We have created a wonderful culmination of the learning pathway
Workshops and Term Classes
The Absolute Beginner
The Absolute Beginner is an inspiring 8-week course designed specifically for those who believe they “can’t draw” or have little to no artistic experience. Whether you are picking up a pencil for the first time or returning to art after many years, this course provides a welcoming and supportive environment in which to build confidence and develop essential drawing skills.
For many aspiring artists, the vast array of papers, pencils, erasers, and drawing materials can feel overwhelming at first. This course removes that uncertainty by introducing students to the essential tools of the artist in a practical and approachable way. Through guided exploration and hands-on experience, you will gain an understanding of how different materials behave, why certain tools are suited to particular tasks, and how to make informed choices that support your creative goals. As confidence grows, what once seemed daunting becomes familiar and intuitive, allowing you to focus less on the materials themselves and more on the joy of creating.
The Absolute Beginner teaches the fundamental building blocks that every artist needs to understand. You will learn how to recognise and construct shapes, develop confident line work, and understand form so your drawings feel solid, balanced, and three-dimensional. Equally important is learning to see the world as an artist sees it—observing relationships, proportions, and structure with greater clarity and awareness.
A strong foundation in drawing also depends on understanding light, value, and shadow. Throughout the course, you will discover how light interacts with form, how tonal values create depth and contrast, and how shadows bring objects to life on the page. Through practical exercises, demonstrations, and personalised guidance, you will gradually develop the skills needed to create convincing, realistic drawings while building a strong artistic foundation for future creative growth.
By the end of the course, students leave with more than just new drawing skills; they gain a deeper understanding of how to observe, interpret, and translate what they see into art. The Absolute Beginner provides the knowledge, confidence, and encouragement needed to begin a rewarding artistic journey and to continue developing as an artist long after the course has ended.
The Art Centre, 8 weeks 12.30 - 3.30pm
Third Term Dates Tuesday 21st July to 8th September, Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells venue to be announced
Have you always wanted to learn to draw but never known where to start?
Line to Likeness
Line to Likeness is a rewarding 8 week course that serves as a natural extension of The Absolute Beginner, building upon the foundational skills developed in the earlier program while guiding students further along their artistic journey. Designed for those who are ready to deepen their understanding and refine their abilities, this course bridges the gap between learning the fundamentals of drawing and creating artwork with greater confidence, accuracy, and personal expression.
Through a series of engaging, step-by-step lessons and guided exercises, students will strengthen their observational skills and gain a deeper understanding of proportion, form, light, shadow, and tonal value. As their confidence grows, they will learn how to transform simple lines and shapes into convincing three-dimensional forms and realistic representations. The course encourages students to move beyond merely copying what they see and begin understanding the principles that give drawings life, structure, and authenticity.
More than simply learning to draw realistically, Line to Likeness continues the creative journey toward artistic freedom. As technical skills become more familiar and intuitive, students gain the confidence to make creative choices with greater ease and purpose. By the end of the course, each student will have completed a finished realistic artwork while developing a stronger artistic eye, a deeper understanding of the drawing process, and the confidence to continue exploring and expanding their creative potential long after the course has concluded.
The Art Centre, 8 weeks 9-12pm
Third Term Dates Wednesday 22st July to 9th September, Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells venue to be announced
Learning to draw is much like learning to read: at first it is about understanding the language, the symbols, and the structure behind what we see. Lines, shapes, proportions, and values become the visual alphabet, and once these are understood, the world opens up. Drawing teaches the eye and hand to translate observation into meaning, breaking complex subjects into readable parts. When this visual literacy is mastered, nothing feels out of reach—any subject can be approached, understood, and expressed. Just as reading unlocks endless stories, learning to draw unlocks the ability to create anything, turning seeing into knowing and imagination into form.
Drawing uses both the right and left hemispheres of the brain, as they work together to balance creativity with technical execution. The right hemisphere handles spatial awareness, creativity, and holistic, big-picture visualisation. Conversely, the left hemisphere manages analytical, detailed, and logical functions, such as planning, structuring, and precise execution of lines.
Stickman to Portrait!
8-Week Drawing Journey: From Stickman to Portrait
Unlock the artist within and learn to draw from scratch—even if you’ve never picked up a pencil before. This structured 8-week program is designed to take you step-by-step from the basics of drawing to confidently sketching a realistic portrait. Each week focuses on a key skill, building your confidence and ability through deliberate, achievable tasks. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone returning to art after a long break, this course offers the perfect balance of structure and creative freedom. By the end of 8 weeks, you’ll understand form, shading, light and shadows, and most importantly—how to draw anything on paper.
