Painting: Beginners

Learn a variety of painting techniques using acrylic paint.
During the course we will look at, composition, proportion and space representation, and abstraction.  
We will pay special attention to colour mixing and paint application and delve into colour theory.  
Whether you are a beginner or have prior experience this course provides a strong foundation in painting, drawing from a variety of painting techniques inspired by a range of artists and art styles.

Students will be introduced to some key concepts involved in understanding and making paintings through a series of observational and abstract painting exercises and projects. Students will learn to how to paint using a variety to techniques and materials to incorporate key elements of colour, tone and composition. Students will begin to develop their own personal approach to painting.

By the end of the course students will have and understanding of:

• various painting techniques inspired by a range of artists and art styles
• structure, individual methods of composition, colour mixing and matching
• the use of space within the scale of your paintings
• the use of colour fields, shapes, patterns and design within a given canvas
• the use of acrylic paints and acrylic mediums   

Delivered by:

Alexandra Janssens is a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, drawing, printmaking, and photography. Her recent work explores themes of the human condition, the passage of time, and environmental awareness, drawing from personal experience and broader social narratives.

Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Visual Art and Design from the Australian Catholic University (2014–2016), and a Diploma of Visual Arts majoring in Painting and Printmaking from Melbourne Polytechnic (2012–2013). She has participated in numerous group exhibitions across Melbourne and was recently named a finalist in the 2025 Australian Monoprint Prize. Committed to supporting the local arts community, she volunteers at several galleries around the city. In addition to her art practice, Alexandra is an experienced educator, teaching art to children, teens, and adults in studios throughout Melbourne and from her home.

Dr Anne Bennett is an experienced visual artist, curator and educator. Anne, whose practice encompasses drawing, printmedia, painting, artists books, and curatorial projects, holds a PhD in Visual Art from Monash University and Master of Art Curatorship from the University of Melbourne.

She has held in excess of 15 solo exhibitions since 1986 including Tolarno Galleries, Pinacotheca, numerous institutional galleries around Australia and an exhibition of large scale monotypes at the Post Office Gallery at Federation University, Ballarat and a performative installation of drawings at The Front, Docklands. She has also participated in excess of 70 group exhibitions, including curated shows at National Gallery of Victoria and galleries in Korea, China, Lithuania and UK.

Please bring to your first class the following materials:

• Acrylic paints (primary colours, black, white).
• Variety of brushes (flat, round, filbert).
• Tear off palette and palette knives.
• Canvas or canvas paper.
• Water containers and rags for cleaning.
• A5 or A4 Sketchbook
• Graphite pencils – 2B, 4B
• Eraser and sharpener

Notification of a class cancellation will be advised 48 hours prior to the course commencement date. We advise to purchase your materials once you have received email confirmation that your class is proceeding as scheduled. All efforts are made to ensure that our classes proceed to avoid disappointment.