Small Group Workshops

Visit Ron's studio in Ipswich and unleash your creative juices to create something original and beautiful either for yourself or for somebody special. You don't need to be a great artist to make something interesting. Pour painting (or fluid art) is such that if you do the technique right the results will always be interesting. The techniques used are such that the results will always be unpredictable, so be prepared to have fun and see what pops out onto the canvas at the end.

Gift Cards

Gift cards for a painting class are a fabulous gift idea for that special person in your life. Simply click on the 'info' button for any workshop and follow the instructions in the 'gift card' section of the page you are redirected to. Gift cards can be used for any advertised class and are valid for 3 years.

​Can I bring a group of friends for a painting party?

Yes, you certainly can. Simply click on the 'info' button for any listed workshop and then click the 'request' button on the page you are redirected to. The actual workshop, which will be exclusive for your group, lasts for 2+ hours, but you are more than welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy with your group under the shade sails for an hour or two before the workshop commences. 

Where will the workshops be?

The workshops will be held in Ron's garage in Redbank Plains in Ipswich (you will get the address when you make your booking). Yes, a garage is a little rustic, but at least we don't need to be afraid of dropping paint on the floor.
Don't worry, it's been set up really nicely for pour painting - all the garden stuff and other things you normally find in a garage are in the shed.
It is air-conditioned too, so don't be afraid of boiling in Summer or freezing in Winter.

Who are the workshops for?

The workshops are for anybody who would like to unleash their inner artist and be creative. Ron gears his workshops for beginners, so don't be afraid if you think you don't have an artistic bone in your body. Just come prepared to have a good time and relive your childhood days when you weren't afraid of throwing a bit of paint around to see what happened.
The workshops may not be for you if you are very particular about the outcome you want to achieve. Pour painting is very unpredictable by nature, so even if you have a plan in mind when you begin, it may not turn out that way.
Pour painting is also very messy, so these workshops are best for people who don't mind getting a bit of paint on them (aprons and gloves are provided though).
At this stage the workshops are only for adults, or teens if they are accompanied by a paying adult who can supervise. Support workers who come to assist participants with disabilities can come for free and don't need to book, provided they don't make a painting for themselves.

What happens during the workshop?

Unlike many other workshops, Ron will take you through the complete process so that you will have a clear understanding of what to do if you would like to try it yourself at home.
Ron will take you through the process of selecting your colours, mixing your paints with the pouring medium to get the right consistency, and preparing your canvas ready for painting. He will demonstrate the technique by making a painting of his own and then give you the opportunity to make yours, allowing you creative freedom to make your own choices. 
If you watch a couple of Ron's YouTube tutorials you will get a pretty good idea of what will happen during the workshop.
​Each workshop will last about three hours, depending on how long it takes you to create your masterpiece.

What is provided?

Ron provides all the tools and materials you will need to create a painting. An apron and gloves are provided as well, but please do not wear your best clothes as you still may get paint on them - pour painting can be very messy!
​If you would like to eat or drink something during the workshop, please bring your own.

Can I take my masterpiece home straight away?

Pour painting uses a lot of very fluid paint, and quite a lot of it can be left on the canvas once the painting has been finished. The painting normally takes at least a few days to a week to dry, and it must be kept level during this time to stop the paint from sliding off. You will need to leave the painting at Ron's studio after the workshop and return to pick it up  a week later.
At the initial workshop you will be given the option to have your painting varnished at an extra cost. If you would like your painting varnished, you will need to wait three weeks after the workshop for the painting to cure properly before Ron can varnish it for you. You will then be able to pick it up.

Do I get a refund if my painting doesn't turn out?

Although Ron will give you the best chance to make something interesting you will love, due to the unpredictable nature of the process, there is a chance your painting may not turn out the way you had imagined. Unfortunately, no refunds will be given if you don't like your painting. If you come prepared to have some fun and learn some new skills, regardless of the outcome you get, then you will leave the workshop satisfied.

How much do the workshops cost?

Most workshops will cost around $70. The cost depends on the technique used for the particular workshop, the materials that will be used and the size of the canvas provided. Ron likes to use quality paints and materials to give you the best result possible.
Varnishing will cost $10 extra if you elect to get that done. You can decide if you want to do this once your painting is finished and you see how it's turned out. Varnishing does protect the paint surface and brings out the colours.

What about COVID safety?

COVID restrictions are always changing. Each workshop will accomodate the rules that are in place at the time of the workshop such as social distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitising.  You will not be allowed to attend the workshop if you have any symptoms. If you have symptoms, please contact Ron to organise attendance at another workshop.

Is there anything else I need to know (e.g., refunds and cancellations)?

Please note that unless the event needs to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., lockdown, flooding event), tickets are non-refundable once purchased. You are able to reschedule up to 3 days prior to the workshop. 
Please also note that by attending the workshop you accept all risks that may be associated with the event and agree to waive the right to any compensation due to illness, injury or damage caused by materials or tools used during the event.