Researcher, writer and internationally renowned painter Tony Smibert will be holding watercolour painting workshops in Bridgetown in August.
The workshops will teach artists about classic techniques, painting pictures that grab attention from across a room and the methods from the masters.
Specialising in watercolour, he paints small pieces up to large canvases, which reflect both eastern and western traditions.
Mr Smibert said he began painting because it was something he was good at and from there it sparked him to study as an art teacher.
“I trained as an art teacher but I have been painting as a full-time professional for the last 35 years. I’m a researcher and I also write books, magazine articles and I teach seminars,” he said.
The Tasmanian artist has exhibited his work at over 50 solo exhibitions throughout many locations throughout Australia, America, South America, Europe, Britain and Japan. With Vienna being one of his favourite places to showcase his collection.
The 69-year-old said he doesn’t always have time to teach seminars and workshops but made an exception.
“I was invited there almost 10 years ago by a wonderful lady Sue Allcock and it was such a lovely invitation and I heard so much about the town that I decided to come,” he said.
“I am quite often invited to do workshops but I usually say no, but in this case I thought Sue was so wonderful I decided I would love to do it.”
Mr Smibert said he brings a special focus to his classes.
“Generally speaking my emphasis is on how we can take the techniques of the great masters of watercolour and apply them in a contemporary way and that’s my special focus,” he said.
“Plus because I have had a lot of involvement with Japan my own work involves a lot of eastern thinking and so the eastern idea would be that watercolour is much more than art form it’s a personal journey.
“That is why I have been involved in it for so long because it’s a never ending personal journey.”
He said his classes were usually attended by painters and many of the states leading watercolourists.
“There’s always more to learn,” Mr Smibert said.
The first workshop painting pictures that grab attention from across a room will be held on August 4 and 5.
The light over landscape classic techniques workshop will be held on August 6 and 7 and from sketchbook to finished art methods of the masters workshop will be held on August 11 and 12.
The workshops will be held at the Bridgetown Garden Function Centre.
For more information contact Dianne Huband on 0481 330 096 or smibertworkshops@westnet.com.au.
