Discover how to Work on Alternative Substrates

Join Us - In Tropical North Queensland for this magic Workshop!

@ The Tanks Arts Centre - Cairns Botanical Gardens -

Friday 19th September 2025 - 10am to 2.30pm

46 Collins Ave, Cairns, QLD, Australia 4870

Are You Looking For Alternatives to Watercolour On Paper

This Workshop - with Jude Scott who has experimented with many different approaches to using Aluminium - Acquabord and other substrates will guide you through techniques and ideas to achieve this goal!

Why alternative substrates?

Using a hard base such as aluminium and or boards of various types allows you to create your artwork and not need to go to the expense of framing with glass - and or giving you the opportunity to present your work so the viewer doesn't have to navigate glass which often distorts the image with reflection and shadows, unless you use the more expensive Archival glasses available on the market!

Jude says ................. "

Several years ago I needed to paint a very large format in watercolour that would not require framing..... a big ask!

I searched everywhere for answers and after lots (and lots and lots) of research over the course of the next two years I discovered a way to do so and will share with you what I have learned about my process. 

My favourite alternative substrate is an aluminium panel that is treated in two ways before painting. It is then finished with two more processes before completion and then it is off to the framers!

If this sounds like a must for you and your artworks, I would love to have you join the workshop for the first workshop I have ever tutored with this process!

  The two artworks here are on panels 80 x 60 cms and 120 x 80 cms.

The Aim - I will demonstrate step by step employing a series of hands on demonstrations that will allow you to learn and  fully understand the processes involved. You will be able to use this 'no frame under glass' method to produce your own unique artworks in the future. 

What You Will Get -There will be a series of hands on  step by step demonstrations,  enabling you to fully understand the processes involved.

You will receive a materials list upon registration and a pack containing your panels to produce your artworks, and an image will be provided for your inspiration on the day.

We will provide you with a piece of Aluminium to Work on but please reference the other Materials to bring carefully:

Materials to Bring:

Jude recommends you tick off from the list as you put into your bag/case/backpack!

1. Sketchbook – what ever size/format you will feel comfortable with. This will be for thumbnail and general sketches and colour swatches and sketching and small paintings.
2. Please use tubes of paint, these should be squeezed onto a palette and be firm enough not to leak into one another for travelling. Paints in a dry block format are impossible to use for paintings, best kept for small sketches.** See my preferred Holbein list below. No need to buy specially if you already have these colours in other brands as long as they are professional quality not student quality.
3. If topping up fresh paint into your before you leave palette, do this a few days before - leave to the lid open to allow them to 'firm' up so they don't all mix up together during travel!! EEEEK!
4. Watercolour palette.....please have large clean areas for mixing on your palette before you come:) Don't have a travel palette? Check out my store website www.judescott.co
5. 2B pencils.....I love the mechanical ones best, 2B . and size .07 (.05 too fragile for me.)
6. .....all your faves and include a brush for big washes that have a fine point....if not sure what to use I will have some for sale.
7. An old towel to protect the working surface, doesn't need to be larger than 40 x 60 cms.

Specialist Materials to bring to experiment with Aluminium Substrate:

1. Wet and Dry Silicon Carbide abrasive paper and a sanding block.
2. Gesso to prime panel - I use Australian made Derivan, small container will do.
3. Baby wipes to clean hands.
4. A small sponge roller (available Red Dot, art stores etc) to apply gesso to panels.
5. Optional-A soft wide brush to apply gesso, any soft paint brush will do to create texture on the panel.
6. A water container... a large yoghurt container is ideal!
7. Roll of kitchen paper.
8. Fine mister spray bottle and a larger spray to keep surface damp.
9. A small sponge to dry /adjust the amount of liquid on your brush.

Colours to Bring:

As an advocate for Holbein paints, Jude uses and recommends their watercolours. Holbein watercolours produce an exquisite range of beautiful, transparent colours. These  professional quality paints have very finely ground pigments that produce intense hues in a stunning range of beautiful colours.

REDS

 Rose Madder

 Quinacridone Red

 Burnt Sienna

 Mars Violet 

BLUES

Cobalt Turquoise

Cobalt 290

Ultra Marine Deep

Prussian Blue 

YELLOWS

Cad Yellow Orange

Quinacridone Gold

Aureolin Yellow

Yellow Ochre

EXTRAS

Titanium White

 Neutral Tint

Jude Scott - Profile

Jude is a Perth WA Australia based Watercolour Artist - teacher and workshop tutor and Holbein Watercolour Representative Artist.

We first introduced Jude to you as one of our Original Juror's for our Australian Watercolour Muster and also for FabrianoInAcquarello - Italy and since that time Jude has travelled and completed Workshops in Italy and France  sharing her skills internationally as well as here in Australia.

Jude explains her inspiration ........." Nature is endless source of inspiration, whether it’s a breathtaking landscape, a delicate flower, or a captivating face.

The expansive horizons of Australia, with the brilliant light and untouched beauty, beckon me to bring my visions to life on paper. 

Flowers, with their vibrant colors and intricate forms, never fail to enchant me, offering a joyful subject to explore. 

Similarly, the art of painting faces captivates me, as I uncover the contours shaped by time and nature, much like the landscapes I adore." 

Refund Policy |

You can book your Workshop with confidence - knowing that we will refund the Workshop Fee - less $AUD10.00 Booking fee to cover bank and admin charges - provided we are notified in writing via our CONTACT FORM - dated one week prior to the commencement of the Australian Watercolour Muster Biennale - 2025 i.e. 10th September 2025.

Cancellations after this date will be refunded at 50% of the Booking Fee, at the discretion of the Curator of the Australian Watercolour Muster - Wyn Vogel - depending on the critical circumstances and again notified in writing via our CONTACT FORM - with your phone number and details of the Workshop / Event you are wishing to cancel. A booking fee of $AUD10.00 will be applied to these late cancellations. 

There will be no refund if the Student doesn't advise of their inability to attend at least 24hours prior to the Workshop date and/or doesn't arrive at the Workshop!