Introductory Foundation Courses

Saturdays
31 January - 28 February 2026
(5 sessions)
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

Drawing is fundamental to any artistic practice. This short course is designed for people who are looking to learn the fundamentals of observational drawing. Perfect for beginners or those looking for a refresher on drawing techniques.

Friday evenings
30 January -  27 February 2026
(5 sessions)
6:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

Have you always wanted to join an art class, but never known where to begin? Join art conservator and artist Catalina Leichner and explore a range of art materials and techniques to gain a broad understanding of the different mediums you can use to create art.

Saturdays
31 January - 28 February 2026
(5 sessions)
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Glenferrie Studio, Hawthorn

Participants will learn key observational and rendering techniques for botanical art through drawing, watercolour, and gouache. The course culminates in a series of studies and a finished botanical artwork.

Monday 19 – Friday 23 January 2026
9:30am – 4:00pm (6.5 hrs x 5 days)
Union Studio, Armadale

A 5 day workshop to lift your painting practice to new heights, with the founder of Melbourne Art Class.

Monday 26 January 2026 (Australia Day)
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

Be introduced to some of the most powerful drawing techniques you will ever use. With a focus on the perception of a three-dimensional world, this intensive is designed to re-train your brain to see. Founder and Director of Melbourne Art Class, Marco Corsini will draw on his extensive experience of working with beginner artists to set the foundation for a new way of seeing and drawing from life.

Thursdays
29 January - 26 February 2026
(5 sessions)
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

This course is designed for people who are looking to learn the fundamentals of painting. Over the course, artist and teacher David Hamilton will introduce you to: Underpainting, Composition, Value (light and dark), Application of paint, Tonal painting.

Mondays
2 February - 30 March 2026
(8 sessions - no class 9th March, Labour Day)
9:30 am - 12:00 pm 
Union Studio, Armadale

Take a deep dive into landscape and portraiture using classical techniques by contemporary painter Saffron Newey. She will lead you though the fundamentals of Grisaille, and demonstrate how artists such as Da Vinci, Titian, Vermeer and Rembrandt created such memorable work. A great course for beginners and those that are wanting to improve their painting.

Tuesdays
27 January - 24 February 2026
(5 sessions)
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

Melbourne Art Class welcomes leading Australian contemporary abstract artist Samara Adamson-Pinczewski to conduct an introductory course solely dedicated to abstract art practice. This course introduces the key elements and techniques of abstraction and will help beginner students, and artists who would like to revisit the fundamentals.

Sunday
8th March 2026
2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

Join Junko Azukawa to learn various brush techniques, calligraphy styles, stroke order and balance of Japanese characters. You will also be introduced to the history of Japanese calligraphy and the meaning of Japanese characters.

Mondays
2 February - 30 March 2026
(8 sessions no class 9th March - Labour Day)
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm 
Union Studio, Armadale

Learn Drawing Fundamentals This course combines both formal and informal approaches to drawing. Each week, Catalina will guide the class through a unique drawing experience. Participants will work observationally from life in various contexts and settings, including studio-based work and street drawing. The course will emphasise drawing as both a skill and a tool for self-expression, helping participants discover and develop their personal style. Designed as a rolling program, participants will journey with Catalina as their guide, exploring a range of drawing techniques and materials.

Sunday
22 March 2026
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Union Studio, Armadale

During this workshop, artist Rina Kondakova will introduce students to the history of Manga, its techniques and fundamental elements. You’ll learn how to develop your own original Manga characters and gain confidence in your drawing practice.

Thursdays
29 January - 26 February 2026
(5 sessions)
6:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Glenferrie Studio, Hawthorn

This is an introduction to watercolour and gouache intensive taught by Catalina Leichner, Argentinian artist and Art Conservator who specialises in watercolour illustration. Catalina will introduce students to key foundational techniques for using gouache and watercolour media. Catalina will offer personalised assistance informed by the participants individual illustration goals.