Use the motif of the window to move from painting interior spaces to depicting views of the exterior landscape, with a focus on modernist painting techniques. The course begins with a collective still life composed of students’ personal objects, from which you will draw and paint. It then shifts toward interior–exterior landscapes, exploring compelling vistas seen through windows overlooking the campus.

As the course progresses, you will select your own compositions—drawing on working sketches, previous paintings, or personal photographs—to develop one or more sustained paintings. Please bring a selection of personal objects on the first day, as well as a collection of photographs depicting indoor and outdoor scenes to inspire your work in the following sessions.

Nicole Kelly teaches with a practical approach to painting, where beginners can learn fundamental skills, how to arrange a pallet, colour mixing and composition, mark making and the journey from sketching to complete studio paintings. Students will be encouraged to try new approaches, build on existing skills, pursue their own visual style and aesthetics, and develop a critical language around painting practice. The course is open to all levels, from beginners to those with prior experience. Students can choose their preferred medium of acrylics or oil paints. Nicole works closely with everyone, guiding each person within the parameters of their abilities, and guiding them to new levels.

* Short courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over.

* Drawing and painting short courses may be held in upstairs studios. If access to stairs is not suitable, please contact us at short.courses@nas.edu.au

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

• A4 sketch book
• 1 x 4B pencil
• 1 packet of willow charcoal
• Hard eraser (not kneadable)
• Retractable blade sharpener
• An A3 pad with Oil Sketch Paper
• 1 Sheet Fabriano Academia 200GSM 50cm x 65cm (or similar)
• 1 larger canvas board or stretch canvas (approx. 60 x 80cm)
• A flat wood or plastic artist palette, or disposable palette (without ridges or sections).
• 2 x small glass containers for solvent and medium (oil painters)
• 2 x small containers for water and medium (acrylic painters)
• Palette knife
• Old rags
• Brushes – synthetic brushes only - Art Basic brand is recommended
• 3 x flat brushes in sizes approximately 20mm, 15mm and 10mm wide
• 3 x filbert or bright brushes in sizes that are approximately 15mm, 10mm and 5mm

Paints Acrylic or Oils

Bring whatever paints you already have. The following is a guide of minimum paints you’ll need and more can be purchased at Parker’s Fine Art Supplies on the NAS campus.

Acrylic paint for a colour ground - 75ml tube of Titanium White, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red (or equivalent in lower series)

Oil Paints

• Titanium White
• Raw Umber
• Yellow Ochre
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cerulean Blue
• Cadmium Yellow (or equivalent ie Spectrum Yellow)
• Lemon Yellow
• Cadmium Red (or equivalent ie Spectrum Red)
• Alizarin Crimson
• Zinc White (optional extra)
• Phthalo Blue (optional extra)
• Odorless Solvent (preferred brand is Gamsol – lowest fumes)
• Medium (Langridge low toxic paint medium)

Acrylic paints (Matisse “Structure” paints (NOT FLOW) are recommended)

• Titanium White
• Ultramarine Blue
• Cerulean Blue
• Yellow Ochre
• Raw umber
• Cadmium Yellow
• Lemon yellow
• Cadmium Red
• Alizarin Crimson