Expressive Birds: A Two-Day Mixed Media Workshop with Jody Graham

Birds have always fascinated me—not just as creatures of flight, but as symbols, storytellers, and everyday companions. In this two-day expressive drawing and painting workshop, I’ll guide you through a creative process that explores birds as both subject and inspiration, using a combination of drawing, painting, and mixed media techniques.

This is a very special workshop where I’ll be teaching a unique layered technique I’ve developed over time—one that allows you to build rich textures and expressive surfaces in your work. It’s a process that takes time to teach properly, which is why this workshop spans two full days. I don’t offer this often, and places are limited, so if it speaks to you, I’d love you to join.

Over the two days, I’ll lead you through a series of guided exercises to help loosen up and connect with your materials, before moving into a more resolved mixed media work. We’ll experiment, reflect, and create artwork that is personal, dynamic, and full of life. You don’t need to be a bird expert—or even especially into birds—to enjoy this workshop. It’s more about how we connect with a subject and materials and bring artworks to life through expressive mark-making.

-  Held in my comfortable, air-conditioned studio in North Sydney, with free onsite parking
- Open to all levels – from curious beginners to seasoned artists
-  I’ll provide bird references, but feel free to bring your own images or personal bird stories
⚠️ This is a rare offering, with limited spots. Book early to secure your place.

Materials List 

Please bring the following materials with you to the workshop:

• Ink Pen or Artline Black Marker
• Charcoal (both compressed and willow)
• 1 x Bottle of Ink (sepia or black)
• Coloured Inks (bright colours like green, yellow, orange – your choice)
• Acrylic Paints (burnt sienna, antique white, blue, pink, yellow)
• A Handful of Coloured Pencils (preferably watercolour pencils)
• Hard Erasers

Paper:

• 6–8 Sheets of A2 Cartridge Paper
• 2–3 Sheets of Mixed Media Paper (300gsm or heavier, smooth surface, A3 or A2)
• 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

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).

A selection of basic materials will also be available for purchase on-site — cash preferred for any transactions.

Image: Jody Graham 'Lookout Cockatoo' charcoal and ink on paper 76cm x 56cm

Image: Jody Graham 'Laughing Kookaburra' mixed media on paper 114cm x 92cm

Disclaimer and 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.