(Images courtesy of Gaelle La Berre Photography, a Melbourne based photographer)

ONE-ON-ONEThis private mentoring workshop is the first of it’s kind and an exclusive one-on-one look into Michele’s current process. It is a customized experience to make it most relevant for YOU in your creative journey.Whether you want to create an abstract from form (landscape or still life) or you want to create intuitive abstract (painting from intuition and the heart) you have to abstract from something. You have to simplify form or feelings into expressions with paint and colour. It begins with internalizing skills and techniques so you can stay in flow and focus on expression.This workshop is designed to create a space for digging deep into areas that hold you back as an artist, and includes techniques to develop strengths. During this process you are able to openly ask questions to create a real dialogue about the art making process and discussing ideas that go into developing a body of work with a distinct point of view. You will have access to everything in the studio to help you see differently or work differently in an effort to shift your perspective. 

Who it’s for:​ It is best suited for someone who would benefit from private mentoring instead of a group learning experience and wants in-depth information customized to their specific level of experience. This workshop is appropriate for all levels of painting experience. Don’t let fear hold you back, this experience comes with a nurturing perspective with lots of laughs – and nothing to be afraid of. If you have painted before OR are a returning student your focus will be to further develop your ideas and techniques from a new perspective.Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. The workshop will be held in Michele’s Moorabbin light filled studio. Materials and supplies will be provided. If you already work with Acrylic paint or inks, or have favourite tools, bring them along if you would like to use them.

During this private look at Michele’s studio practice you’ll be able to see what really happens behind the closed doors of an art studio - dispelling the myths of an artist’s highlight reel often seen on Instagram.It includes a customized in-depth look at workflow suited to what works best for you, all while learning techniques that will quiet your self critic that often inhibits artists from creating their best work. This workshop is designed to have in-depth real conversations about your work and where you want to go with it. Identify your strengths, and look at what your unique visual voice looks like. You will learn how to further extract ideas to paint freely, focusing on overcoming obstacles that hold you back. Learning how to be our true selfs and to stand out as an artist is a life long lesson. This experience will help you clarify your vision with specific steps to catapult you into a solid direction. 

The HALF DAY & 1DAY workshop experience will include working from Michele's professional studio for the day.    

In the 2DAY intensive workshop you will learn how to express ideas more deeply by working on how a series develops by abstracting, layering, simplifying what’s important, and learn to develop colour studies by mixing custom colours. This has an optional excursion to the local art shop to talk more about “what to buy” to take the overwhelm out of the art shop. On the second day you will further develop the first day's work, and have time to paint on your own in Michele's studio submersing yourself in a professional environment.

HALF DAY SESSIONS: Since this is a custom experience, you will choose one half day of optional datesMichele provides within the 30 day calendar. 

(weekends & weekdays available)

FULL DAY DATES & TIME: Since this is a custom experience, you will choose one or two whole days during the week that are back to back. (For example, a Thursday & Friday, all day.) After you purchase your workshop, Michele will send you a calendar of available dates to choose from that are within the month. Workshop dates must be used within the 30 days of booking the workshop.WORKSHOP cancellations: There are no refunds on workshops. If you are unsure if this workshop is a fit for you, get in touch with Michele to discuss before you purchase! 

FOOD: There will be light snack and beverages provided, but you're welcome to bring something if you like.

SUPPLIES: No supplies required, but feel free to bring in any art supplies you currently enjoy working with.

HOMEWORK: Look at the PRO TIP section to see what homework I recommend bringing to the workshop. Without doing this, I can't help you! ;-)

HEADPHONES & MUSIC: optional! If you love to paint to music, you will have opportunity to use headphones and beat to your own drum. ;-)

SUPPLIES included: 

> Charcoal, pastels, brushes, my toolbox 

> Sketchbook 

> Paint (acrylic based) & medium 

> Paper (A4 or A3 size in 320 gsm) *my favorite is Canson Cotton Mixed Media | Dual Surface 

> Ink (optional) 

> Stretched canvas (optional)

PRO TIP: You’ll get more out of the workshop if you can bring existing painting work you want to develop further, or do the homework below.

HOMEWORK TO BRING: Gather inspiration that interests you. Photos, tears from magazines, references to favourite artists, colour chips from bunnings, sketches from your own work, anything that you are already inspired by that you can show on the day. If you love to be organised, you're encouraged to paste your inspiration into scrapbooks/sketchbooks. It's a great source of inspiration and can be used over a lifetime! A survey will be sent to you to better understand how to custom the experience. Be ready for some FUN!

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ONE-ON-ONE WORKSHOP:“Thank you sososososo much!!! Had the amazing life changing couple days with you! Thank you for being you! Honest and true!” Sarah