Creative Community Workshops & Demonstrations
Art societies and groups are welcome to book tailored demonstrations or hands?on workshops, offered either in person or via Zoom. If you’d like to bring fresh inspiration, practical techniques and engaging instruction to your members, please get in touch to arrange your session.
I love working with art societies and creative communities, sharing practical techniques, fresh approaches and the joy of exploring new mediums. Whether you’re seeking a demonstration, a hands?on workshop, or a plein air experience from my studio, each session is designed to build confidence, expand skills and inspire artists at every stage of their journey. Growth comes from curiosity and action — the more we create, the more our abilities deepen.
Discover how to use value and colour to create luminous, mood-filled paintings in this two-day workshop focused on the art of capturing light. Designed for artists who already have basic drawing skills, this workshop explores how thoughtful simplification, confident mark-making, and playful experimentation can transform the way you approach any subject. While students may choose their own reference material, landscape is recommended for its rich opportunities to study atmosphere and light.
Across the two days, Kayleen will guide participants through the processes she uses to create dynamic, expressive work — from breaking down complex scenes to building strong compositions and using colour intentionally to evoke mood. Day One focuses on foundations, exploration, and technique; Day Two brings everything together as students create a final original artwork with personalised guidance.
With an emphasis on finding your own style, enjoying the creative process, and reducing the “tricky bits” of painting light, this workshop offers a supportive environment for growth, discovery, and artistic confidence.
Booking: https://vicpastel.com.au/workshops/
Plein Air Workshop
SEPT 26-27 2026
SOLD OUT!
Learn how to approach outdoor painting and work quickly to capture your scene.
Location: The Beautiful Yarra Valley, Victoria
Pastel Painting
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Oil or Acrylic Painting
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Gouache Painting
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Tutor
Kayleen West
FAQs
Why do you teach instead of spending more time on your own art?
Art has, and will always be a communal activity. Though I love my alone time, I get a thrill from encouraging others to new heights and overcoming hurdles in their own creative journey. When I see my students faces shine with excitement or ah hah moments – that is the best feeling!
You work in so many mediums but what do you prefer?
Oil has always been my very favourite because of the versatility it offers and the “feeling’ of buttery paint. Pastel is a close second and has a quality oil does not. It captures light is such a illuminating way! Other mediums like gouache, acrylic, watercolour, ink and drawing mediums act as support mediums. I enjoy them all at different times, for different reasons and all have their place in my studio.
I’d like to get host you for an art event coming up. Do you travel for workshops or speaking events? Is that something you do?
I LOVE art events, running workshop, speaking on panels and just about anything educational that encourages others. Obviously it is a paid gig. feedback has always been positive. I give good value and can travel within reason in my car, but need to fly long distances. Email me anything you have in mind.
I am just a beginner. Can you teach me?
I work with people who have zero knowledge about painting, through to exhibiting artists looking to fill gaps or get direction, professionals and teachers. My favourite students are those who are humble and eager to learn at any level. Often new artists are void of misinformation which is helpful for us both.