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Paw-Traits

$249.99 $249.99
Tax included. 
Description
Date: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September  |  10:00am - 3:00pm
With Tutor: Alina Gane-Hurcomb

Join us for a creative and fun-filled weekend workshop where you'll learn how to draw expressive "Paw-Traits" of your favourite animals using dry media! Whether it's your beloved pet or a wild creature you adore, this class will guide you through the fundamentals of animal portraiture. You will be capturing fur textures, expressive eyes, and unique personalities using charcoal, graphite, and soft pastels.

Perfect for beginners and intermediate artists alike, you'll explore techniques for sketching accurate proportions, shading for depth, and blending for lifelike detail. By the end of the weekend, you'll have your own finished animal portrait and the skills to keep drawing long after the workshop ends.

What You'll Learn:
  • How to sketch accurate animal proportions and facial features
  • Techniques for capturing expression and personality in animal portraits
  • How to work confidently with charcoal, graphite, and soft pastels
  • Methods for rendering fur, feathers, and textures using dry media
  • Shading and blending techniques to create depth and realism
  • Tips for composing and finishing a polished animal portrait from a photo reference

What you will walk away with:

By the end of the workshop, each student will walk away with a completed animal portrait drawn in their choice of charcoal, graphite, or soft pastel. You'll have a unique “Paw-Trait” that captures the personality and charm of your chosen animal, along with new skills in shading, blending, and proportion that you can apply to future artworks. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your technique, you'll leave with both a finished piece and the confidence to keep creating!

Is This Workshop for You?

This workshop is perfect for:

  • Animal lovers who want to create art inspired by their pets or favourite creatures
  • Beginner to intermediate artists looking to build confidence with dry media
  • People who enjoy drawing and want to explore animal portraiture in a relaxed, supportive setting
  • Pet owners wanting to create a handmade keepsake of their furry (or feathered) friend
  • Hobbyists and creatives seeking a fun and engaging weekend activity
  • Students interested in improving their observational drawing and shading skills

Tutor Bio: Alina Gane-Hurcomb

Alina is a nationally and internationally published, award-winning artist known for her vibrant use of colour and expressive acrylic painting. With years of experience and a bold, distinctive style, she has exhibited her work in galleries around the world. Alina brings a fun and encouraging approach to teaching, inspiring students of all levels to let go, take creative risks, and fully explore their artistic voice. Passionate about helping others embrace boldness in their art, she specialises in acrylic painting with edge, energy, and confidence.

www.instagram.com/alina.ganehurcomb.artist

FAQ’s

What do I need to bring?

  • Graphite pencils (not HB) and/or charcoal
  • Soft pastels/pencils (optional)
  • Reference Images printed to A4 size
  • Paper
  • Blending tools (optional)

Can anyone do this class?
Yes, this workshop is designed for beginners and anyone with an interest in natural dyeing and sustainable art practices. No prior experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join and create something beautiful.

If you wish to cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before your class begins. You'll receive a full refund less an admin fee of $20 via the same payment method (e.g., credit card or Afterpay) if you cancel within this timeframe.

Unfortunately, refunds aren't available for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, nor for missed classes within a series.

If you are required to bring specific supplies to this class you will be sent full details via email. Please make sure you keep the receive emails ticked at checkout to ensure you do not miss out on this informattion

This class will be held on campus at The Learning Connexion located at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. Specific details of where on campus your class will be held will be sent to you the week prior to the commencement of your class

All our tutors are qualified and practicing artists who are skilled in specific art forms and regularly teach to support others in their own art practices.