Join acclaimed Australian artist Cherry Hood for an intensive weekend of watercolour painting in her studio on the Central Coast, NSW.

Limited to just three participants, each workshop offers generous individual tuition in a relaxed and supportive environment. The workshop suits all levels, from complete beginners to experienced artists looking to expand their skills.

What you will learn

Focusing on the human face, Cherry will guide you through her distinctive watercolour painting process from beginning to end.

The workshop begins by using a projector to create a pencil outline of a face on a large sheet of Arches watercolour paper. Cherry then demonstrates each stage of the painting process before you return to your own work to apply what you have learned.

Completed and partially finished paintings will be available for reference throughout the weekend. Cherry will explain each step, answer questions and provide individual assistance as your painting develops.

By the end of the workshop, you will have a much greater understanding of Cherry’s technique and the skills needed to create a convincing portrait likeness in future paintings.

A note about drawing

This is a painting workshop, not a drawing competition. Accurately enlarging and copying a face from a photograph is difficult and can distract from learning the painting technique. Therefore, we will use a projector to transfer your selected face onto the paper. This lets you concentrate on watercolour, tone, and colour.

Before the workshop, Cherry will email you a selection of faces to choose from. Cherry will print and laminate your selected image for reference. You should also save the image to your phone so that it can be projected during the workshop.

Painting a personal portrait

First-time participants are encouraged to work from one of the reference images Cherry supplies. Trying to capture the likeness of a particular person can limit experimentation and make it harder to get the full benefit of the workshop.

Returning participants who are familiar with Cherry’s technique are welcome to discuss painting a particular person.

Materials provided

All painting materials and equipment are included, including:

• One large sheet of Arches watercolour paper, measuring 56 × 76 cm
• Artist-quality watercolour paints
• A palette for each participant
• Watercolour tubes for creating washes and replenishing palettes
• A set of brushes, with additional brushes available for use
• Projector and other workshop equipment

Workshop location & hours

The workshop is held in Cherry’s home studio in Macmasters Beach, NSW.
Workshop times: 9.00am – 4.30pm on Saturday, 9.30am – 4.30pm on Sunday. Residential attendees are welcome to arrive on Friday night and stay on Sunday night.

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the workshop fee and is provided in Cherry’s modern three-bedroom townhouse nearby. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan, and the townhouse has reverse-cycle air conditioning.

Each participant has a private bedroom with a queen-size bed. Two participants share a large bathroom, while one bedroom has an ensuite. A third toilet is also downstairs.

You are welcome to arrive on Friday afternoon or evening and stay until Monday morning at no additional cost. This allows you to enjoy the weekend without needing to travel immediately before or after the workshop.

The accommodation is a short drive from the beaches, cafés, restaurants, clubs and pubs of Ettalong and from supermarkets in Umina.

Meals

Delicious sandwiches are provided for lunch on Saturday and Sunday, with vegetarian options. Other dietary options can be discussed.

Breakfasts and evening meals are self-catered, so please bring your own supplies. The kitchen is fully equipped, with basic necessities:

• Tea, coffee and herbal tea
• Sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Bread

Cafés, restaurants and supermarkets are approximately three to four minutes away by car.

Workshop fee and payment

The total cost is $1,400 per person, including:

• Two full days of tuition and demonstrations
• All painting materials and equipment
• Private accommodation from Friday evening until Monday morning
• Lunch on Saturday and Sunday

A deposit of $500 is required to secure your place. The remaining balance of $900 is due 14 days before the workshop. We will provide payment details once we receive your booking request.

Cancellation and refund policy:

• More than 30 days before the workshop: Full refund
• 21 – 29 days before the workshop: Refund less a $200 cancellation fee
• 7 – 20 days before the workshop: Refund less a $500 cancellation fee
• Less than 7 days before the workshop: No refund

If you transfer your booking to a future workshop, Cherry may waive the cancellation fee.

If you need to cancel within 7 days of the workshop because of a serious illness or accident, these circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Book or enquire

Places are strictly limited to three participants for each workshop. To enquire about available dates or reserve your place, contact Cherry using the form on this website.