Art Courses

A space for skill development and self care!

To live a creative life, we must choose curiosity rather than fear. ~Elizabeth Gilbert


Courses with “heART”

  • What To Expect

    What to Expect: Term 3 – July - October

    Course Duration: Book for 4 or 8 weeks

    Skill Development: Tailored to all abilities, from beginners to advanced

    Open to All: Everyone is welcome to join

    A Creative Outlet: Nurture self-care in a fun, inspiring environment

    In-Depth Courses: Dive into focused, comprehensive artistic learning

    NDIS Supported: Accessible for all participants

    All Materials Provided: Everything you need to create will be supplied

    Classes on Public Holidays: Continue your learning with no interruptions

    End-of-Term Exhibition:
    At the end of Term 3, we will host an art exhibition where students can showcase their favourite pieces from each segment of the course, sharing their creations with family and friends.

    Join us for an unforgettable artistic adventure where your creativity knows no bounds!

  • Art Explorers - Explore, Create, Play!

    Have Fun and Get Creative!

    Everyone is creative, and there are so many ways to show it! You don’t need to make a perfect piece of art – just try new things, experiment, and play with ideas.

    What to Expect

    Hands-On Learning: Engage in a wide range of activities that emphasize exploration, skill-building, and fun.

    Diverse Techniques: Experiment with a variety of artistic styles and mediums, guided by our fun, caring, inspiring instructors.

    Personal Growth: Develop your artistic voice while building essential skills and confidence.

    Collaborative Creativity: Work alongside peers to share ideas and create memorable group projects.

    8 Week Course Starting

    July 28th , 04:00-05:30pm

  • Graphite & Coloured Pencil

    Join Caitlin for an inspiring Term 3 drawing series, where we’ll explore wildlife and coloured pencil techniques in a relaxed and supportive setting. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this class is designed to help you build confidence and create artwork you’re proud of.

    🖤 Weeks 1–4: Wildlife Graphite Drawings
    We’ll begin with the fundamentals of drawing, focusing on animal and wildlife subjects. Each session blends guided tutorials with fun exercises aimed at developing your skills and style. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to strengthen their drawing foundations.

    🖍 Weeks 5–8: Complex Drawings with Coloured Pencil
    Take your drawing to the next level! Learn coloured pencil techniques to create detailed, textured, and lifelike artwork. From layering and depth to finishing touches, Caitlin will guide you through the process of completing a beautiful final piece.

  • Oil Painting With Creativity And Confidence

    :

    🎨 TERM 3 OIL PAINTING with Raylene
    🗓 Starts Wednesday July 30 | 6:00 PM
    📍 The Dandy Lion Studio | Book 4 or 8 Weeks

    Refine your painting skills and dive into the world of portraiture with Raylene’s engaging and skill-building oil painting course. Across 8 weeks, you’ll explore realism, tone, colour, and the beauty of capturing expression—whether human or animal.

    🖌️ Weeks 1–4: The Foundations of Realistic Portraiture
    We’ll focus on the fundamentals:
    – Mixing realistic skin tones
    – Revisiting tonal values
    – Exploring composition
    – Studying how light and shadow fall across the face

    Through detailed studies of eyes, noses, and mouths, you’ll build a solid foundation to approach portrait painting with confidence.

    🖼️ Weeks 5–8: Your Own Portrait Project
    Now it’s time to put your skills into action.
    Paint a personal portrait—whether a loved one or a beloved pet—guided every step of the way by Raylene.
    It’s recommended that you complete Weeks 1–4 before joining Weeks 5–8 for the best experience.

    ✨ Perfect for both beginners and intermediate painters looking to strengthen their understanding of portraiture in a relaxed, supportive environment.

    Course Starting Wednesday

    July 30th, 6pm-8pm

  • Acrylic Portraits

    🎨 Acrylic Portraits with Kristen

    Term 3 | Thursdays at 6:00 PM | Starts July 31st | Book 4 or 8 Weeks

    Ready to dive into the colourful world of portraiture? Kristen’s Term 3 Acrylic class is all about learning to see—and paint—the human face with confidence, creativity, and clarity.

    This course is perfect for beginners and developing artists who want to understand facial structure, work on their proportions, and build skills in acrylic painting step-by-step in a fun, supportive environment.

    🖌️ Block 1 (Weeks 1–4): Foundations of the Face
    We’ll start with the basics—proportions, facial mapping, and using checkpoints to get your sketch just right. Through guided exercises, you’ll learn how to “see” the shapes that make up a face and how to mix realistic skin tones in acrylics. Expect a mix of drawing, practice, and paint to warm up your portrait muscles.

    🖼️ Block 2 (Weeks 5–8): Paint Your Own Portrait
    Apply what you’ve learned and paint a portrait that’s meaningful to you—whether it’s of a friend, a loved one, or even a self-portrait. Kristen will guide you through each stage, from underpainting to final details, helping you build confidence and refine your technique along the way.

    🌟 Choose your pace:
    – Book Block 1 to build your foundation
    – Book Block 2 if you're ready to paint
    – Or join us for the full 8-week term for the complete experience

    Join Kristen in this relaxed and friendly class, where learning feels inspiring, and everyone leaves with something to be proud of.

  • Slow Stitching

    Join Raylene, a seasoned textile artist, for a four-week journey into the timeless art of slow stitching.

    This mindful practice invites you to embrace the joy of stitching one step at a time, focusing on creativity and relaxation rather than speed or perfection. Slow stitching offers a meditative and therapeutic experience, allowing you to unwind while creating something truly beautiful.

    4 Week Course starting

    July Monday 28th, 6-8pm

  • Collide - End Of Year Exhibition

    COLLIDE: A Vibrant Celebration of Creativity in Swan Hill!

    Get ready for an unforgettable evening as The Dandy Lion Studio and the Swan Hill Youth Arts Festival join forces to present COLLIDE.

    This year’s exhibition is set to be the biggest yet, bringing together an incredible mix of emerging and established creatives. Expect a stunning showcase of art, fresh ideas, and bold expressions that will ignite inspiration and spark connections.

    But that's not all! 2025 is a special year for The Dandy Lion Studio as it celebrates its 5th Birthday. It's also a milestone for Nina, who is leading the studio solo with her boundless passion and creative vision.

    Stay tuned for more details coming soon. This is a night you won’t want to miss!


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