Student tools list all are available from Gordon Harris Albany, let the staff know you are doing this course, or order the Foundations of Expressions Drawing kit by clicking the link below.
The Sketch book will become a record of your progress as will be amazing to look back on to see how far you have come!
Estuary Art Centre, Orewa
Third Term Dates Wednesday 22nd July - 9th September 2026
8 weeks 12.30 - 3.15pm
‘I have learnt more from Claire than ever before’ - John H
Pencil to Paint
A Pencil to Paint course is not simply a set of lessons in technique—it is a disciplined awakening of sight. It begins with the humble pencil, because before one can paint with conviction, one must first learn to see with precision. The course guides artists through the quiet but transformative shift from looking at an object to truly observing it: noticing the subtleties of contour, the gentlest turn of form, the delicate shift in value where light surrenders to shadow.
At its heart, Pencil to Paint is a process—methodical, intentional, and layered. Each layer serves a distinct purpose, much like the careful construction of a building. The first layer establishes structure: proportion, placement, and the underlying geometry that anchors the subject. This is where observation becomes translation, where what is seen begins to take form on paper.
The next layer deepens into value and light. Here, students learn to interpret how illumination reveals dimension—how highlights describe planes, how shadows carve depth, how reflected light softens transitions. Light is no longer incidental; it becomes the architect of form. Through careful shading and tonal mapping, flat shapes begin to breathe and turn in space.
Subsequent layers refine detail with deliberate intention. Texture emerges—whether the softness of fabric, the roughness of bark, or the smooth curve of skin. Edges are considered: some sharpened to command attention, others softened to allow the eye to rest. Each mark is purposeful, contributing not only to accuracy but to atmosphere.
As the course progresses from pencil into paint, the foundational discipline of seeing carries forward. Color is introduced not as decoration, but as structure—temperature shifts defining depth, saturation guiding focus, subtle variations creating realism. Glazing, scumbling, and careful layering of pigment build complexity. Every layer has a role: to clarify, to enhance, to unify.
What makes this process powerful is its specificity. Nothing is arbitrary. Every stage asks a focused question:
What is the true shape?
Where is the light strongest?
How does the form turn?
Which details serve the whole?
By working patiently through these layers, artists learn that detail is not merely the accumulation of small marks—it is the thoughtful orchestration of structure, value, color, and edge. The result is work that feels alive with nuance and intention. Paintings become rich with depth, clarity, and quiet complexity because they are built, not rushed.
Ultimately, Pencil to Paint teaches more than rendering—it teaches perception. It trains the eye to recognize subtlety and the hand to honour it. Through this layered approach, artists discover that detail is not something added at the end; it is something cultivated step by step, layer by purposeful layer, until the painting resonates with fullness and life.
Pencil to Paint is a eight week course.
Dates for Pencil to Paint Orewa fourth term 2026
Pencil To Palette
Pencil to Palette is a comprehensive eight-week course that guides artists through the essential transition from drawing to painting, developing both technical skill and a deeper understanding of colour. At its heart, this course is about learning to see. Before an artist can paint with confidence and expression, they must first understand how to observe the world with clarity and intention. Beginning with the pencil, students learn to move beyond simply looking at a subject and instead develop the ability to truly see—recognising contour, proportion, structure, form, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow that gives objects their presence and character.
Through a carefully structured, step-by-step approach, students establish a strong foundation in drawing, learning how to construct accurate forms and create convincing depth through the use of value and tonal relationships. As confidence and understanding grow, the focus expands to include texture, edges, atmosphere, and detail, revealing how each mark contributes to the overall impact of an artwork. Throughout the process, students are encouraged to develop a thoughtful and analytical approach to their work, learning to ask important visual questions and make informed artistic decisions at every stage.
With these foundations firmly in place, the course gradually introduces the rich and expressive language of colour. Students explore colour not merely as decoration, but as a powerful structural and emotional element within a painting. Through the study of colour temperature, saturation, transparency, and layering techniques such as glazing and scumbling, artists learn how to create luminosity, depth, and harmony within their work. By understanding how colour interacts with light, form, and atmosphere, students gain the confidence to move beyond imitation and begin painting with greater intention and sensitivity.
By the end of the eight weeks, participants will have gained not only practical skills in drawing and painting, but a more refined way of seeing and interpreting the world around them. The result is artwork that feels thoughtful, cohesive, and alive, supported by a deeper understanding of both the technical and creative aspects of the artistic process.
While some drawing experience is beneficial, it is not essential. Claire's supportive teaching approach and strong foundation in beginner drawing ensure that students of varying experience levels can confidently engage with the course and develop the skills needed to progress successfully from pencil to palette.
