Back in the Studio

Hamilton Road Studio

It’s such a good feeling to be back in the Studio, working creatively face to face. And how we missed this!

Strelitzia pod - ink on paper 

The classes are back to the regular weekly schedule with classes in the Hamilton Raod Studio on Wednesday evening, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Thanks to technology, anyone wishing to remain isolated can do so. Last week we managed to combine, successfully, a Studio class with a Zoom attendee, some everyone was accommodated. 

There are updated details, fees, terms and conditions are on the Hamilton Road Studio Art Classes page here on the Blog as well as on my website. 

There are a few vacancies on all days with the exception of Saturday. If you are interested please contact me either via a comment here or by email at 

info@carolleebeckx.com 

Hamilton Road Studio - Term 2 2019

Art Classes Hamilton Road Studio

Please note that the Classes are suitable for adults

22/960 Hamilton Road, McDowall 4053

• Tuition in drawing, watercolour, acrylics and oils is offered
• During each class there will be some demonstration of technique as well as individually mentored tuition.
• Classes are small (Max 6) so each participant can work in their chosen medium and at their own pace.
• Students should be prepared to enroll for a term (usually 10 weeks).
• Since my Studio is small, casual classes i.e. pay per attendance cannot be offered. 
• For full details and Terms and conditions, please email Carol - carolbeckx@bigpond.com

Reviews from artists attending the Studio.

One of the artists wrote this in an email to me after a painting was accepted for the Rotary Art Spectacular Exhibition:

"Hi Carol

I’m so excited just to have my art accepted .

Your mentor ship over the years has been invaluable Thanks Carol and looking forward to my projects for next term." 

And this lovely email came from another artist...

Good morning Carol,

Just wanted to pop you an email to tell you about my experiences at your studio.

When I started art classes at your Studio 5 years ago I hoped that your classes would reignite my interest in painting.  I had dabbled with painting in high school and a few classes when my children were young but had not pursued it any further than that.  I have learnt so much from you….. I love that each student in your class is encouraged to pursue their own ‘style’.  I love that we, as a group, encourage and learn from each other. I enjoy the little talks or mini lectures you give on a different style or artist and how your classes are not just about the actual painting but also about the ‘love of art’ .  So good for the soul.  

When I started 5 years ago I had hoped to achieve certain things.  I have done this and more.  I thank you for sharing your knowledge with me ....

Art Classes - Hamilton Road Studio 2019

It’s the beginning of a new year which is a good time to start a new challenge. Perhaps it’s time to learn a new skill or develop a talent that has been left on the back burner for too long.
If you have always wanted to learn to draw and paint, there’s no time like the present. 

I have been teaching in my Studio on Hamilton Road, McDowall for the last eight years. Teaching has been so rewarding, I love seeing the people who attend my Studio grow and develop as artists. The classes are designed for both beginners and experienced artists alike. The classes are small with a maximum of six people in each class. The small size allows for individual tuition as well as the opportunity to work in the medium of your choice. 

I strongly believe that artists should follow their own direction and find personal inspiration. I encourage them to find their own voice rather than producing work that looks exactly the same as the rest of the class. I work with each artist to assist in finding what they want to paint and how to plan the design of each work.

While my methods of teaching may not suit everyone, especially if you like to be given a set plan to follow. Doing your own thing can be a little confronting - you do have to come up with your own ideas but will do so with my guidance. After a short while, the artists soon start producing unique artwork.

Weekly classes

Wednesday  6.00 pm -   9.00 pm - fully enrolled for 2019

Thursday      9.00 am - 12.00 pm - space available 

Friday           9.00 am - 12.00 pm - space available 

Saturday      8.00 am - 11.00 am - space available 

TERM DATES 2019

Term 1  Wed 23 January - Sat 6 April
Term 2  Wed. 24 April - Sat. 29 June
Term 3  Wed. 17 July - Sat. 21 September
Term 4  Wed. 9 October - Sat. 14 December

• Tuition in drawing, watercolour, acrylics and oils is offered
• During each class there will be some demonstration of technique as well as individually mentored tuition.
• Classes are small (Max 6) so each participant can work in their chosen medium and at their own pace.
• Students should preferably be prepared to enroll for a term (usually 10 weeks)
• Fees are $36.00 per class, paid at the beginning of term - single payment; or two payments during the term. Payment can be by bank transfer, cheque or cash.
• Credit card facilities are available - Surcharge applies.

There are often blocks of a few weeks at a time when regular artists take holidays.

