Introductory Foundation Art Courses
Even if you have never picked up a pencil or a paintbrush before, our Introductory Foundation Art Courses are designed to guide beginner learners through the fundamentals of drawing and painting through quality art education.
Prices starting from
$135
Description
Even if you have never picked up a pencil or a paintbrush before, our Introductory Foundation Art Courses are designed to guide beginner learners through the fundamentals of drawing and painting through quality art education.
At Melbourne Art Class, we want you to leave your course feeling ready to continue your art journey confidently at home, or in a further course with us! Artists with some experience who want to revisit the fundamentals may also find these courses useful.
Take a look at some of our first time artist FAQ’s below, or contact us if you have specific questions!
Q: Help, I’m not sure where to start!
A: These courses are all beginner friendly and you can start anywhere!
If you love the look of all of the courses, we usually recommend starting with the foundation of drawing in either our Introduction to Observational Drawing Short Course or our Drawing Bootcamp Workshop. We believe drawing is a great place to start your artist journey!
Q; “What if I can already draw?”
A: You might to try expand your drawing techniques with our Introduction to Life Drawing Short Course or our Introduction to Tonal Drawing Short Course. If you are ready to explore painting, we suggest Introduction to Painting Short Course next, or if you like to think outside the box, Introduction to Abstraction Short Course could be for you.
Q; “What should I try if I’m looking for creativity more than technique?”
A: If you are drawn to art for the opportunity to express your creativity and find mindfulness through art, our Creative Art Therapy and Japanese Ink Courses are creative and calming experiences.
Q: “Do I have to bring my own art supplies?”
A: No, we provide these for you! Everything you need for your introductory level courses is supplied for you at no extra cost. Sometimes you may be asked to bring in an item or photo from home, your teacher will advise you of this in class if required.
Q: “Is Studio Art beginner friendly?”
A: Yes, it is! Studio Art is open to all experience levels and is a more ‘student lead’ experience than our introductory courses. If you like a bit less structure or perhaps have specific things you would like to work on, you are welcome to start with Studio Art. You may be surrounded by more experienced artists, which can be very inspiring. Your teacher will work with you one on one as required.
Q: How often do the introductory courses run?
A: Our Introduction to Observational Drawing Short Course and Introduction to Painting Short Course usually run once or twice a term, over four terms a year (about 8 times a year). The other introductory foundation courses and workshops usually run once every term or two, or 2 to 4 times a year.
Q: Where do I sign up?
A: Click on the courses below to read more about the course including the dates, price, location. When you are ready to enrol, scroll down to the ‘enroll now’ section on your course page and click ‘book’!
Mondays
29 September - 27 October 2025
(5 sessions)
1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Union Studio
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.
$395
Thursdays
6 November - 4 December 2025
(5 sessions)
6:15 pm - 8:15 pm
Glenferrie Studio
This is an introduction to watercolour and gouache short course 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.
$316
Thursdays
6 November - 4 December 2025
(5 sessions)
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Elgin Studio
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.
$395
Thursdays
18 September - 16 October 2025
(5 sessions)
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Union Studio
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.
$395
Coming Soon
Mondays
10 November - 8 December 2025
(5 sessions)
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Union Studio
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.
$395
Saturdays
22 November - 13 December 2025
(4 sessions)
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Union Studio
This course introduces the key elements and techniques of observational drawing and will help beginner students, and artists who would like to revisit the fundamentals.
$316
Sunday
12 October 2025
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Union Studio
Be introduced to some fundamental drawing and illustration techniques and follow Camila Quintero's drawing process as it relates to her own art practice.
$145
Saturdays
20, 27 September, 4 October 2025
(3 sessions)
1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Union Studio
Learn how to approach painting the figure using only alla prima or wet-on-wet techniques. "Alla prima," meaning "at the first [attempt]," is a painting style that is quick and loose, lending itself to expressive and impactful paintings.
$345
Coming Soon
Monday 19 – Friday 23 January 2026
9:30am – 4:00pm (6.5 hrs x 5 days)
Union Studio
A 5 day workshop to lift your painting practice to new heights, with the founder of Melbourne Art Class.
$895
Wednesdays
24 September - 22 October 2025
(5 sessions)
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Union Studio
Drawing the Figure and the Face short course will focus on the fundamentals of drawing through cast drawing and life drawing.
You will be introduced to various strategies and techniques for drawing the figure and the face. This course will assist beginner and intermediate artists in developing fundamental drawing techniques.
$395
Sunday
9 November 2025
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Union Studio
Sumi-e is the ancient art of Japanese brush painting. Traditionally, paintings feature subjects from nature, such as flowers and birds. Melbourne Art Class welcomes award-winning sumi-e artist, Junko Azukawa to host a three-hour Japanese ink painting workshop.
$145