WORKSHOPS
Explore our calendar filled with an array of exciting events designed to ignite your passion for art and foster your growth as a creator.
From hands-on art classes where you can refine your skills and experiment with new techniques, to inspiring art workshops that bring together artists of all levels, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Please note, workshops are available to members of the Tauranga Society of Artists only.
WORKSHOP - KOKESHI DOLL PAINTING WITH ULEMJ GLAMUZINA
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST
Join us for a relaxing and creative day as we dive into the art of painting traditional Japanese Kokeshi Dolls. Whether you are a beginner or have some painting experience, this workshop offers a fun, hands-on experience. You’ll learn to design, paint, and personalize your own Kokeshi Doll, while also discovering the cultural history behind these iconic wooden figures.
In this session, I will guide you through each step - from sketching your design to adding the finishing touches. You’ll gain confidence in using a variety of brushes and techniques, and leave with your very own one-of-a-kind Kokeshi Doll.
What You Need to Bring
Apron: To protect your clothes from paint splashes.
Old rag: To wipe your brushes and clean up spills.
Brushes: Please bring 2-3 brushes (one fine-tip brush for details, one round brush for larger areas, and an additional brush of your choice).
Everything else, including paints and your wooden doll, will be provided. Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot soon!
Where: The Art Room – Tauranga Society of Artists, 171a Elizabeth St
Date: Saturday 23 August 2025
Time: 9.30am – 1.30pm
Cost: $77 for the workshop for members
Class numbers: Minimum 10 and Maximum 16 attendees.
WORKSHOP - MIXED MEDIA PORTRAIT PAINTING WITH ULEMJ GLAMUZINA
SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
Dive into the world of mixed media portrait painting and discover the exciting possibilities of combining different materials and techniques to create stunning, textured portraits! This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to push the boundaries of traditional portraiture and experiment with acrylics, pastels, ink, and even collage.
Throughout the session, we’ll explore the basics of portrait drawing and painting, then move into layering various media to bring your portrait to life in new and unexpected ways. Whether you're looking to add dramatic texture, bold colour, or unique abstract elements, this workshop will help you expand your artistic toolbox and express yourself through portraiture like never before.
What You Need to Bring:
Apron: Protect your clothing from paint and other mixed media materials.
Old rag or paper towels: To clean brushes and materials during the session.
Additional brushes or tools (optional): If you have any special brushes or tools you'd like to use (for example, palette knives, sponge brushes, etc.), feel free to bring them along.
Any snacks you may like, coffee and tea provided.
All materials such as paints, pastels, papers, canvas boards, and texture mediums will be provided.
Where: The Art Room – Tauranga Society of Artists, 171a Elizabeth St Ext.
Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Time: 9.30am – 1.30pm
Cost: $87 for the workshop for members
Class numbers: Minimum 10 and Maximum 15 attendees.
WORKSHOP - CHARACTER DOLL MAKING
WITH CLAIRE DELANEY
SATURDAY 11th and SUNDAY 12th OCTOBER
Make your own character doll by using polymer clay and wire. This workshop is suitable for beginners as it is taught by step methods using wire. Embellish your dolls with painted features and costumes.
Rotorua based writer and illustrator Claire Delaney McLeary is best known for her quirky whimsical illustrations and insightful writing. She has written, illustrated and published several books and spends her days doodling away with fine line pens and watercolours, or scribbling frantically in her journals. Originally from England Claire received a Bachelor in Arts Honours degree in Fashion and Textiles where she developed her use of colour and pattern. She claims this is why her characters are always so flamboyantly dressed!
Exhibiting and working to commissions worldwide keeps her extremely busy.
Passionate about the creative process she has dedicated her time to inspiring others, through her stories and teaching. Claire offers numerous workshops, and she continues to invite us to wander through her creative wonderland.
Follow her on - Instagram: clairedelaneymclearyillustrator, Facebook: Claire Delaney Mcleary-illustrator, Website:clairedelaney.com
What You Need to Bring: Attendees to bring their own lunch and be prepared to have fun.
Claire will supply all the materials for this workshop.
Where: The Art Room - Tauranga Society of Artists 171a
Elizabeth St Ext.
Date: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12 October
Time: 10am - 4pm
Cost: $220 for two day workshop (this is a members special
price, usual cost is $250)
Class no. Minimum 8 and Maximum10 attendees
WORKSHOP - LIFE DRAWING
with DAMIEN KURTH, BEV MOORE & TANYA BAMFORD-KING
SAT 18th & SUN 19th OCTOBER
Three experienced members of our life drawing group will be demonstrating /tutoring and mentoring those attending. We each bring years of experience and want to advance life drawing at TSA. Damien is a full-time professional artist with a Master of Fine Art and will offer much to those attending. We all have different styles and strengths to contribute and, as in all life drawing sessions, artists are inspired and learn from each other.
The workshop will be taking place over two days, so participants are welcome to register for one or both days. The weekend is designed for experienced enthusiasts as well as those who want to want to try life drawing in a supportive, informative environment.
We will be providing a range of different media for attendees and encouraging artists to step out of their comfort zone and experiment. This will include pens, charcoal (sticks and liquid charcoal), coloured pencil, pastel, conte stick, watercolour and more. Our four models are experienced and great at holding poses, all have worked with us at the Friday morning group.
What You Need to Bring: A list of materials will be emailed out on enrollment.
Please bring your own lunch and snacks. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Note if you are wanting do attend both Saturday and Sunday you will need to register for both days separately.
Where: The Art Room – Tauranga Society of Artists, 171a Elizabeth Street Ext
Date: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October 2025
Time: 9.30am - 4pm
Cost: $65 per day/ $130 weekend for members
Class No: Minimum 10 and maximum 12 attendees
WORKSHOP - ACRYLIC LIMITED PALETTE with MURIEL GARTLAND
SATURDAY 8 AND SUNDAY 9 NOVEMBER
This course involves learning how to mix colours, complementary colours, and using different mediums. The benefit of a limited palette means you don't have to spend a fortune on too many colours, and the harmony created by limiting your palette. This course is for ALL levels of experience.
I will have assistance during the course from an award-winning NZ artist, Murray Stuart, whose artistic experience will be very helpful.
I learnt painting and drawing in Australia, from Julian Ashtons art school, the Royal Sydney art society, and Judith Whites art school, for three years, then attended the Bathurst MS of Art, every six months for a week of intensive painting, for 25 years. I have been teaching students for 40 years now and I think it’s important to pass on the knowledge I know will help artists in their journey.
Muriel will be bringing photos of the subjects that will be painted. These will cover quite a wide variety (including seascapes, landscapes and still life) to demonstrate the colours we have mixed.
What You Need to Bring:
Acrylic paint colours: Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Scarlet Red, Yellow mid, White and Black.
Extra colours: Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green and Alizarin Crimson.
Bristle brushes: 1 X wide (1inch or more) and 1 X 1/2inch flat
Soft hair brushes:1 X pointer size 3, 1 X 1/2 inch flat and 1 X 1/4-inch flat
Canvas or paper 120 GM or more, about A3 size.
Palettes: large disposable waxed paper, or large glass or acrylic sheet (about A3 size). (NO paper plates!)
Archival flow medium and a dish to use it with. A glass jar lid will do.
Plus cloths, apron, water container and your lunch.
Where: The Art Room – Tauranga Society of Artists, 171a Elizabeth Street Ext
Date: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November 2025
Time: 9.30am - 2pm
Cost: $140 for members
Class No: Minimum 10 and maximum 14 attendees
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding sessions or workshops