Pencil to Palette is currently running at The Art Centre
8 weeks Thursday 9-12pm Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells venue to be announced
Third Term s Thursday 23rd July - 10th September
Supplies are available from Gordon
The Artists Path
The Artist's Path is designed for artists who are ready to move beyond technique and begin exploring the deeper aspects of creativity and personal expression. This course focuses on understanding how creativity works, discovering practical ways to access inspiration, and learning how to turn ideas into meaningful artwork with greater confidence and ease. Through discussion, exercises, and guided exploration, students will develop tools that help overcome creative blocks and build a more sustainable and enjoyable creative practice.
A key part of the course is the exploration of artistic style and voice. Many artists wonder what makes their work unique and how they can develop a recognizable identity in their art. Throughout the program, students will gain a deeper understanding of these concepts, learning how personal experiences, influences, choices, and techniques all contribute to the development of an authentic artistic voice. The goal is not to imitate others, but to uncover and strengthen the qualities that make each artist's work distinctly their own.
The Artist's Path also provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students can work on a project of their choice or receive an assigned project designed to challenge and develop specific skills. Questions are encouraged, and individual guidance is provided throughout the course. Working within a group setting creates valuable opportunities to learn from the experiences, perspectives, and discoveries of fellow artists. By sharing ideas, challenges, and successes, students benefit from a rich learning experience that fosters both artistic growth and creative confidence.
Unlike a short workshop or single-term class, The Artist's Path is intended to be an ongoing journey of development. Students are encouraged to commit to a minimum of two terms, allowing sufficient time to explore concepts in depth, experiment with new approaches, and see meaningful progress in both their creative thinking and artistic practice. Developing a personal style and artistic voice is a process that unfolds over time, and this course provides the space and support needed for that growth to occur naturally.
Many students choose to continue beyond two terms as they refine their skills, expand their creative goals, and gain greater confidence in their work. There is no set endpoint; students may remain in the course for as long as they feel it is benefiting their artistic development. The flexible structure allows each artist to progress at their own pace, ensuring they have the opportunity to achieve results they are genuinely satisfied with while continuing to be inspired and challenged by the group environment.
The Art Centre, 10 weeks
Third Term Dates Friday 10-2.30pm with a short break for a shared lunch, coffee and tea provided.
24th July - 25th September 2026
Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.
Mastery In Motion
Mastery in Motion represents the next stage in the artist's journey—a continuing path designed for those who have developed strong foundational skills and are ready to cultivate excellence, consistency, and a distinctive artistic voice. Building upon the principles explored in previous courses, this advanced program focuses on the refinement of technique, the mastery of detail, and the development of a cohesive body of work that reflects both technical proficiency and personal expression. Here, the emphasis shifts from learning the fundamentals to applying them with confidence, intention, and artistic maturity.
As artists progress through the course, they are encouraged to explore subjects and themes that resonate with them personally, allowing their unique style and creative voice to emerge more fully. Through ongoing guidance, constructive critique, and dedicated practice, students refine their understanding of composition, colour, form, atmosphere, and narrative, learning how to bring greater depth and meaning to their work. Attention is given not only to what is being painted or drawn, but to how and why artistic choices are made, fostering a deeper awareness of the creative process and strengthening the artist's ability to communicate through their work.
True mastery is not achieved through speed but through thoughtful, consistent practice. For this reason, Mastery in Motion is designed to allow students to develop at their own pace, recognising that every artist's journey is unique. The course provides a supportive and inspiring environment where growth is ongoing, challenges are embraced, and artistic goals are continually expanded. As students develop a consistent body of work marked by skilled technique, personal style, and authentic voice, they move closer to the ultimate goal of artistic mastery—creating work that is both technically accomplished and unmistakably their own.
Lets help Courtney get to New York!
Orewa College is organising a Year 11 Art & Culture trip to New York next September, giving art students an incredible chance to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most vibrant creative cities. Courtney is absolutely thrilled about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we’re determined to support her every step of the way.
By purchasing a small Kingfisher art print—with free postage anywhere in New Zealand—you’ll be directly contributing to Courtney’s journey. Every print sold helps bring her one step closer to this unforgettable experience.
Learn by Doing
-
✺
‘ My latest portrait is a big progress after finished Claire's class of The Fundamental of Drawing. I have learnt so much about the light, shading and contrast. Thanks Claire, for opening up the door of drawing and much more. ‘ - Jia R
-
✺
‘ Never in a million years did I think I could achieve this - thank you.’ -Ann C
-
✺
‘ With a wealth of knowledge she's eager to share, Claire transforms every lesson into an exciting journey of discovery, loved every moment’ -Charlie B