McGregor | Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers | En Plein Air

Join award-winning artists Deb Mostert and Annette Raff for a very special weekend of en plein air workshops. Celebrating the beautiful gardens and parks in Toowoomba during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, hobbyists and artists of all levels will enjoy an experience not to be missed. Learn new skills in drawing, sketching, and painting.

Deb Mostert's art practice includes drawing, painting, small sculpture, and public art. Interested in objects and collections of social and natural history, her artworks use gentle, offbeat narratives and a crisp aesthetic pointing to beauty, truth and grace. Mostert holds a Bachelor of Fine Art. She has presented 22 solo shows and been involved in more than 80 group shows, in both regional and commercial galleries. Mostert has won several awards, and been a finalist in many National art prizes including the Bale Painting Prize, the Salon de Refuses, Jacaranda Drawing Prize, and Marie Ellis Prize for Drawing. Her art practice is over 30 years young and includes over 15 years teaching experience and artist in residencies.

Annette Raff has an extensive knowledge of art and design fundamentals, and is skilled in drawing and watercolour painting. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and Advanced Certificate in Art and Design. Annette is a sought-after teacher, having taught at TAFE, Artist Network University, Royal Qld Art Society, Bienarté Art School, and regional art workshops. Annette enjoys exploring new ways with drawing, water mediums, printing, digital art and mixed media. Over 27 years of teaching, Annette has refined her approach to prioritize fostering a relaxed, supportive environment that boosts student confidence.

This workshop will explore the use of sketchbooks as our companion to being outside. With a simple kit of materials, you can carry with you everywhere, you will discover that you can be opportunistic about drawing outside, from the natural world, and this can help get us into daily creative habits of observation, discovery, and wonder. We will run through different drawing exercises and practise our skills. We will explore the versatility of pen, ink and watercolour as a fast and fun way to record what we observe in the natural world.

Embrace the magic of painting in nature - no fear, just fun! Annette will guide you through a relaxed and playful approach to watercolour, teaching fundamental techniques while helping you gain confidence, let go of hesitation, and experience the joy of plein air painting. Watercolour is the perfect medium for capturing the beauty of flowers in sunlight and shadow, allowing you to respond to nature’s fleeting moments with spontaneity and ease. This workshop is all about being in the moment, seeing like an artist, and playing with colour while soaking in the lush surroundings. So bring your brushes and get ready to paint, relax, and bloom!

PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS WORKSHOP IS CANCELLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.

BYO all workshops:  BYO Materials & Tools list, closed in shoes, hat, sunscreen, long-sleeve shirt (sun-safe clothing), lightweight wind jacket, light-weight portable/camping chair, drinking water, tea/coffee flask, snacks, picnic lunch.  Registration does not include food/drinks, and these will not be provided by UniSQ McGregor.

Images of artworks as depicted here are indicative of the individual artist's practice. Outcomes for each workshop will differ.