Course Overview
Discover the creative possibilities of mixed media painting in this inspiring, beginner-friendly art course. Whether you are completely new to painting or looking for a fresh, contemporary way to create art, this practical and enjoyable class will help you build confidence, explore new materials and develop your artistic skills.
Mixed media painting brings different art materials and techniques together in a single artwork. You will experiment with combinations of acrylic paint, ink, charcoal, pastel, gouache, collage and drawing materials to create expressive and contemporary artworks with colour, texture, depth and personality.
Led by experienced Sydney artist and tutor Elaine Foulsham, you will learn about mixed media materials, colour mixing, composition, layering and creative processes in a supportive and relaxed environment. Elaine will provide practical demonstrations and guidance while encouraging experimentation, personal expression and the development of your own creative style.
This mixed media art course is ideal for complete beginners, returning artists and anyone looking to explore painting in a more flexible and creative way. Through hands-on activities and guided projects, you will learn how different materials work together and gain the confidence to make your own artistic choices.
Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. Join us and discover the enjoyment of creating original contemporary mixed media artwork.
What you will learn
Course outline
This practical and creative course introduces you to contemporary mixed media painting techniques using a variety of paints, drawing tools, collage elements and other art materials.
Topics include:
- Introduction to mixed media art materials and equipment
- Selecting paints, surfaces, brushes and creative tools
- Understanding colour theory and colour mixing
- Layering materials to create depth and visual interest
- Creating texture using paint, collage and mark-making techniques
- Combining acrylic paint with ink, charcoal, pastel and gouache
- Introducing paper, found materials and collage elements into paintings
- Exploring abstract and expressive painting styles
- Using lines, shapes, patterns and contrast effectively
- Understanding composition and visual design principles
- Experimenting with contemporary mixed media techniques
- Developing creative confidence and a personal artistic style
- Planning and creating finished mixed media artworks
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Identify and use a range of mixed media art materials
- Combine different paints, drawing materials and collage elements
- Mix and apply colours with greater confidence
- Create texture, contrast, depth and visual interest
- Apply layering and mark-making techniques to your artwork
- Use composition principles to develop balanced and engaging artworks
- Create original mixed media paintings using contemporary techniques
- Experiment creatively while developing your own artistic style
What you need to know
Entry requirements
No previous art or painting experience is required.
This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as returning students who want to refresh their skills and explore contemporary mixed media painting techniques.
What you need to provide
- Acrylic paints in a selection of colours
- A selection of suitable painting brushes
- A palette or reusable surface for mixing paint
- Mixed media paper, painting board or another suitable painting surface
- HB pencil and eraser
- Charcoal or drawing pencils
- Ink, pastels or gouache, if available
- Assorted papers or lightweight materials for collage
- Scissors and a suitable art or collage adhesive
- Drawing board and clips, if required for your chosen surface
- Apron, art smock or old shirt
- Plastic sheet or other covering to protect the table
Your tutor will discuss materials and equipment requirements in more detail. Beginners are encouraged to start with a small range of versatile materials rather than purchasing a large collection before the course begins.
Students are also encouraged to bring suitable art supplies they already own. These may include acrylic paints, inks, pastels, gouache, charcoal, coloured pencils, collage papers, brushes and other mark-making tools.
About your tutor
Elaine Foulsham is a Sydney-based contemporary landscape artist with extensive teaching experience. She holds a Diploma of Visual Arts from Northern Sydney Institute and has undertaken further studies in Florence, Italy, through SACI Studio Arts College International.
Elaine has owned and operated her own art gallery and has exhibited in commercial and regional galleries, including Hawkesbury Regional Gallery and the New England Regional Art Museum. Her work has been privately commissioned and presented in numerous successful solo exhibitions.
Known for her supportive teaching style and contemporary artistic approach, Elaine helps students build confidence, develop practical skills and discover their own creative voice.