There is a particular kind of magic in creating art surrounded by so many artworks. Working within the exhibition space was deeply inspiring, and behind us you could glimpse True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow — AUSTRALIANA unfolding around the workshops. I am immensely proud of everyone who took part in the painting workshops during the Australiana exhibition. Scarlett banksia bloomed in every artwork, each one different, each one full of care and attention.
The second workshop focused on native flowers, and the results were so strong that it became hard to tell which work was mine and which belonged to the participants. That level of engagement and confidence is something truly special.
People often ask how to cope with stress, how to live with worry, how not to feel overwhelmed by the news from Ukraine. My answer is simple: respond in the way you can, and stay connected. Art, shared time, and human presence matter.
Thank you to everyone who came to support, create, and be present. I hope these workshops brought moments of light and positive energy. We choose to live fully, to stay strong, stay together, and find joy in art and friendship — despite everything.
After a long period of planning, preparation and creating new teaching materials, I am delighted to announce that I am finally opening my studio doors to those who would like to learn how to create art with me. Over the years, many people have asked whether I teach. I wanted to wait until I could welcome participants to my newly renovated studio and offer a truly enjoyable creative experience. That time has now arrived. My workshops are designed for adults and young people aged 12 and over, and all skill levels are welcome. You will learn the techniques I use in my own work, including building sculptural surfaces with texture paste, working with layered acrylics, and creating depth, light and atmosphere in your paintings, along with many other practical tips and techniques. Maximum of 7 participants to ensure plenty of individual step by step guidance and personal attention. Suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. No prior drawing or painting experience required. All art materials are provided.
Knowing your tools deeply — how they behave, how they age, how they respond to light and heat — changes the way you work and the confidence with which you make decisions. During my time at Azur Studio in Kyiv, we took part in a number of art trips across Europe, visiting paint and medium manufacturers directly. These experiences were invaluable. Being able to ask questions about materials from the people who created them — the chemists, designers, and technicians behind the products — gave us insights no manual or catalogue ever could. Who could know the materials better than those who developed them? Along the way, we also participated in workshops with local designers who introduced us to the full potential of different gels and pastes, transparent and opaque paints, and specialised products for textile decoration and pseudo stained glass. We explored techniques for creating patina, working with gilding, and layering surfaces in ways that expanded both technical knowledge and creative possibility. I often find myself missing those times — being surrounded by like-minded professionals, travelling, learning, experimenting, and talking endlessly about what we loved most: paint, surface, and decoration. Those journeys shaped not only my technical approach, but also my respect for materials as active partners in the creative process.
