In this relaxed, hands-on class, you’ll choose the bird you would like to paint and create your own artwork from the first sketch through to the finishing touches. Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, I’ll show you the simple techniques I use to bring a painting to life.
We’ll explore composition, colour blending, light and shadow, creating depth and getting those important little details right. You’ll have plenty of time to paint, experiment and enjoy the process without feeling rushed.
By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a finished bird painting you’ll be proud to hang on your wall—and a collection of techniques you can use in your next painting.
How to sketch your chosen bird onto canvas
Simple ways to plan a balanced composition
Colour mixing and blending techniques
How to use light, shadow and tonal values to create depth
Adding feathers, eyes and other defining details
Finishing your painting and preparing it for hanging
When: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 10am–3pm
Where: The Post & Rail, 58 Riddoch Street, Penola
Cost: $185 per person
A relaxed, fully guided four-hour painting workshop
Your canvas and all paints, brushes, aprons and materials
Your completed Australian bird painting to take home
Class notes emailed to you for future reference
Freshly baked morning tea with proper coffee and tea
Our signature Ploughman’s lunch with sourdough bread, house-made preserves, cheeses and charcuterie
All you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to have a go. Places are limited to keep the class personal and hands-on.
The Post & Rail is an immersive cooking, gardening and art school located at 58 Riddoch Street in the heart of Penola, just a stone’s throw from historic Petticoat Lane and the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre. We are also on the doorstep of the renowned Coonawarra wine region, home to an exceptional collection of cellar doors and wineries.
Set within the beautiful heritage-listed former Cobb & Co building, our classes are relaxed, welcoming and hands-on. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, you’ll be encouraged and made to feel at home.
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the advertised starting time so you can settle in, meet the group and be ready to begin. Allow approximately 30–35 minutes’ travel from either Mount Gambier or Naracoorte.
In this relaxed, hands-on class, you’ll choose the bird you would like to paint and create your own artwork from the first sketch through to the finishing touches. Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before, I’ll show you the simple techniques I use to bring a painting to life.
We’ll explore composition, colour blending, light and shadow, creating depth and getting those important little details right. You’ll have plenty of time to paint, experiment and enjoy the process without feeling rushed.
By the end of the day, you’ll leave with a finished bird painting you’ll be proud to hang on your wall—and a collection of techniques you can use in your next painting.
How to sketch your chosen bird onto canvas
Simple ways to plan a balanced composition
Colour mixing and blending techniques
How to use light, shadow and tonal values to create depth
Adding feathers, eyes and other defining details
Finishing your painting and preparing it for hanging
When: Saturday 28 November 2026
Time: 10am–3pm
Where: The Post & Rail, 58 Riddoch Street, Penola
Cost: $185 per person
A relaxed, fully guided four-hour painting workshop
Your canvas and all paints, brushes, aprons and materials
Your completed Australian bird painting to take home
Class notes emailed to you for future reference
Freshly baked morning tea with proper coffee and tea
Our signature Ploughman’s lunch with sourdough bread, house-made preserves, cheeses and charcuterie
All you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to have a go. Places are limited to keep the class personal and hands-on.
The Post & Rail is an immersive cooking, gardening and art school located at 58 Riddoch Street in the heart of Penola, just a stone’s throw from historic Petticoat Lane and the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre. We are also on the doorstep of the renowned Coonawarra wine region, home to an exceptional collection of cellar doors and wineries.
Set within the beautiful heritage-listed former Cobb & Co building, our classes are relaxed, welcoming and hands-on. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, you’ll be encouraged and made to feel at home.
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before the advertised starting time so you can settle in, meet the group and be ready to begin. Allow approximately 30–35 minutes’ travel from either Mount Gambier or Naracoorte.
