Birds in Mixed Media Masterclass

2-Day Birds in Mixed Media Masterclass

Discover a Technique That Will Transform Your Art

Birds have always fascinated me, not just as creatures of flight but as characters full of gesture, personality, and story. In this two-day expressive drawing and mixed media workshop, I’ll guide you through a creative process that uses birds as a springboard into deeper exploration, play, and artistic discovery.

This workshop includes something unique and special: a layered mixed media technique I’ve developed over many years. It creates rich textures, expressive surfaces, and artworks with depth and energy. It’s powerful, versatile, and once you learn it, you’ll see your art-making in a completely new way.

I rarely teach this technique because it takes time to learn properly, which is why this workshop runs across two full days.Across the weekend, we’ll loosen up with guided drawing and mark-making exercises before moving into a more resolved final mixed media artwork. Expect experimentation, surprising discoveries, and a chance to lean into your expressive voice.

And you don’t need to be a bird lover to enjoy this workshop, this is really about connection to the creative process, and learning to bring artworks to life through energetic marks, confident layers, and intuitive decision-making.

• Held in a comfortable, air-conditioned North Sydney studio with some free onsite parking

• Suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced artists

• Highly recommended that you bring images of birds that inspire you

• Some bird reference images will be provided

This is a rare offering with limited places. If this workshop speaks to you, book early so you don’t miss out.

Image: Jody Graham 'Lookout Cockatoo' mixed media on paper

Materials List

Please bring the following materials with you to the workshop:

• Ink pen or black Artline marker

• Charcoal (both compressed and willow)

• A coloured ink or two (bright colours like green, yellow, and orange – your choice)

• Acrylic paints (burnt sienna, antique white, blue, pink, and yellow)

• A tub of white gesso - 250ml

• Matisse Polymer Varnish (Matt)

• A handful of coloured pencils (preferably watercolour pencils)

• Hard erasers (a selection of erasers is best)

• Coloured chalk pastels (warm white and a bright colour of your choice)

• A range of brushes (one large, one medium, and one small for details)

Paper:

• 6–8 sheets of A2 cartridge paper

• 2–3 sheets of A2 mixed media paper (300gsm or heavier, smooth surface)

• 1 full sheet of hot-pressed watercolour paper (300gsm or heavier)

Workshop Basics:

• Paper towels

• Disposable gloves

• Fixative (optional)

• Bulldog clips to secure paper to boards

• Blue painter's tape

Additional Notes:

• Boards and easels are provided at the venue.

• Large A1 cartridge paper is available for purchase on the day at $1 per sheet (please bring cash). 

Workshop Details:

·       Venue: Hanke Studio, Royal Art Society, North Sydney (upstairs)

·       Facilities: Free onsite parking, air conditioning, toilet upstairs, kitchen for lunch storage, shops nearby for convenience

·       Accessibility: The studio has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible. If you need assistance with materials upstairs, please contact me , I’m happy to help.

Morning tea will be provided.

 Image: Jody Graham 'Getting Pinked Kookaburra' - 114cm x 130cm mixed media on paper

What others are saying...

"To cross paths with Jody Graham is fortuitous. Jody ignites a passion in her students that burns with a brilliance that makes you believe anything is creatively possible. Her wit is addictive, her mentorship exciting, her artistry brave and captivating, and her friendship truly cherished."
— Carolyn Le Cappelaine Taylor
Visual Artist and Filmmaker, MA Fine Arts, UNSW Art & Design – 2025

"I have attended many of Jody’s workshops. I can’t get enough! She is full of inspiration, generous with her knowledge and expertise, and helps you find artistic bones inside of yourself you didn’t know were there. If you want to enjoy creating art and explore exciting new ways to express yourself, you really should go to one of Jody’s workshops."
— Jackie Searson, 2025

Disclaimer & Waiver of Liability

By booking into this workshop, you agree to take full responsibility for your own safety while traveling to and from the venue, as well as during the duration of the workshop. You also agree to take responsibility for your personal belongings while attending the workshop. The workshop organisers will not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, or loss of property that may occur during your participation.