from beginners to more experienced creatives, to work independently on their own drawing or painting projects.

With guidance from an experienced tutor and practising visual artist, you'll receive personalised feedback, technical advice, and creative support as you develop your work. Whether you're building your skills, continuing a project you've already started, or exploring new ideas, the tutor is available to provide guidance tailored to your individual goals. Optional project ideas are also available if you're looking for inspiration or a creative challenge.

Please note that this is not a materials-supplied class. Students are expected to bring their own art materials and work on projects of their own choosing. If you're planning a specific project and aren't sure which materials to use, simply chat with the tutor during class for advice on the most suitable supplies to purchase.

These sessions offer a relaxed, supportive studio environment where you can develop your artistic practice, learn at your own pace, and enjoy the encouragement of a community of fellow artists.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Develop and refine drawing and painting skills through self-directed projects with professional guidance
• Gain confidence in exploring personal artistic directions and creative decision-making
• Strengthen technical skills and compositional understanding in your artwork

Course Content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

• Work independently on your own projects in a dedicated studio space
• Receive personalised feedback and guidance from an experienced visual artist
• Use provided easels, tables, and studio facilities while bringing your own materials to create and experiment

Intended audience

Who is this drawing & painting studio for?

This studio class is intended for students who are working on their own artwork and would like access to a dedicated studio space, along with guidance from an experienced art tutor. 

Studio venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course Materials

What to Bring to Class

It's your choice which medium you'd like to work in.

Choose from the lists below depending on the type of work you'd like to create in class.

Students with no prior experience are welcome to bring some basic drawing materials to their first studio session before deciding whether they'd like to work in drawing, acrylics or oils. The tutor can help you choose the most suitable medium for your interests and goals.

The lists below are intended as a basic starter guide if you're beginning from scratch. If you already have art materials, feel free to bring what you have and build your kit over time.

As this is an open studio where students work on their own individual projects, you may need additional materials depending on what you're creating. Think of this list as a basic starting point, and chat with the tutor during class for advice on any extra materials that may be helpful for your project.

Drawing Materials

• Sketchbook or loose sheets of cartridge paper (A2 or A1)
• 4B pencil
• Willow charcoal stick (if you'd like to focus on charcoal drawing)
• Firm white eraser

Painting Materials

Paint (37ml tubes)

Acrylic brands such as Matisse, A2 and Golden offer good-quality pigments and are well worth the investment. For oils, Winton Student Range and Art Spectrum are reliable, affordable choices.

A basic palette of the following colours (or similar) in your chosen medium is enough to get started:

• Spectrum Red
• Primary Yellow
• Ultramarine Blue
• Raw Umber
• Titanium White

Palette

Bring one of the following:

• Large ceramic plate
• Flat plastic palette
• Disposable paper palette pad

Please note: Watercolour palettes with divided wells are not suitable for acrylic or oil painting.

Brushes

To begin, bring:

• Size 4 round or filbert bristle brush
• Size 6 round or filbert bristle brush

(Expect to pay around $5–$7 per brush at most art supply stores.)

Painting Surface

• Canvas, canvas paper or another suitable painting surface
• Around 30 cm is a good size for beginners
• Acrylic painters can work on either paper or canvas

Paint Rags

• Old towel, sheet or cotton T-shirt

Solvent (Oil Painters Only)

You can use recycled solvent provided in the studio or purchase a low-toxicity solvent from an art supply store.

Subject Matter

Bring along reference images, sketches or ideas for what you'd like to work on. If you're unsure where to start, the tutor can suggest exercises or project ideas to suit your experience level.

Some students choose to work from photographs (please print as it is easier than working from a phone screen). You may bring your own still-life objects, or use our studio props and/or the tutor’s photographic reproductions.

What we provide

• Studio
• Easels

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Closed-in shoes required
• Please wear old clothes
• Long hair should be tied back

Bundle Offer: Enrol in five Drawing & Painting Studio sessions in one transaction and the fifth session is free, saving you $89! (This bundle cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts)