Spend a creative and relaxing day painting still life, guided step-by-step by experienced tutor Valerie Dixon. This course is designed to build your confidence while helping you explore your own artistic style in a supportive and welcoming environment. The morning session will focus on painting a sardines still life. This simple yet beautiful subject allows you to learn essential techniques such as observation, composition, colour mixing, and brushwork in an easy and approachable way. In the second part of the class, you will bring along your own still life subject or objects of your choice. With guidance, you will apply the techniques learned in the morning to create your own personal composition, developing your confidence and creativity.

Valerie, a French native, has studied art in France, London, and Australia and is currently a student at the National Art School in Darlinghurst. With nearly 10 years of teaching at SGSCC, she has supported students of all ages and abilities to discover the joy of art. Art is a wonderful way to relax, reset your mind, and bring balance to everyday life. Come and join Valerie to explore your creativity and develop your own artistic voice.

Course Outline:

Morning Session: Guided Sardines Still Life

• Introduction to materials and setup
• Observing shapes, light, and composition
• Step-by-step drawing of sardines still life
• Colour mixing and brush techniques
• Creating a finished sardines painting

Afternoon Session: Your Own Still Life

• Planning your personal composition
• Applying learned techniques to your subject
• Individual guidance and support
• Developing confidence and personal style
• Final touches and group reflection

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the basics of still life painting
• Develop observation and composition skills
• Learn colour mixing and brush techniques
• Apply techniques to a personal artwork
• Build confidence in creative expression
• Complete two still life paintings

What to bring:

All material will be provided by the college

• All basic materials will be provided by the college
• you are welcome to use all the material from home you wish to use
• Optional: personal sketchbook

Art Supplies Discount:

As a bonus for learning Art with SGSCC, all enrolled students are entitled to a generous 10% discount off the purchase of art supplies when they shop in-store at Eckersley’s Art & Craft, Taren Point!
View Eckersley's Website for product ideas.

About the Tutor:

Valerie Dixon is a passionate artist and experienced tutor with an international background. A French native, she has studied art in France, London, and Australia, and is currently a student at the National Art School in Darlinghurst. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience at SGSCC, Valerie has worked with students of all ages and abilities.

Her teaching style is warm, supportive, and inclusive, encouraging each student to explore their creativity with confidence. She believes art is a powerful way
to relax, reset the mind, and bring balance to everyday life.

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.