The Latest Calendar of Workshops with the LAS
The Launceston Art Society is delighted to share with you an inspiring workshop calendar.
From acrylics to watercolour to coloured pencils, these workshops are all about developing your skills, whether they’re new ones or polishing existing abilities.
The workshops are lead by popular and acclaimed Tasmanian artists, including Marilyn Theisel, Rod Gardner and Stuart Clues. Discover all the details below!


Landscape Acrylics with Stuart Clues Workshop
Join one of Tasmania’s most recognised artists, Stuart, for an inspiring and hands-on painting workshop exploring his modern landscape style.
Expressive and Abstract
Stuart’s work, celebrated through significant art prizes and commissions, is known for its expressive and abstract approach to land and seascapes.
In this session, he will guide participants through the wet-on-wet acrylic painting technique, allowing for smooth blending and atmospheric depth.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and gain insight into Stuart’s creative process.
Workshop Supplies
A materials list will be provided upon booking, ensuring that attendees have everything they need for the workshop. Just bring your enthusiasm and creativity!


Jacquelyn Mansell Paints Tasmania’s Spirit With Heart and Purpose
Jacquelyn Mansell captures the wild beauty of Tasmania through soulful landscape art that connects artist viewer and place in a deeply meaningful way.

Bold Colours and Mark-Making with Julie McDonald
Thriving with bold colours, mark-making, creatively challenging herself artist Julie McDonald is coming into her own as she honours her muse.

An Abiding Love for Colour and Making with Noelene Hammond
Noelene Hammand’s love of colour began in art galleries. Now, from her studio by the Tamar, she creates vibrant works with wool, beads, and bold textiles.
Workshop Guidance and Demonstration
Participants will receive expert guidance as Stuart demonstrates his approach to landscape painting using wet-on-wet acrylic techniques.
The session will cover:
-Understanding the wet-on-wet technique and how to apply it effectively
-Colour mixing and blending for smooth transitions
-Brushwork techniques to create movement and texture
-Composition tips for dynamic abstract landscapes
-Practical exercises to develop confidence in painting expressively
Explore your Creativity with Stuart
Stuart’s relaxed and encouraging teaching style will allow attendees to explore their creativity and develop their own unique approach to landscape painting.
Level of Skill
This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels, from beginners wanting to explore acrylic painting for the first time to experienced painters looking to refine their skills in wet-on-wet techniques.
If you enjoy painting landscapes and want to learn from a renowned artist, this is the perfect opportunity.
Gain Hands On Experience
Participants will gain hands-on experience in wet-on-wet acrylic painting, learning how to blend colours seamlessly, create depth, and bring atmosphere into their landscapes.
They will develop a stronger understanding of composition, brush techniques, and expressive mark-making under Stuart’s expert guidance.
Workshop Joy
The joy of this workshop comes from the excitement of seeing a painting take shape through expressive techniques, the freedom to experiment with colour and texture, and the satisfaction of creating a unique artwork.
Painting alongside fellow creatives in a supportive environment makes the experience even more enjoyable.
About Your Workshop Artist Leader
Stuart is one of Tasmania’s most recognised artists, celebrated for his modern landscape paintings. His work has been widely acclaimed, receiving recognition through prestigious art prizes and commissions.
With expertise in both oils and acrylics, Stuart predominantly paints abstract land and seascapes.
His passion for the natural world and expressive brushwork make his paintings both captivating and unique. In this workshop, he will share his artistic approach, offering valuable insights and techniques that can help you develop your own style.
Workshop Details
When: 8th March 2025, 10:00am to 4:00pm
Workshop price: $130 members $150 non member
Workshop location: 313 Wellington Street, Launceston 7250 Tasmania
Workshop organiser: Lyndel Rawlings 0438265457
Workshop Bookings: Book online at https://www.artlas.org.au/

