Specialist botanical art and natural history workshops are offered during the term breaks.
These workshops, designed to extend artists skills, typically focus on one key element of botanical art or introduce new mediums or techniques to participants.
Our specialist workshops are presented by leading Australian artists, including our own tutors, as well as other renowned local and international artists.
Ongoing Beginners Workshop with Dianne Emery - Watercolour - The Next Step
4 day face to face workshop - 30th June; 1 July; 7 July; 8 July 2026
This four-day workshop has been designed especially for those who have completed an ‘Introduction to Botanical Art’ with the Melbourne Friends or an equivalent. It will also be helpful for those artists who would like to refresh and improve their basic watercolour skills to enable them to move more confidently
into a term class.
Dianne will help her students build upon the Botanical Art watercolour skills taught in the Introduction, with a concentration on brush techniques and paint application on both damp and dry watercolour paper ie: wet in wet and dry– brush. .The cost of the course will include all materials to be used in the workshop.
Members: $425
Non-members: $495
Introduction to Botanical Drawing in Coloured Pencil Workshop with Amanda Ahmed
2 day face to face workshop - 4th and 5th July 2026
Class Description:
This two-day workshop offers an introduction to coloured pencil as a medium, with a focus on techniques unique to coloured pencil and how to apply them effectively to botanical subjects. The workshop is designed for participants with little or no prior experience in coloured pencil and is presented in a supportive and engaging environment.
By the end of the workshop, you will have developed a good understanding of coloured pencil techniques through a series of guided exercises and small botanical studies. The subjects at this level will include geometric shapes, a small chilli, small tomato, OR small capsicum, along with a simple leaf. If you’d like to keep exploring after the workshop, you’re warmly invited to join the ongoing coloured pencil classes held on Tuesday evenings during term, where you can continue building skills in a friendly, supportive group.
Members: $265
Non-members: $345
