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.
Pick your own reference image or select from given options.
Pencil to Palette is currently running at The Art Centre
8 weeks Thursday 15th October - 3rd December 9 - 12pm Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells venue to be announced
Supplies are available from Gordon Harris
MDF Board A1 6mm slightly bigger than the paper (594 x 841mm)
Lana Aquarelle 640gsm (560 x 760mm) decaled edge
Graphite Penci HB
Ruler
Round # 8 brush or similar
Painters tape to tape the paper to the board
Students art work in the photo from the course thanks to Debbie Reynolds
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.
Pick your own reference image or select from given options.
Pencil to Palette is currently running at The Art Centre
8 weeks Thursday 15th October - 3rd December 9 - 12pm Warkworth, Matakana, Point Wells venue to be announced
Supplies are available from Gordon Harris
MDF Board A1 6mm slightly bigger than the paper (594 x 841mm)
Lana Aquarelle 640gsm (560 x 760mm) decaled edge
Graphite Penci HB
Ruler
Round # 8 brush or similar
Painters tape to tape the paper to the board
Students art work in the photo from the course thanks to Debbie Reynolds
