As 2024 draws to a close, I’m filled with pride and gratitude as I look back on the incredible journey we shared in our oil painting classes on the Gold Coast. It’s been a year bursting with creativity, learning, and a vibrant sense of community. Here’s a recap of the highlights from this memorable year in our art classes, complete with photos to capture each moment!
January: Colour Mixing Workshop
We started the year with a Colour Mixing Workshop, diving into the magic of working with a limited palette. Participants learned to incorporate browns into their palette, explored their versatility, and created stunning colour charts. These charts became a valuable tool for understanding and mastering colour relationships.
Term 1: Exploring the Zorn Palette in Weekly Art Classes
Later in the term 1, we dove into the Zorn palette, inspired by Swedish artist Anders Zorn. We even recreated a painting by Richard Schmid, using only the Zorn palette! The challenge of working with just four colours pushed everyone’s creativity and helped us all better understand colour harmony.
April: Colour and Light Masterclass
April brought the Colour and Light in Oil Painting Masterclass, a one-day workshop focused on colour temperature, the nature of light, and the rules of light and shadows. We worked on two paintings, each exploring warm and cool light scenarios. It was a deep dive into how light transforms colour and mood in painting.
Term 2: GC Art Collective and “Table of Plenty” Exhibition
This year saw the birth of the GC Art Collective, a group of passionate artists from our classes. In May, we hosted our first group exhibition, "Table of Plenty", at the Miele Experience Centre on the Gold Coast. The exhibition celebrated food still life paintings and showcased the incredible talent within our community.
June: HOTA Triennial Project
June marked an exciting milestone with our involvement in the HOTA Triennial Project. This collaborative endeavor challenged us to push creative boundaries, and it became one of the most thrilling projects we’ve ever undertaken.
Term 3: Palette Knife Exploration and Impasto Techniques
In Term 3, we explored the bold and tactile world of palette knife painting. Students experimented with impasto mediums, creating thick, textured works that brought their subjects to life. This hands-on approach added a new dimension to our artistic repertoire.
August: Colour Charts Mastery Workshop
Due to popular demand, we hosted the Colour Charts Mastery Workshop in August. We spent a whole day creating colour charts, building on skills learned earlier in the year. It was a rewarding day filled with discovery and vibrant hues.
Term 4: Mosaic Colour Study
We kicked off Term 4 with a Mosaic Colour Study, diving into complex colour relationships and exploring how colours interact in mosaic-inspired compositions. This study offered fresh perspectives on colour placement and harmony.
Throughout the Year: Animal and Pet Portraits
Pet portraits were a beloved subject this year, with many people creating heartfelt works of their furry companions. Florals also remained a popular theme, inspiring a variety of stunning, vibrant paintings.
Floral Painting: A Year-Long Favourite
Florals were a recurring theme throughout the year, captivating with their elegance and vibrancy. From loose, impressionistic styles to highly detailed works, floral paintings provided endless inspiration and allowed artists to develop their own unique approaches.
Thank You for an Incredible Year!
Looking back, I can’t believe how much we’ve accomplished this year. It’s been an incredible journey, and I am so proud of everyone’s progress. The skills, creativity, and passion each of you has brought to class has made this year so special. Thank you for being part of this amazing artistic community!
I’m excited about what’s to come. I can’t wait to announce new workshops and projects that will help us all continue to grow as artists. Stay tuned, and I hope to see you in the studio next year!
What was your favourite highlight of 2024?
If you’ve been part of this year’s classes, I’d love to hear what stood out most to you. Drop a comment below and let’s continue the conversation!
And if you're new to the community or looking for what’s coming up in 2025, let me know what you’d love to learn.
With gratitude,
Elena❤️
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