WITH support funding from Whitsunday Regional Council, RADF and the Queensland Government, members of Art Whitsunday have been able to take part in a painting workshop led by prominent artist Jude Fleming.

Having lost their premises at the Whitsunday Shopping Centre after fire destroyed the building they were in, the group was grateful for the use of the venue space at the Whitsunday Arts and Cultural Centre (WACC) at no cost.

A perfect expansive space with natural lighting proved an excellent relaxed environment for Tutor Jude Fleming BFA, painter, teacher and bush artist of Warren NSW, to conduct the fun experimental two-day workshop consisting of drawing, painting and collage. Risk taking, experimentation and new techniques were the main focus, taking artists out of their comfort zones and enjoying the fun of creating to no fixed agenda.

Ms Fleming's philosophy of a journey to create an artwork and not just to paint a pretty picture had members thinking outside the square.

Drawing an object by feel and not sight and drawing with twigs or sticks instead of paintbrushes were just a few of the fun techniques used.

Members agreed it was an excellent way to warm up and get motivated to produce works for their annual exhibition in August.