Please contact me at info@carolleebeckx.com for Studio Terms and Conditions.

Hamilton Road Studio Term 3

The winter holidays are almost over, and for once we have had winter in Brisbane with early morning temperatures dropping to 4 deg. The days are bright and sunny - it's the just the best time. 

TERM 3

Term 3 starts again this week on Wednesday. There are a couple of places available - one on Wednesday evenings (6.00 pm to 9.00 pm) and another on Saturday mornings (8.00 am to 11.00 am.) 

The Saturday class participants opted to begin an hour earlier. (Weekday classes start at 9.00 am)
Most of those attending the Saturday class work full time during the week so the early start allows everyone to make good use of the rest of the day for family and errands. 

I do realise that getting up early on the weekend might be a stretch but once you are here and working it’s really worthwhile. We also get our coffee fix early on Saturdays. 

Studio Art Classes - Term 2 vacancies

13th April 2018 Please check for updated vacancies

Term 2 18th April to 30th June 2018

Classes in the Studio begin this coming week on Wednesday 18th April. 

Availability of casual places

Students should be prepared to enrol for a term (usually 10 weeks) at a time, which involves a serious commitment that understandably not everyone can make.

This coming term, there are a couple of artists who are travelling overseas on holiday. In this instance, I am offering the opportunity for casual attendance while they are away. 

Should you be interested in taking this opportunity to try a few classes, please contact me via email: carolbeckx@bigpond.com. 

Art Classes Hamilton Road Studio

Venue:   22/960 Hamilton Road, McDowall 4053

Class times:
Wednesday:     6.00 pm – 9.00 pm      – Permanent place available
Thursday:         9.00 am – 12.00 pm    – Fully enrolled for Term 2             
Friday:              9.00 am – 12.00 pm    – Permanent place available Fully enrolled for Term 2
Saturday:          8.00 am – 11.00 am    – Permanent place available

Terms and Conditions

Please note that the Classes are suitable for adults.

• Tuition in drawing, watercolour, acrylics and oils is offered
• During each class there will be some demonstration of technique as well as individually mentored tuition.
• Classes are small (Max 6) so each participant can work in their chosen medium and at their own pace.
• Students should be prepared to enrol for a term (usually 10 weeks). Since my Studio is small, casual classes i.e. pay per attendance cannot be offered.
• Fees: $ 36 per lesson should be paid in advance either in cash; direct deposit; or by cheque made to Carol Lee Beckx. Payments may be made either in a single payment ($396/11 weeks) or, in two instalments one at the beginning of the term and the second at the beginning of May.

For additional terms and conditions, required materials list and enrolment forms please email me at carolbeckx@bigpond.com

Studio Art Classes - vacancies Term 1 2018

Happy New Year!

It’s the beginning of a new year and a new term of classes in my Studio. 

I hope you are as excited as I am to get creative after the holidays. 

There is one place available on each of the following days:

Wednesday - 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm 

Friday - 9.00 am to 12.00 pm

Saturday - 8.00 am to 11.00 am 

Please contact me to enrol or for more information - info@carolleebeckx.com

Time to develop your creativity - Hamilton Road Studio

At this time of the year I realise that time doesn't ever stand still. In fact, if anything, the days pass by too quickly. In January I booked flights to visit my family in South Africa, thinking that the time would drag. Now there are just over ten weeks to go before my holiday. 

Studio Vacancies 

The last term of the year starts on Wednesday 4th October and ends on the 9th December. 

Wednesday evenings - places filled

Thursday - one place available
Friday mornings -  places filled

Saturday mornings - casual attendance available.

Please let me know if you would like to enroll or if you have any questions about the classes.         

Exploring Abstraction 

The artists attending the Friday classes have been investigating abstract concepts in painting. I plan to cover these topics more extensively in the first five weeks of the term with a different approach each week. These classes will be more structured than the usual Studio classes where artist work on individual projects. If abstract painting is something you have wanted to try, this is an ideal opportunity for you to experiment. Also, if you are less experienced, the more structured class will be helpful. These mini workshops can be done on the other days as well.

Tasman Story - oil, oil pastel and Cold Wax Medium on panel 405 mm x 810 mm

Art Classes Hamilton Road Studio

Terms and Conditions

Class times:

Wednesday:   6.00pm – 9.00pm  

Thursday:       9.00am – 12.00pm               

Friday:            9.00am – 12.00pm 

Saturday:        8.00am – 11.00am 

Please note that the Classes are suitable for adults

Venue:   22/960 Hamilton Road, McDowall 4053

(Please ring 22 then “Bell” at the intercom. There is usually parking inside the complex)

.

