Studio Sessions with Natasha Ruschka

Join me for a relaxed and interactive 4-week online painting course where you'll paint alongside me from your own studio or home.

Each week we'll explore a different subject and painting concept. One week may focus on a still life, the next a landscape, interior scene or figures. The emphasis is not on painting the same type of subject repeatedly, but on developing the design, colour and observation skills needed to approach any subject with confidence.

Throughout each session, I'll take you through my design process and explain the decisions I make before putting brush to canvas. You'll learn how I simplify, edit and compose a scene to create a stronger painting.

Using multiple cameras, you'll be able to see both my painting surface and palette up close throughout the class.

Course Details

Duration: 4 Weeks
Day/Dates: Mondays - June 8, 15, 22 & 29
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm AEST/AEDT (Canberra, Australia)
Course Fee: $150 AUD (Discounted to $120 for this session)

Limited Seats Available

What You'll Need

Lessons are delivered live via Zoom.

You do not need a Zoom subscription or account. Simply click the Zoom link provided before class and join from your device.

To participate, you'll need:

• A computer, laptop or iPad
• An internet connection
• Access to a microphone and speakers so you can ask questions and hear the class

Most laptops and iPads have a camera, microphone and speakers built in. If you are using a desktop computer, you may need a webcam and microphone.

You are welcome to have your camera on or off during class.

Weekly Format

Each week includes:

• A new subject and learning focus
• Design and composition discussion
• Live demonstration
• Time for students to paint
• Questions and discussion
• Demonstration completion and wrap-up

Subjects are carefully selected to demonstrate a particular painting concept and provide a variety of learning experiences throughout the course. Each week's project is designed to help you develop practical skills that can be applied to your own paintings, regardless of subject matter.

Each session begins with a discussion of design, composition and planning. I will then demonstrate the initial stages of the painting before giving you time to work on your own piece. Once everyone has had time to establish their painting, I will continue the demonstration so you can see how I develop and resolve the work. Students can then use the recording and images of my finished painting to complete their own piece after class before submitting it for critique.

This approach allows you to work at your own pace rather than feeling pressured to keep up with the demonstration.

Critiques & Support

At the completion of each week's painting, students can upload their work to the private Google Classroom.

I will provide individual feedback and critique on each submitted painting, and students are encouraged to support and learn from one another throughout the course.

Google Classroom is also used for:

• Reference images
• Class notes
• Replay recordings
• Questions and discussion between sessions

Video Recordings

All classes are recorded.

If you are unable to attend live, you can watch the recording at a time that suits you and still submit your work for critique.

Recordings will remain available for 2 months after the completion of the course.

Images of my completed demonstration paintings will also be uploaded to Google Classroom for reference as you finish your work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will have gained practical insights into:

• Composition and design
• Colour relationships
• Value and atmosphere
• Brushwork and edge control
• Simplification and editing
• Developing a personal interpretation of a subject

The concepts taught throughout the course are designed to improve all aspects of your painting practice and can be applied across a wide range of subject matter.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is best suited to intermediate and advanced oil painters who already have some experience with their chosen medium and are looking to strengthen their understanding of design, colour and painting technique.

International Time Zones

Canberra / Sydney: Monday 10:00am
Melbourne: Monday 10:00am
Perth: Monday 8:00am
Auckland: Monday 12:00pm

Los Angeles: Sunday 5:00pm
Denver: Sunday 6:00pm
Chicago: Sunday 7:00pm
New York: Sunday 8:00pm

(Please check daylight savings adjustments in your local area.)