Paintings within Painting Itself / 绘画本身

Join artist Elisa Crossing for a watercolour life drawing class amongst the exhibition Painting Itself / 绘画本身 at ANU School of Art & Design Gallery. During the class participants will have the opportunity to work observationally, and consider the model in relation to the works of art. Materials will be provided.

This class is inspired by Crossing's series Paintings within Paintings from her 2023 exhibition Slow looking. She writes: 'Paintings affirm that slow looking is active, subjective and generative, drawing to the surface our deep thoughts, imaginings and memories where they can be laid bare for our reflection.'

Elisa Crossing lives and works in Canberra on the custodial lands of the Ngnunawal and Ngambri people. A graduate of the ANU and Canberra School of Art, her professional career as a visual artist spans three decades with ten solo exhibitions and over 30 group shows, exhibiting paintings drawings and 3D installation works, both locally and nationally. Crossing has been an innovative and enthusiastic arts educator for over twenty-five years, developing and delivering original content through practice-led teaching, as a lecturer at the ANU, including the School of Art & Design.

Numbers for this class are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment.

Important Information:

• All skill levels are welcome

• The life drawing is based around an unclothed/partially draped model

• Paint, palettes, paper and some brushes will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own preferred brushes and watercolour or gouache paints

• Drinks will be available for purchase

If you require accessibility accommodations or a Personal Emergency Evacuation plan please contact friends.dhg@anu.edu.au

Image: Painting Itself / 绘画本身, installation view, ANU School of Art & Design, 2026. Photo: Greg McAnulty