• Tuition in drawing, watercolour, acrylics and oils is offered

• During each class there will be some demonstration of technique as well as individually mentored tuition.

• Classes are small (Max 6) so each participant can work in their chosen medium and at their own pace.

• Students should be prepared to enroll for a term (usually 10 weeks). Since my Studio is small, casual classes i.e. pay per attendance cannot be offered.

Please contact me for more information or if you have any questions.

Holiday Workshops

The Studio has been a place of creativity during the short winter school holiday break. Workshops with a number of different topics have been held - an introduction to oils, experimenting with watercolour and playing with ink. 

Participants have enjoyed trying new mediums and techniques, and the emphasis has been on playing rather than producing a perfect artwork.  All too often we set ourselves such high expectations that all too frequently we find the result disappointing. I'm reminded of this video where Ira Glass talks about creativity - it's good to watch it again. 

Introduction to Oils

The workshops are a good way to explore an unknown medium without incurring the cost of buying all the equipment. The oils workshop included all the necessary paints, supports, mediums and brushes. After the workshop, I wasn't surprised to find that most of the artists are now working in oils. Perhaps my love of the medium is infectious! 

Strata - oil on canvas 760mm x 760mm ©2015 Carol Lee Beckx

Playing with Ink 

I have been collecting various inks - both those suitable for use in fountain pens as well as some acrylic inks. Previously I have used the FW acrylic inks made by Daler Rowney and my newest acquisitions are some made by Schmincke. These are intended for use with an airbrush but are wonderful when used with a dip pen. The Speedball range of calligraphy and poster nibs encourage bold use of line, as well as a fearless approach to randomly created lines - these nibs tend to be slightly uncontrollable!

Painting 'Bootcamp'

The last workshop was more of a painting 'Bootcamp'. The artists came to the studio to paint for three days running, leaving other responsibilities behind for a while. A couple of them were new to working in oils so this was an ideal opportunity to work on technique and become familiar with the medium. I must confess that I worked them quite hard and I think they were rather shattered at the end of the three days! 

Now, all too soon, the holidays are over and the regular weekly classes have started. Most days are fully enrolled but there is space available on Thursdays and Saturdays this term. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about the Studio or if you would like to attend a future workshop.

Where did 2013 go ?

It is said that the older one gets the faster time goes. 

Perhaps it's the awareness that the road ahead is undoubtedly shorter than the road already travelled; perhaps it's because there are so many projects still to do; or it’s the realization that there aren't enough days left to accomplish everything.

Then you know that each precious day should be treasured and filled to capacity.

As I look back on 2013, I realize that it's been a busy year - the highlighted words link to the images and blog posts.

 

Here’s what I've been up to: 

Postcards from Europe - oil on linen -910mm x 1200mm ©2013 Carol Lee Beckx

• Postcards from Europe - this painting captured special travel memories for my client.
• Testing the Stillman & Birn Beta sketchbook - there's an album of these drawings and paintings here on Flickr.
• A major website re-design was a lot of work but very rewarding.
• Two different portraits were delivered - such fun!
• Exhibiting at The Rotary Art Spectacular - my first time at this prestigious exhibition
• Lethbridge10,000 - I was so pleased to be an artist selected for the gallery exhibition.
• Re-creating a client's Greek holiday memories - and here are the paintings. 
• Painting a portrait of a dear Grandson - I would love to do more portraits next year - I still have so much to learn...
• A painting with a difference - Time for Pizza - a painting for a patio with a new pizza oven.

• Art classes were held throughout the year and a number of one day workshops:

Ink and Wash; Composition; Watercolour - New Directions; and Introduction to oils

• And a successful exhibition with cARTwheel Collaborative at Percolator Gallery, Paddington in October.

My good wishes go out to all my readers over this holiday season.

I wish you a Happy Christmas.I hope you will have time to stop and relax; to enjoy the company of family and special friends; and may you have time to dream a little… 

The last term of 2013

Days and weeks come and go as the year speeds to its end. In two months’ time I will be on my way to South Africa to visit my family there - a long time - three years since I saw them last. How good it will be to catch up with everyone?

In the meantime it’s back to the daily routine. The Studio will open for classes next week as we start the last term of the year.

Classes are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9.00am to 12.00pm. 

