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 Weekend Workshops - 2025

Let's Abstract!

with Jan Cristaudo
1st & 2nd March, 2025

J Cristaudo.png

Artist Statement 

As an abstract artist I immerse myself in the environment to capture that sense of place. My work comes from the connection I have to a landscape using all my senses to express the emotion and feel of a place and then translate that into my artwork. Abstract art is more than just putting down paint and moving it around a canvas. You have to start from a story, a place, image or feeling. You have to know your medium, colours and brushwork and be able to build your painting up from a foundation that can capture all of that. This is what I love about abstract art. It’s the layers that you build upon, the colours you use and the strokes that create the emotions to form ‘good art.’

Workshop Description

In my workshops, I ask you to bring a photo that has meaning to you and that you feel connected to. We will explore what it means to you and how it makes you feel. We look at its depth and work toward expressing this through your own painting.

The first day will begin with a demonstration on how I begin with an abstract painting, as this is one of the most asked questions to me. I like to bring the artists into the conversation while I demonstrate, its a great way to learn all sorts of things relating to art. The artists will then start on their own piece, I will spend time with you all discussing the image you have brought and the best way to abstract it. After we break for lunch I will continue onto the next step with my painting, and then you will continue on yours. I constantly walk around to each artist giving advice and assistance if need be.

The second day we will resume and get more and more into our abstraction. Finishing with a group discussion on our work and to discuss how each artist thought they went, any challenges they may have had. I find this is very important in a group setting, as once more we will all learn and benefit from this.

Paintings take time. To understand, explore, experiment and to challenge preconceived ideas so I can not guarantee a completed artwork by the end of my workshop (in fact most won’t be). What I can guarantee is the beginning of a deeper understanding of abstract art and the techniques to achieve good artworks. This will enable you to confidently continue with your painting and build on what you have gained through my workshop. I look forward to exploring this with you.

Watercolour Impressions
2 day workshop with Chan Dissanayake
NEW DATE!   May 3-4, 2025 

3 & 4 May 2025
Forster Gallery, 34 Lake Street, Forster 
Price: Members $240 – non-Members $280 
Enquiries and bookings: classesandworkshops@forstergallery.org phone 0401 761 812

 Artist Short Biography 

Chan Dissanayake is a multi-award winning watercolour artist living in Canberra ACT.  Over the last 25 years his passion has turned to watercolour, a medium that thrives in spontaneous response and free expression. 

His mastery is manifested by the vast subject matter that he tackles from rural landscapes, urban city scapes to coastal seascapes. In 2017, Chan received the ultimate accolade for an Australian watercolourist when he was elected to the elite Australian Watercolour Institute.

 

Known for his innovative approach to teaching and generosity in sharing his knowledge, Chan has gained a considerable reputation as an outstanding tutor. He conducts workshops throughout the country and leads international painting tours for Travelrite International. Currently, he teaches watercolour at the ANU (Australian National University). He has contributed many articles to leading art publications including International Artist, Australian Artist and Artists Palette. His quick and direct approach to watercolour has earned him much success and respects both nationally and internationally.

Workshop information 

This 2 Day workshop will suit students who have been exposed to the medium of watercolour and want to extend their knowledge to the next level. It will specifically concentrate on how to inject and capture the mood of the subject. The truly magical qualities of watercolour can best be demonstrated in portraying atmospheric effects. A variety of subjects will be tackled, producing two paintings a day from start to finish; each painting will be chosen to demonstrate a certain technique or a key learning point. There will be lots of useful discussions as well as tips on how to avoid potential pitfalls. 

Website: http://www.chandissan.com

Email: artist@chandissan.com 

chan.dissanayake.artist @chandissanayake

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