Urban Watercolour Landscapes with Rod Gardner Workshop
Join acclaimed Tasmanian artist Rod Gardner for a hands-on painting workshop where you’ll explore the art of capturing landscapes with a tonalist approach.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from Rod’s expertise, as he shares his techniques for creating depth and harmony using muted colour palettes and subtle tonal shifts.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, you’ll gain valuable insights into plein-air painting and the expressive power of tone and atmosphere.
An Immersive Workshop Experience
This immersive workshop will guide participants through the fundamental principles of tonalist painting, focusing on mood, light, and composition.
Rod will demonstrate his approach to capturing landscapes, sharing techniques that bring a sense of depth and harmony to each piece.
Participants will have the opportunity to work on their own paintings under his guidance, receiving personalised feedback and hands-on support.
Let Your Creativity Flourish
This workshop is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, providing a relaxed and inspiring environment for creativity to flourish.
Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or explore a new painting style, this workshop is a perfect opportunity to learn from one of Tasmania’s most accomplished artists.
Workshop Level of Skill
This workshop is perfect for artists of all levels who want to refine their approach to landscape painting.
Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced painter looking to enhance your tonal techniques, Rod’s guidance will provide inspiration and practical knowledge.
Participants will gain a deep understanding of tonalist painting, learning how to use muted colour palettes and smooth tonal gradations to create atmospheric depth.
Observing and Translating the Natural Environment
With a focus on plein-air techniques, attendees will also develop skills in observing and translating the natural environment onto the canvas with confidence.
The joy of this workshop comes from the process of seeing a scene come to life through subtle tones and soft transitions.
The experience of learning from a master artist, alongside fellow creatives, will leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed passion for landscape painting.
About Your Workshop Leader
Rod Gardner is best known for his breathtaking Launceston street scenes and stunning kanamaluka/Tamar River landscapes.
His plein-air painting style beautifully conveys mood and atmosphere, making his work both immersive and evocative.
Through his mastery of tonalism, Rod brings landscapes to life with a delicate balance of light and shadow, offering a rich and timeless quality to his paintings.
Discover Creative Freedom Through a Sketchbook Practice Part 1
Nurturing Creativity Sketchbook practice is a creative habit that nurtures confidence, curiosity and exploration, offering artists and crafters a space to play without fear or pressure. This blog...
10 Ways to Heal and Flourish with Creativity and Community Part 2
10 Nurturing Paths to Creativity Creativity has been both my refuge and my guide in these tender months of grief and exhaustion. This is Part 2 of a two-part series, where I continue to explore how...


7 Books for Creative Growth Book Review
In our latest book review we take an immersive journey through creative inspiration and growth for makers and art lovers.
Workshop Supplies
A materials list will be provided upon booking, ensuring that attendees have everything they need for the workshop.
Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Workshop Details
Workshop Date: 12th April 2025
Workshop time: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Workshop price: $130 members $150 non members
Workshop cut off time: 11/04/2025 or to capacity
Workshop Address:
313 Wellington Street, Launceston 7250 Tasmania
Workshop organiser: Lyndel Rawlings 0438265457
How to book:
Book online at https://www.artlas.org.au/

Beginner Pencil Drawing with Marilyn Theisel Workshop
Following the success of the 2024 workshop, we are excited to welcome Marilyn back to share her expertise once again!
This special Beginner Pencil Drawing Taster is designed as an introduction to the world of coloured pencils, covering the essential techniques and foundational skills needed to create beautiful, well-balanced drawings.
Whether you’re completely new to coloured pencils or looking to refine your basics, this workshop is the perfect place to start.
Handson Pencil Drawing Workshop
This hands-on session will guide participants through:
-Understanding different types of colored pencils and their unique characteristics
-Choosing the right surfaces for coloured pencil work
-Exploring colour wheels and charts to learn effective colour selection
-Using additional tools and equipment to enhance techniques
-Working with solvents and perfecting the finishing touches on artwork
-Practical exercises to develop essential drawing skills
With Marilyn’s expert instruction, participants will gain confidence in handling coloured pencils and creating depth, texture, and vibrancy in their work.
Your Workshop Artist Leader
Marilyn Theisel is a versatile and innovative artist who works across multiple mediums, including pencil and textiles.
Her art is a reflection of the world around her, capturing the interplay of light and shadow, the depth of emotions, and the textures that shape human experiences.
Marilyn’s passion for creative exploration pushes artistic boundaries, making her work ever-evolving and deeply expressive.
Through her art, Marilyn invites viewers to see the world through new perspectives, appreciating the beauty and complexity of textures, colours, and emotions in everyday life.

The Launceston Heritage Sketch 2025
This exciting Heritage Sketch Art Competition is for kids from Kinder to Year 12 and is all about exploring and drawing Launceston.

The Stitching and Beyond Out of Hand Exhibition
It is time to celebrate the joys of textile art with the always popular Stitching and Beyond “Out of Hand” Exhibition!


Skill Levels for this Workshop
This workshop is ideal for beginners who want to explore coloured pencils for the first time, as well as artists looking to revisit essential techniques.
If you’ve ever wanted to try coloured pencil art or strengthen your drawing foundation, this is the perfect opportunity!
Participants will develop a strong understanding of colour theory, shading techniques, and pencil control. Through guided exercises, they will gain valuable skills that can be applied to future artworks.
Marilyn’s structured yet encouraging approach ensures a fun and rewarding learning experience.
The joy of this workshop comes from the freedom to experiment, the satisfaction of mastering new techniques, and the excitement of bringing a drawing to life.
With expert guidance and a supportive group environment, this workshop will inspire creativity and confidence in every participant.