The classes are small so each artist can pursue their favourite medium. I have some people drawing only; others work in watercolour, acrylic or oils.

There will also be a couple of workshops before the end of term. More details on these will be posted on this blog.

There are some places available on Thursday and Friday so let me know if you are interested and I can send you more information.

A couple of commissions have kept me busy during the break. This painting was such fun. My client had recently built a Pizza oven on his patio and wanted something different for the wall.

I enjoyed including all the delicious ingredients that make a good pizza, and of course a glass of red was mandatory.I have been assured he won’t be charging his friends when they call round for a pizza!

Dotto's Pizza - acrylic on canvas - © 2013 Carol Lee Beckx

Please forgive the shine on the RH side of the painting - the black was a beast to photograph and beyond my meagre skills!

One Hundred Posts

It's taken me a while to get there but this post marks the 100th since I started this blog. 

                           Work in Progress Detail: Nymphea - oil on canvas - Carol Lee Beckx ©2012 

In the intervening time I have:

• Sold and packed up a house 
• Sold my share of a family business
• Bade farewell to family and friends
• Moved continents - South Africa to Australia
• Discovered many inspiring blogs and made virtual friends worldwide
• Moved into my new home
• Set up my studio
• Started art classes
• Built and planted a garden (with help from my kind son-in-law)
• Learnt to swop some words i.e. "jumper" instead of "jersey" and  some new expressions  "no worries, mate"
• Painted a number of paintings 
• Won a few prizes 
• Set up an Etsy site and made a sale
• Made so many new friends - and this is the part that really makes me feel at home. 

Thank you, Australia for the warm welcome.


The image is a work in progress. I started this painting shortly before I received the Paris commission. 

It's been great fun to splash out in full colour. 

A Year in Australia

A year ago today I stepped off the plane in Brisbane - the beginning of a new adventure in a new country.

Looking back over the last twelve months, the time seems to have passed in a blur. There have been some low times. Adjusting to life in a strange place takes time. It’s hard to leave loved ones behind and start in a place where one has no history. And I get very nostalgic about many things including the glorious aloes.

Aloes – oil on canvas 900mm x 600mm Carol Lee Beckx © 2010

No sooner had I arrived than it started to rain. And rain and rain and rain some more. The January floods hit Queensland and Brisbane hard.The photos remain horrifying. Plans that I had made to visit places, meet people and integrate myself into Australian life had to be put on hold as my new city was swallowed by mud.

Then, not a month later, on the third of February, Cyclone Yasi hit northern Queensland with a vengeance. Brisbane was not directly affected, being some 1500 kilometres south. However, coupled with the damage caused by the floods; the cyclone had widespread effects on both the people and the economy. For one thing the price of bananas sky-rocketed to $15 per kilo!  

But, life goes on. Queenslanders washed off the mud and carried on. I started to find my way around. My surroundings became familiar and, more importantly, I made new friends. I’ve shown paintings on local exhibitions with some success – I won First prize for Still Life and the Redhill Gallery Prize at The Gap Community Art Show. In addition, I received Highly Commended for a painting at the Woodford Biennial.

A high point in my year was when I moved into my own home at the beginning of June. I could set up my studio and was able to start teaching. I started to feel settled. Another milestone was when I built my garden with the help of my son-in-law. A barren patch of dirt became a little sanctuary. I could literally put down roots. Instead of visiting vervet monkeys I have to fight off the attentions of the bush turkeys who a very partial to my parsley.

While part of me remains with family and friends in South Africa and I miss them sorely, technology allows me to remain in close contact with them. I can still be involved.

Even though there have been times when I questioned my sanity for embarking on this crazy venture, I am glad I made the move. I enjoy spending time with my daughter and son-in-law and developing a close relationship with my grandchildren.

My plan to focus on painting and teaching art is becoming a reality. I am working on a new commission for three paintings. The art classes are going well. It’s a good feeling to see my students blossom, growing in confidence and ability after a few short months.

Art classes - a leap of faith

Strelitzia pod - charcoal on paper

Sometimes in life on has to be proactive make things happen. Part of my plan when coming here to Australia was to teach - to fulfill my training and vocation as an Art teacher.
If you’ve always wanted to learn to draw and paint and you live in Brisbane here’s your opportunity.

It doesn't matter if you are an absolute beginner or are more advanced - you will enjoy this time to discover your creativity. I believe that anyone can learn to draw so be brave and come along and have fun.

   

I can be contacted on carolbeckx@bigpond.com