A description of workshop

Participants will explore, refresh and expand their painting practice through an exploration of abstract landscape.

The workshop begins with simple mark-making exercises, encouraging artists to loosen up, experiment freely, and discover new ways of creating movement and rhythm on the surface. From there, the group moves into an outdoor sketching session, drawing direct inspiration from the surrounding landscape. Participants will also work from inspirational imagery they bring with them, using these references alongside observation to develop compositions and explore a variety of marks, textures, and visual ideas.

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Collage processes are then introduced as a way to experiment with layering, composition, and surface interplay. Participants will explore cutting, arranging, and reworking elements to develop depth and visual interest, alongside an introduction to stencilling techniques. These exploratory studies act as a bridge between sketchbook work and the transition onto wooden boards.

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These initial explorations inform a series of paintings on wooden boards. While sketches, collage studies, and reference materials provide a foundation, the painting process remains intuitive. Artists are encouraged to respond organically to evolving shapes, colours, marks, and spatial relationships, building balance and harmony within each piece.

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Stencilling continues to be developed within the paintings to create depth and layered complexity, and a wood-burning tool is available for those who wish to etch expressive lines and textures directly into the boards. Emphasis is placed on texture, layering, colour mixing, and, above all, embracing a sense of freedom and enjoyment in the creative process.

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Working on multiple paintings simultaneously encourages connections between pieces and allows continuous progress while layers dry, deepening both experimentation and resolution.

This is a workshop all about PLAY, Intuition and learning a new process. Zoe interacts more individually with a few group discussions/demonstrations. She works with you and your individual style.

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​Medium

pen, collage, acrylic paint, wooden boards, card, posca pens, masking tape, wood burner, pencils

 

Artist bio

Zoe Sernack’s imagined landscapes reflect the layered forms of nature, both above and below the surface, weaving together observation, memory, and sensory experience. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from National Art School and has been exhibiting for over 28 years, presenting work in more than 75 solo and group exhibitions across Australia.

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Zoe has been recognised as a finalist in numerous major art prizes, including the Wynne Prize (Salon des Refusés), Fisher's Ghost Art Award, Hornsby Art Prize, Gosford Art Prize, Into the Light Art Award, and Lethbridge 2000 Small Scale Art Award.

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A keen observer of her surroundings, she is often found sketching plants in Sydney’s gardens and parks. Working primarily on timber boards, Zoe employs a delicate colour palette, carving, and richly textured mark-making to evoke the rhythms of the Australian bush—landscapes seen with the eyes and felt with the heart.

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Materials List

​A Materials list will be emails to you upon confirmation of booking.

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Price

$1800 includes 4 nights of accommodation, meals (full board), 3 full days tuition, late access to studio, airport transfers and field trips (If applicable). For a full list of inclusions/exclusions click here.

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To apply please complete the below application form and an invoice will be sent to you for a deposit of $300 to secure your spot. (Balance due within 60 days of booking/or 60 days prior to workshop (whichever is sooner).

To view our cancellation policy please click here.​​​​​​​​​​​​​