Collection: Short Courses

Work directly from the nude figure to understand the balance between observed figuration and abstract formal qualities. All fundamental drawing elements are considered, including compositional issues of the human form, space and structure.

Explore the representational, atmospheric, and emotive possibilities of tonal drawing. Working from set ups and life models in the studio, you will learn to perceive and convey lights and darks in your work; adding drama and tension to your drawings.

Immerse yourself in the luminous world of watercolour and explore the expressive potential of the medium, working across landscapes, still life, and the human figure. With demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and discussions, this course encourages you to refine your technique while embracing spontaneity.

Explore advanced processes of screenprinting focusing on photographic images, halftones and multi-layered colour applications. Learn to prepare images for print, colour separations, halftones and experiment with process, colour transparency, and editions.

Learn how to throw pots with a strong architectural form to create objects of simplicity and beauty. Explore the basic structures, movements and techniques of wheelforming in this hands-on course and become proficient on the potter’s wheel.

Discover the sensuous beauty of classical oil painting techniques and be guided through a series of structured exercises and demonstrations of methods and specific ways of using materials. 

Explore the varied processes of screenprinting starting with basic stencils and moving into photographic techniques. Learn how to create original prints from drawings, photographs and existing images, as well as how to use the darkroom and the computer for photographic processes with image separations and colour mixing. 

Learn to incorporate textures with acrylic paints and create visual tensions that bring depth and tactile surfaces to your artworks. Experiment with layering three-dimensional elements and acrylic paint to develop relief effects and abstract compositions.

Discover the sensuous beauty of classical oil painting techniques and be guided through a series of structured exercises and demonstrations of methods and specific ways of using materials. 

Are you eager to move from being an arts enthusiast to a practising, exhibiting and sustainable artist? Learn what it takes to become a professional artist; how to research and understand the investment of time, money, planning, energy and creativity it requires to survive in the arts.

Image courtesy of the Geoff Raby Opening, National Art School

Have you always wanted to paint but haven’t known where to start? Designed for complete beginners, this course will give you a solid and practical foundation in painting using acrylics and oil paints. Learn simple processes for colour mixing, composition, and perspective, to produce a suite of finished paintings.

Learn to paint expressively with an individual approach while increasing your knowledge and understanding of the importance of colour, composition and form. Using acrylic or oil paint, students will learn how to mix and experiment with colour and will be encouraged to paint quickly and loosely and to develop expressive brushwork.

This exciting course combines textiles with creative drawing using diverse techniques with paper, fabric, collage and assemblage. In this course you will explore the materiality of different surfaces.  Students will be guided in sketching, painting, weaving and embroidering lines on the surface of papers and textiles.

Learn to draw forms and structures of the human head, facial features, body dynamics and discover the connection between the ‘character’ and the ‘face’. Using pencil, charcoal, ink, wash and collage, to make quick sketches and sustained drawings from plaster casts, live models and a self-portrait.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Australian art world, a rich and complex ecosystem that bridges public exhibitions and collections, commercial galleries, university and art school galleries, art fairs, artist and community run initiatives, and private collections.

Learn to paint expressively with an individual approach while increasing your knowledge and understanding of the importance of colour, composition and form. Using acrylic or oil paint, students will learn how to mix and experiment with colour and will be encouraged to paint quickly and loosely and to develop expressive brushwork.

Ready to take your drawing skills to the next level? This course is designed to deepen your observational and expressive abilities, expand your perception and unlock new possibilities in your drawing practice.

Break free from using your camera’s automatic settings and master the fundamentals of manual exposure in this immersive 5-day photography workshop. Learn the technical skills required to enhance controls and create memorable photographs in the studio and on the street.

In this hands-on two-day workshop, you’ll create exquisite porcelain objects embellished with hand-painted colours. Learn how to work with fine white porcelain clay, make your own watercolour underglazes and model and paint your own unique forms, whether figurative or vessel based.

Explore the art of hand-building in clay and create contemporary ceramic artworks, from enhanced vessels to expressive figurative sculptures. Learn the fundamental hand-building techniques—including coil, pinch, slab construction, surface decoration and glazing.