Loose Yet Realistic Watercolour

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

Join Nina Volk for an immersive workshop that explores the delicate balance between looseness and realism in watercolour painting. This Workshop is designed for artists of all skill levels (though preferably with a basic knowledge of watercolour) who wish to capture the essence of their subjects with a fresh spontaneous approach.

Workshop Highlights

TECHNIQUES FOR LOOSE PAINTING:

Learn how to utilise water, exploit paint qualities, tonal values and broad brushstrokes with minimum details to create vibrant and dynamic paintings.

CAPTURING REALISM:

Discover how to maintain a sense of the subject authenticity while embracing a loose painting style, how to cull what is not important and how to make an impression of the things kept in the painting.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES:

Engage in hands-on exercises that will help you improve your skills and confidence and release your from the fear of water and painting tight.

DEMONSTRATION:

Step by step demonstration with explanation what, why and how.

PERSONAL FEEDBACK:

Receive individual guidance and feeback from Nina to hep you refine your techniques.

Materials to Bring

My Paints:

• Ultramarine blue DS
• Cobalt blue DS or Holbein
• Cobalt turquoise light  Holbein
• Lavender Holbein
• Jaune Brilliant #1 Holbein
• Gold Ochre WN
• Yellow Deep Holbein
• Burnt Sienna WN
• Sepia WN
• Cad.Red Light Holbein
• Perm.Alizarin Crimson DS
• Lunar Black/ Lunar Blue DS
• Neutral Tint WN
• White Gouache for little highlights only

My Brushes:

• Medium 3/4 inch flat brushes from NEEF 4880 series mix fiber
• Large, Medium and Small natural mops (such as NEEF 117, #6, #2 and #00)
• Medium Synthetic round brush with fine point (Such as Escoda Perla #10)
• Liner or Needle brush (Such as NEEF 4400 #8)
• Flat synthetic 3/4 inch (to lift) stiff bristles (yellow, not white - white bristles are too soft)

Other Materials:

• Spray bottles
• Hair drier
• Tissue/kitchen paper towels
• Bottle or container for water to wash your brushes

Nina Volk - Profile

Known for her unique approach to watercolour painting, Nina Volk has become a rising star in the watercolour community capturing her audience with her expressive and full light works.

Nina has gained recognition for her ability to blend traditional watercolour techniques with contemporary style, creating stunning pieces that evoke emotion and tell a story. Her work has been featured in numerous art shows and art prize exhibitions, and they have a growing following of art enthusiasts and collectors.

Nina is not just a talented artist with over 20 Best in show and Best Watercolour awards in just 2 years, but she is a gifted and generous teacher here in Australia and on international arena, She was invited to demonstrate for the Biennial International Caudete "New Concepts and Technologies in Watercolour" 2024 in Spain with upcomng workshops in Caudete and Madrid in 2025.

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!