I’m back in the studio, back to normality, and ready to continue sharing what I love most — my knowledge of art, different techniques and practical skills that can open up new possibilities for your own creativity. This October, I’m offering two very different workshops, both suitable for all levels and for adults and young people aged 12+. Come and spend a few hours making art, learning a new technique and getting your hands back to the brush. I look forward to seeing you in the studio!
Discover the beautiful Ukrainian folk painting style of Petrykivka.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history of Petrykivka and how flowers, leaves and berries are built through different brushstrokes. You’ll also learn how to load two colours onto one brush and control its movement to create variations of colour, shape and tone.
This is particularly valuable for artists and beginners because it gives you a chance to really understand your brush as a tool — how its shape and size affect the mark, how to control pressure and movement, and how to master the stroke of your brush.
How do you make a flat painting feel deep and spacious?
Working from a morning view of the Australian coastline, we’ll explore the visual tricks that create the illusion of distance.
We’ll look at how lines, tone, lightness and intensity, warm and cool colours, and detail can change our perception of space. You’ll learn how these elements work together to bring the foreground forward while allowing the sea, horizon and clouds to recede into the distance.
Both workshops are designed for all levels — whether you are an experienced artist, a complete beginner, or simply curious to learn something new.
Bookings are essential https://www.t-koldunenko.com/shop?category=all-things-creative
My Master of Design (Hon.) at COFA, UNSW focused on one question: How can we improve children’s engagement with printed materials to support better learning outcomes? My research shows that the more areas of the brain engaged in processing information, the stronger the memorisation and recall. I explored how to activate as many of these pathways as possible — story for narrative memory, colour for emotional response, sound and action for sensory cues, spatial awareness for orientation, and visual coding for recognition. In short: designing visuals that teach, entertain, and stay in a child’s memory. But my journey with children’s design began long before my Master’s. Over the years, I’ve illustrated several children’s books and created my own comic book about the adventures of a Ukrainian boy in Australia — writing 20 stories and drawing all of the comic illustrations myself. These projects shaped my understanding of how we see, learn, and connect with visual narratives — a foundation that continues to guide my work today.
I am delighted to share that I have been accepted as a member of the Royal Art Society of New South Wales (RAS NSW). Founded in 1880, the Royal Art Society of New South Wales has supported Australian artists for more than 145 years through exhibitions, education and the promotion of visual arts. Becoming part of this long-standing artistic community is an important milestone in my professional journey. As an artist, I am continually seeking opportunities to grow, connect with fellow artists, and contribute to Australia's vibrant arts community. Membership in the Society provides the opportunity to engage with a network of talented artists, participate in exhibitions, and continue developing my artistic practice. Over the past few years, my work has increasingly focused on celebrating the unique beauty of the Australian landscape through my Tree Portraits series. By combining sculptural relief surfaces with carefully observed colour and light, I aim to encourage viewers to slow down, notice the individuality of native trees, and deepen their connection with the Australian bush. Joining the Royal Art Society marks another step in this journey. I look forward to exhibiting with the Society, meeting fellow members, and continuing to develop my work while contributing to this respected artistic community. I would like to thank the Royal Art Society of New South Wales for welcoming me as a member, and I look forward to the opportunities and friendships that lie ahead.