Workshop Details
A materials list will be provided upon booking, ensuring that attendees have everything they need for the workshop.
Just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
Workshop Dates: 29th March 2025, 10am – 2pm
Workshop price:
$50 for members $60 for non members
Workshop cut off booking date
28/3/2025 or to capacity
Workshop Address:
313 Wellington Street, Launceston 7250 Tasmania
Workshop organiser: Lyndel Rawlings 0438265457
To to Book:
Workshop ticket booking online at

How Open Studio Art Trails Help Artists Connect and Grow Part 1
Find out how Open Studio Art Trails can help grow your profile as an artist, open doors to new opportunities and to thrive creatively.
How to Flourish as An Exhibiting Artist
Read the Latest Blog Stories and Flourish…
10 Ways to Explore Your Creativity with a Sketchbook Practice Part 2
10 Sketchbook Practice Ideas A sketchbook is more than just blank pages – it’s a space where curiosity, play, and experimentation come together. In Part One, we explored why sketchbooks are such a powerful tool for creative exploration. If you missed it, you can read...
Impressions Exhibition at the Poatina Tree Gallery
You're Invited to attend the Poatina Tree Gallery Impressions Exhibition Artists Justine Vaughan, Gaynor Peaty, Rosa MacManemy, Jacqueline Senior, Julie Irvin and Elizabeth Royce are the Newfields Printmakers and invite you to their "Impressions" exhibition. Based in...
Red for Courage Slow Stitch Celebration with Rita Summers
You're Invited to Be Part of Rita Summer's Cancer Free Celebration Help me celebrate being declared cancer-free after 5 years! Last month, I got the final all-clear. No more scans, no more specialist appointments. So now I want to celebrate! I would love it if you...
The Makers at the Courthouse Spring Growth Exhibition
Celebrate the Change of Seasons with the Spring Growth Exhibition We’re thrilled to announce our very first in-house art exhibition, “Spring Growth.” This special event will feature fresh, original works created exclusively by members of Makers at the Courthouse. The...
How to Effectively Promote Your Open Studio Art Trail on a Budget Part 2
How to Effectively and Affordably Promote Your Open Studio Art Trail Open Studio Art Trail events offer incredible opportunities, but their success depends on how well they’re promoted. This is Part 2 in our series, focusing on affordable, effective ways to spread...
How Open Studio Art Trails Help Artists Connect and Grow Part 1
How Open Studio Art Trails Can Boost Your Creative Career Open Studio Art Trails invite the public into the heart of your creative world, offering an authentic glimpse behind the scenes. For artists and makers, they are a chance to connect directly with audiences,...
“Peak Experiences” an Exhibition Inspired by Wild Tasmania by Mel Hills
Explore the Mel Hills Exhibition "Peak Experiences" Step into a world of misty peaks, glinting waterfalls and alpine wildflowers as Mel Hills unveils her long-awaited mountain celebration series. Inspired by Tasmania’s iconic wilderness these breathtaking paintings...
Discover Creative Freedom Through a Sketchbook Practice Part 1
Nurturing Creativity Sketchbook practice is a creative habit that nurtures confidence, curiosity and exploration, offering artists and crafters a space to play without fear or pressure. This blog story is Part 1 of a two-part series exploring the creative...
Stitching Stories of Colour, Texture and Beauty by Cindy Thompson Exhibition
Textile Artist Exhibition "Stitching Stories" will be exhibited at Sheffield Art Gallery for two months, in August and September. The exhibition will show Cindy's colourful work encompassing many different textile art techniques. There are many items for sale as well...
Read What Our Members Say About Belonging
Join the growing, supportive artists community today and have your Artist story told here.
Belinda is doing a great job creating a professional looking artist hub online. Check out the profile I posted recently to see how well she does them. To all my artist friends let’s help make this THE go to place to discover local artists.
You won’t regret joining Art Trails Tasmania . It’s a welcoming community for creatives at any career stage.Becoming an Art Trails Tasmania member wasn’t a hard decision for me to make as it’s such a wealth of knowledge and support.Being member provides a quality way to showcase your creative endeavours and it’s quickly growing in reach.
We operate a home based picture framing business and recently joined Art Trails Tasmania as a means to giving us exposure to the wider artist community. We have almost immediately seen increase in activity thru our online sites, which I am certain will lead to more opportunities to grow our business.