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Tutor Information
I live and work on the Central Coast of New South Wales, surrounded by beaches, bushland, and waterways. This landscape shapes my seeing. I walk it, photograph it, and return to it daily — both physically and in the studio.
Alongside my studio practice, I share my skills with artists who are ready to reclaim confidence, depth, and authorship in their work.
I began my career as a visual arts teacher in 1982 and trained at Newcastle College of Advanced Education, later refining my foundations at Watts Atelier in California. A formative period living in China deepened my understanding of art’s cultural role and its capacity to connect people through shared experience.
Today, teaching is an extension of my studio practice — a way of holding space for others as they develop their own visual language and learn to paint the life they’re living.
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Denise Painter
Denise Painter’s creative journey commenced in 1993 when she decided that she would be a ‘stay at home mum’. Denise began to explore creative possibilities. She enrolled in various courses such as Colour and Design and Graphic Design, and, later on Visual Arts at TAFE.
Over the last 25 years she have developed a unique style and now loves to create works using Collage and Mixed Media techniques. Denise’s works are handcrafted or created using digital techniques. She loves to explore the possibilities of the abstract and the surreal using colour as an integral part of the piece.
Einstein is quoted as saying “Creativity is contagious, pass it on”. In 2019, She moved from Sydney to Toronto Lake Macquarie where she has her Studio YouCreate Studio & Gallery and where she holds workshops and classes. More recently, Denise has accepted the post of Art Director for Wangi Lions Dobell Art & Craft Festival for 2024.
Denise has developed a unique style using paper, paint and mixed media. Her designs are either on stretched canvas, wood, ceramics or textiles. Her designs are licensed by Lala Land and Blue Island Press.
PAINT LIKE AN HEIRESS
2-Day workshop with CHERYL WILCOX
A bold art workshop to awaken your inner diva and dazzle your canvas
Still Life Painting for Artists Who Love a Little Luxury
Join Cheryl Willcox for a sumptuous two-day still life painting workshop that invites you to step into the world of elegance, colour, and playful indulgence. Paint Like an Heiress is all about celebrating beauty, boldness, and your own creative flair — no pearls required, but they wouldn’t be out of place!
We’ll explore how to paint richly lit objects from life — think glinting silver, velvet ribbons, lip sticks, maybe even a chocolate Lindt ball or two — with setups styled to evoke old-world glamour and modern pop.
Expect a nod to the luscious textures of Wayne Thiebaud, the fearless sparkle of Ashley Longshore, and plenty of room to develop your own voice.
Setups will be arranged centrally so all participants can paint directly from life. And for those with more experience, Cheryl will offer guidance on using colour temperature to seduce the eye and bring your still life to life.
You’ll leave with a finished painting or two — and the feeling that you just spent the weekend painting in a château (with better company).
Optional (but fabulous!) dress-up encouragement:
Channel your inner heiress or eccentric artist!
Think pearls, kaftans, red lipstick, feather boas, French berets, chunky bangles… or anything you’d wear to paint on a yacht or in a Parisian salon.
Looking forward to sharing this fun and elegant weekend with your group!