WHAT WE DID
Sourced References:
Drew from life, your own photography, and online resources: Canva, Creative Market. In the case of Oranges and Lemons, still life photography, using still life props and then manipulating photographs in Photoshop to create images for painting/
Prepared Canvas:
Applied 2 coats of acrylic paint (Matisse Australian Gum) to the canvas as a base colour, allowing at least 4 hours drying time between coats (more in Winter, less in Summer).
Projected Image:
Drew the image onto the canvas using a projector using a 5B pencil.
Applied Paint:
Used thick acrylic paint, thinning with water only for fine lines, and washed brushes with water.
Expected to paint every shade with at least two layers.
Organised Workspace:
Set up a clean, open, and organized space with brushes, palettes, paints, water, paper towel, and cotton buds.
Laid out palette knives and brushes for easy access.
Mixed Paint:
Worked on a flat, easy-to-clean surface, mixing paint according to paint charts, and painted from 'furthest behind' to 'foreground', working from dark to light.
Tested colours on spare paper or card, checking against reference image and colour chart.
Maintained Cleanliness:
Kept the area and tools clean and organized throughout the process.
Finished and Sealed:
Let the painting dry flat for at least 24 hours (longer in Winter).
Sealed with Matisse (oil-based) satin or matt varnish, mixing well before use.
*Note: Always read instructions on all paint materials.
WHAT WE USED
Canvas:
Any good quality triple-primed stretched canvas 300gsm or more. We used Monte Marte Primed Canvas, 350gsm 30 x 30cm with a deep return (3.5).
Paint:
Tools:
Flat paint tray or plates, or paint palettes for colour mixing
Water bowl or jar
Paper towels, cut into small squares
Assorted palette knives, round and pointed (Favourite brand: Art Spectrum)
Artify Brush Set, Meeden Brush Set, Montemarte Fine Liner Brush Set, Liquitex paddle brush for base colour
HB or B Pencil
KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS
Time Management:
Allow yourself ample time, take your time, and have fun.
Preparation & Organisation:
Crucial for success.
Strategise your painting steps.
Use your Colour Chart and ensure proper colour mixing. If a colour isn't working, paint over it.
Painting Technique:
Work from background to foreground, dark to light (for accurate, neat painting).
Breaks:
Take breaks and step away from your work.
Material Choice:
Choose materials and equipment with longevity in mind; avoid cheap imitations.
Maintenance:
Clean as you go
Discard old or inferior equipment.
Enjoy the Process:
Give yourself space to enjoy the entire creative process.
ART SUPPLIERS
WEBSITES FOR LEARNING ABOUT MATERIALS & TOOLS
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2025 WORKSHOPS
Coming up at Green Door Studios, Robertson
Sunday 24 August:
MAGPIES & COCKATOOS: ACRYLIC IMPASTO PAINTING WORKSHOP - BOOK
Sunday 19 October: POPPY SEASON: ACRYLIC IMPASTO PAINTING WORKSHOP - BOOK
Sunday 7 December : BIRDS BY THE SEA: ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP - BOOK
“May your life be full of colour and creativity”
Julie Lynch