Courses on Offer – MSA Adults
The Melbourne Studio of Art offers a range of Foundations courses designed to build essential skills for beginners and those returning to art. Each program offers a structured, supportive environment with optional materials kits, encouraging students to continue across multiple terms to steadily build confidence and technical ability.
Drawing Foundations
Mondays:
21st July – 8th September | 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Tuesdays:
22nd July – 9th September | 9:30pm – 12:30pm
Drawing Foundations provides a strong grounding in observational drawing, covering tone, form, perspective and composition while working with pencil, charcoal, and pastel on subjects such as still life, masterworks, and live models.
More information
Over the course of this program you will learn:
- How to translate what you see into a recognisable picture.
- How to use different drawing materials including pencil, charcoal and pastels.
- An introductory understanding of tone, form, perspective and composition.
- How to express yourself using formal techniques to create articulate images.
Students will draw from a variety of references that may include:
- Still life set ups
- Master drawings
- Life models
This class is ideal for beginners and intermediate students looking to enhance their approach to the intricate art of drawing. We strongly encourage students to consider enrolling in this class for 2-3 terms. Pilar will introduce increased complexity in each project for returning students as they progress.
Materials not included in the cost of this course however are available for purchase when completing your booking.
Comprehensive kits are discounted by 25% of regular retail prices and enrolled students receive a 10% discount on individual items. Kits are prepared and ready for collection on the first lesson of term.
Oil Painting Foundations
Tuesdays:
22nd July – 9th September | 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Oil Painting Foundations introduces students to the fundamentals of painting with oils, including colour mixing, underpainting, brushwork, and composition, while guiding them in the use of professional painting materials.
More information
Over the course of this program you will learn:
- Safe practices for using oil paints.
- Techniques for mixing a diverse range of colours using a minimal set of base colours.
- Painting simple still life setups and portraits on various surfaces like canvas paper, self-primed boards, and basic canvas.
This class is tailored for beginners and intermediate students seeking to enhance their approach to oil painting. We recommend that students consider enrolling in this class for 2-3 terms to deepen their understanding. Pilar will introduce increasing complexity in projects for returning students as they progress. This class complements the morning drawing program.
Materials not included in the cost of this course however are available for purchase when completing your booking.
Comprehensive kits are discounted by 25% of regular retail prices and enrolled students receive a 10% discount on individual items. Kits are prepared and ready for collection on the first lesson of term.
Drawing & Watercolour Foundations
Tuesdays:
22nd July – 9th September | 6:30pm – 9:00pm
For those interested in combining media, the Drawing & Watercolour Foundations course develops core drawing techniques alongside watercolour skills such as washes, glazing, and handling archival paper.
More information
Over the course of this program you will learn:
- Observational drawing techniques.
- The use of various drawing materials.
- Fundamentals of tone, form, perspective, and composition.
- Effective setup and utilisation of watercolour paints.
- Students will have the opportunity to draw and paint from a variety of references, including still life setups, master drawings and paintings, life models as well as landscape paintings and photographs.
This class is ideal for beginner – intermediate students and aspiring artists interested in the fluidity of watercolours. Experienced painters who have not explored watercolours are also encouraged to join this course.
Materials not included in the cost of this course however are available for purchase when completing your booking.
Comprehensive kits are discounted by 25% of regular retail prices and enrolled students receive a 10% discount on individual items. Kits are prepared and ready for collection on the first lesson of term.
Open Studio in Sculpture
Wednesdays:
8th October – 26th November | 10.00am – 3.00pm
More information
Over the course of this program you will learn:
- Introspective Art Creation: Discover the “why” behind your work and create pieces that resonate with your unique vision.
- Expert Guidance: Receive one-on-one tutorials to master sculpting techniques and elevate your craftsmanship.
- Therapeutic Artistry: Infuse your work with personal meaning through creative therapies, linking art and emotion.
- Limitless Expression: Sculpt with freedom, using clay, wood, plaster, found objects, or mixed media.
- Creative Community: Connect with fellow artists, share feedback, and grow in a supportive environment.
- Perfect for all levels, this program is ideal for artists ready to break through creative blocks and embrace the joy of working in 3D.
Materials not included in the cost of this course however are available for purchase at the studio. If you wish to purchase clay from us, please notify in advance to ensure adequate time for us to order this in.
Open Studio – All Abilities
Mondays:
21st July – 8th September| 9:30pm – 2:30pm
Fridays:
25th July – 12th September | 9:30pm – 2:30pm
More information
Our programs align with NDIS goals, focusing on:
Improved Social and Community Participation:
- Engage in group art activities to enhance social interaction, build friendships, and
feel part of the community.
Skill Development and Personal Growth:
- Learn creative techniques such as painting, drawing, or digital art to develop fine
motor skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and boost self-expression.
Therapeutic Art Experiences:
- Our qualified instructors use art as a tool to promote emotional well-being and
encourage non-verbal communication.
Tailored Programs with Individual Support:
- We adapt our classes to suit the individual needs of each participant, ensuring
accessibility for all abilities. Participants can work one-on-one or in group
settings, with the option of additional support staff if needed.
How NDIS participants can use funding for our programs:
Our art classes may be eligible under the following NDIS funding categories:
- Core Supports – Assistance with Social and Community Participation:
Use your NDIS funding to access our group workshops or community art classes.
Capacity Building Supports – Increased Social and Community
- Participate in our structured programs to develop new skills and achieve personal
growth through art.
Therapeutic Supports – Improved Daily Living:
- Join sessions with a focus on therapeutic outcomes, such as enhancing
emotional well-being or physical rehabilitation through creative activities.
One Day Workshops
Our short One Day Workshops offer a focused and accessible way for individuals to explore creativity without a long term commitment. They provide an opportunity to learn new techniques, experiment with different materials and gain inspiration in a supportive, time-efficient setting.
Whether for beginners or experienced artists, these workshops can spark new ideas, build confidence, and offer a refreshing creative break from daily routines.
Often schedulaed on a Sunday, these workshops provide busy individuals to participate in a unique opportunity and experience different modalities of art making in a structured and accessible manner. You will be surprised at what you can learn in a short class.
Private Tutoring
Private Tutoring is appropriate for students who need direct guidance with their work. At the Melbourne Studio of Art we believe that true progress in the capacity to draw, paint and sculpt happens over extended periods of study and practice. However, we understand that at times people may not be able to attend regular classes and require one on one guidance.
These sessions are perfect for people who are also intending to apply for Fine Art Courses and require assistance in building folios for applications or who wish to receive feedback on work that they are doing.
One on one sessions are available from Mondays – Sunday depending on tutor availability. Please contact us to discuss availability.
