
Art Classes Newcastle
For me the most important aspect of teaching painting classes in Newcastle and other beautiful places is the great feeling that comes when I help other artists and students achieve their artistic goals.
I like to share my knowledge and experience with art students whether they are complete beginners or accomplished practitioners looking to expand their technical expertise and capacity to express ideas and emotions. I believe Australian artists are in a unique position to enjoy one of the most efficient and straightforward painting processes ever created; the Australian Tonal Impressionist System also known as the Max Meldrum Method.

Throughout the year I am invited to run painting workshops at different locations where I am able to teach tonalist and renaissance techniques, material technologies, or specific topics requested by the host. This is also a great opportunity to help artists who normally would not be able to attend my regular classes; spreading knowledge and care for others keeps me focused and enthusiastic about my own painting practice
Australian Impressionist Oil Painting Classes
My regular Master class in Australian Tonal Impressionist oil painting teaches students of any level how to paint with speed and precision using direct observation, giving practitioners full power of expression.
Learning Tonal Impressionism does not need prior knowledge of difficult subjects like classical drawing, perspective, or anatomy; it improves our capacity to see and create with objectivity following a natural order of visual perception. Students go through a specific progression of concept based modular sessions which give them a clear path of skill development. Particular tonalist principles and techniques are taught using hands-on exercises and PDF material. Also at specific moments within the curriculum supportive knowledge like colour theory, brushwork, support preparation, and composition theory are taught to deepen students’ artistic and technical skills.
Old Masters Techniques Art Class
My Old Master Painting Techniques class focuses mainly on the Flemish Baroque tradition as this system can easily be modified for direct and fast painting, or a layered approach which is a slower and more methodical way of painting. It is normally imparted in intensive Master workshop form.
The method brings several benefits to the practitioner. One of the great advantages is its careful division of the stages required to carry out the work thus giving students a clear step by step process where they can concentrate on a few aspects at each stage rather than feeling overwhelmed by too many things that must be kept under control at once.
Also its layering stages and techniques like glazing, velaturas, and scumbles, allow a broader application of different textures and optical effects impossible to achieve with a direct methodology. As a result this system is a great asset for students interested in traditional methodologies, the craft and alchemy of oil painting materials, a more step by step fine art painting approach, and the luminosity and optical richness found in old masters works.
New Tonal Impressionist Online Course
The Tonalist System now is also delivered as an online course by weekly PDFs supported by videos, Facebook group and live Q&A sessions.
Artists now are able to study and practice the same content as in the studio sessions but at their own pace at home and receive coaching online.
To register for my online tonal impressionist course please contact me here.

Join a Class | Private Art Coaching
To enquire about Master classes in Tonal Impressionism, private coaching, or workshops in Renaissance oil painting techniques around Newcastle or further afield please contact me here.

Further Reading – Impressionist Painting Techniques
The Max Meldrum Method (Australian Tonal Impressionism)
National Gallery of Australia – Essay on Australian Tonalists
Links – Tonal Impressionist Artists
Clarice Beckett – famous historical Max Meldrum Method student
Don James, Australian contemporary Tonalist Painter
Paul McDonald, contemporary Tonalist
Liam Gallegos, French tonal impressionist
Learn Old Master Painting Techniques
Old Masters Academy – Old Masters Painting Techniques Online Course
Historical Paintings Techniques (PDF)
Angel Academy of Art, Florence
Flemish and Dutch Baroque Method
Flemish Baroque Technique – Progress Example: