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ESSENTIAL INFO
If you purchase a ticket for this course, all the information on this page will be emailed to you with your ticket.
👥 Ages: Must be 16+
📍 Venue: Bellingen High School (Wheelchair Accessible)
📈 Level: BEGINNER to INTERMEDIATE skill level
⏰ Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9am – 4pm (5 Full-Days)
Required skills & experience
Suitable for beginners through to experienced artists.
Participants should have a basic interest in drawing and painting and a willingness to experiment with colour, composition, and observation.
Some prior painting experience may be helpful but is not essential. The course focuses on developing individual ideas and approaches, with guidance tailored to each participant’s skill level.
Supplies that you need to bring to class
Drawing Materials
A4 or A3 sketchbook (cartridge paper is suitable)
HB pencil
2B or 4B pencil
Eraser
Pencil sharpener
Painting Surface
2–3 canvases or canvas boards at least (more if participant wants)
Recommended sizes: 40 x 50cm, 50 x 60cm, Up to 80 x 100cm for more experienced painters
A desk easel, if you have one.
Paints - Students may work in either acrylic or oil paint
Students should bring their preferred painting colours. A suggested palette includes:
Titanium White
Cadmium Yellow Light (or equivalent)
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Red Light (or equivalent)
Alizarin Crimson
Ultramarine Blue
Cerulean Blue
Burnt Sienna
Raw Umber
Brushes
A selection of brushes including:
Small round brush
Medium flat brush
Large flat brush
Any favourite brushes already used in your practice
For Acrylic Painters
Water container
Spray bottle (optional)
Acrylic medium (optional)
For Oil Painters
Odourless solvent
Painting medium of choice
Sealable container for solvent
Other Equipment
Palette suitable for your chosen medium
Palette knife
Rags or paper towel
Apron or old shirt
A drop sheet/towel to cover your desk
Reference photographs of interiors, rooms, windows, studios, favourite spaces, or still life objects (optional)
Important Students should bring a small selection of personal objects that have meaning to them (books, ceramics, textiles, flowers, household objects, etc.). These will be used as inspiration when developing compositions throughout the week.
All materials listed above will be used during the course. Demonstrations and examples will be adapted for both acrylic and oil painters.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the week, students will have developed a series of drawings, colour studies, and at least one resolved painting inspired by interiors, still life arrangements, windows, and personal spaces. They will gain a deeper understanding of composition, colour relationships, pattern, perspective, and how to transform everyday environments into compelling artworks.
Participants will learn practical strategies for developing ideas, strengthening compositions, and creating paintings with greater atmosphere and personal expression. They will also build confidence in their own artistic voice through individual feedback, demonstrations, and guided studio practice.
Students will receive a take-home workbook containing course notes, artist references, painting tips, composition guides, colour-mixing information, and practical exercises that can be used to continue their creative development long after Camp Creative has finished.
WEEK PLAN
DAY ONE - Introduction, Observation & Composition
Welcome, Camp Creative induction and safety information
Group introductions and ice-breaker
Overview of the course and artist inspirations
Drawing exercises exploring interiors, objects, windows, and personal spaces
Understanding composition, cropping, and viewpoint
Developing preliminary sketches and ideas for paintings Individual feedback and discussion
DAY TWO - Colour, Pattern & Atmosphere
Colour mixing and creating mood through colour
Exploring pattern, decorative surfaces, and visual rhythm
Developing studies from observational drawings
Small painting exercises focused on colour relationships
Refining compositions and planning larger works
Group discussion and individual guidance
DAY THREE - Building the Painting
Beginning a larger resolved painting
Exploring structure, balance, and focal points
Using observation alongside personal interpretation
Developing confidence with paint application and mark-making
Individual mentoring and feedback throughout the day
DAY FOUR - Developing Personal Voice
Continuing larger paintings
Exploring ways to simplify, edit, and strengthen compositions
Encouraging individual style and creative decision-making
Working with atmosphere, light, and spatial relationships
Group critique and discussion of works in progress
DAY FIVE - Resolution & Reflection
Final development of paintings
Refining colour, composition, and surface treatment
Individual consultations and finishing techniques
Informal group discussion and sharing of work
Reflection on processes, ideas, and future directions
Celebration of completed artworks and course outcomes
Throughout the week, participants will receive demonstrations, individual guidance, group discussions, and opportunities to develop work at their own pace. The course is designed to be supportive, structured, and suitable for a wide range of experience levels.
COURSE TUTOR
Kate Neilsen
Kate Nielsen is a Sydney-based painter and art educator whose work explores interiors, still life, pattern, and the relationship between people and place.
She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the National Art School and exhibits throughout Australia and internationally. Kate has extensive experience teaching both children and adults and is passionate about helping students develop confidence, creativity, and their own unique artistic voice.
Her workshops combine practical painting skills with a supportive and engaging approach, encouraging participants of all levels to create expressive and meaningful artworks.
“Kate has an incredible ability to meet each student exactly where they are. Her demonstrations are clear, her feedback is thoughtful, and she creates such a supportive environment. I came away feeling more confident in my painting and inspired to continue creating long after the workshop ended.”
“I loved Kate’s balance of technical instruction and creative freedom. She encouraged us to develop our own ideas while providing practical guidance on colour, composition, and painting techniques. It was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding art courses I have attended.”
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