NatureArt Lab - Art Classes

🌿 Friday Feature Artist: Alison Oberg

This week we're celebrating the wonderful Alison Oberg, a much-loved NatureArt Lab tutor whose classes are known for being creative, welcoming, fun and incredibly accessible.

Students often tell us how much they enjoy Alison's relaxed teaching style and her ability to help people transform inspiration from Australian flora into vibrant and expressive mixed media artworks. Whether you're completely new to art or have years of creative experience, Alison creates a supportive environment where everyone can explore, experiment and discover new possibilities.

One of Alison's great strengths is showing students how to look closely at nature and use colour, pattern, texture and design to create unique artworks inspired by the Australian landscape. No experience is necessary — just curiosity and a willingness to have a go!

✨ Upcoming classes with Alison include:
🌿 Introduction to Mixed Media
A perfect starting point for beginners wanting to explore a range of exciting materials and techniques.
🌿 Intermediate Mixed Media
Take your mixed media practice further while developing confidence and creative expression inspired by Australian native plants.
🌿 Botanical Inspired Design
Explore the remarkable shapes, patterns and structures found in nature and learn how to transform them into beautiful designs. This popular program includes both adult and teen workshops, and there's currently a special promotion available.

https://natureartlab.com.au/collections/canberra-classes

✨ You can also experience Alison's teaching through NatureArt Lab's Winter in the Woods program at the National Arboretum Canberra:
🌿 Banksia Design: Collage Creations
Saturday 27 June | 10.00am – 12.30pm
🌿 Banksia Patterns in Mixed Media
Thursday 30 July | 10.00am – 12.30pm

Bookings are made through the National Arboretum website:
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/whats-on/feature-events/winter-in-the-woods/winter-workshops/banksia-mixed-media-with-natureart-lab

These fun, hands-on workshops invite participants to create colourful and dynamic Banksia-inspired artworks using collage, drawing and mixed media techniques. All materials are provided and begiThese fun, hands-on workshops invite participants to create colourful and dynamic Banksia-inspired artworks using collage, drawing and mixed media techniques. All materials are provided and beginners are warmly welcome.

💚 Alison's workshops remind us that creativity isn't about perfection—it's about observation, experimentation and finding joy in the natural world around us.

Have you taken a class with Alison? We'd love to hear what you enjoyed most!

Image credits: Alison Oberg
See more of Alison's amazing work here: https://www.instagram.com/obergalison/

🧡🌿 Abstract Beauty from the Australian Bush

What happens when you combine the intricate patterns of Australian seed pods, leaves and botanical treasures with clay, paint and printmaking?

Join Canberra artist Caroline Reid for Earth Impressions: Monoprints of the Australian Bush and discover a wonderfully creative process that transforms natural textures into striking abstract artworks.

Using wet clay, acrylic paint and dried botanical materials, you'll create layered monoprints filled with rich black, orange and earthy patterns inspired by the Australian landscape. Each print captures the rhythm, texture and character of native plants in unexpected and beautiful ways.

No drawing skills are needed. This workshop is all about observation, experimentation and responding intuitively to nature. You'll explore the fascinating marks left behind by seeds, nuts, leaves and flowers while learning how composition, texture and pattern work together to create compelling artworks.

One of the most magical aspects of the day is discovering "ghost prints"—softer secondary impressions that emerge from the same clay plate, creating atmospheric layers and surprising results.

✨ Perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.
✨ All materials provided.
✨ Leave with a collection of unique nature-inspired artworks.

🌿 Earth Impressions: Monoprints of the Australian Bush
🌿 Saturday 11 July 2026
🌿 10.00am – 4.00pm
🌿 NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, Griffith ACT

Discover the abstract beauty hidden within the Australian bush.
Book your place: https://natureartlab.com.au/products/clay-botanical-monoprints

Image credits: Caroline Reid
https://www.carolinereidartist.com |

🌿 Winter in the Woods

Winter is a wonderful time to really slow down, look closely and reconnect with nature.

This season, NatureArt Lab is delighted to be part of the National Arboretum Canberra's Winter in the Woods Festival, offering a series of creative workshops designed to help you experience the natural world through art, observation and curiosity.

Whether you're interested in nature journalling, watercolour or drawing or photography, you'll find welcoming, beginner-friendly experiences set amongst the beautiful trees and landscapes of the Arboretum.

Bookings are through the National Arboretum website:
www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/whats-on/feature-events/winter-in-the-woods/winter-workshops

And if you're looking to continue your creative journey this winter, don't miss our upcoming workshop:
✨ Intermediate Mixed Media with Alison Oberg
🌿 Date: 14 June 2026
🌿 Day/Time: Sunday, 9.30 – 4.30pm
🌿 Location: NatureArt Lab, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

Inspired by the remarkable forms, textures and sculptural patterns of Banksias, this workshop explores layering, mark-making and mixed media techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment. Alison's classes are loved for their playful experimentation, encouraging guidance and creative discoveries.

No experience is necessary — just curiosity and a love of nature.
🌿 Winter in the Woods Festival
🌿 Intermediate Mixed Media with Alison Oberg
🌿 Small, supportive groups
🌿 All materials provided

Join us this winter and discover the joy of slowing down, observing closely and creating something inspired by the natural world.

Explore upcoming workshops via the links in our bio.

✨ Learn the joy of soft pastels with Caroline Reid

Have you ever wanted to explore soft pastels but weren't sure where to begin?

Join Canberra artist Caroline Reid for a fun, welcoming introduction to this wonderfully expressive medium. Over four relaxed sessions, you'll learn essential pastel techniques, discover how to use materials effectively, and build confidence as you create your own beautiful artworks.

Caroline is a much-loved tutor whose encouraging teaching style helps students feel comfortable experimenting, learning new skills and enjoying the creative process. Students often leave her classes surprised by how much they've learned, and inspired to keep creating.

🌿 Basic Soft Pastel Techniques and Materials with Caroline Reid
✨ 7 – 28 July 2026
✨ Tuesdays, 1.30pm – 4.00pm
✨ NatureArt Lab Studio, M16 Artspace, Griffith ACT

Whether you're completely new to pastels or looking to strengthen your foundations, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn something new, and enjoy creating in a supportive small-group environment.

🌿 No experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to have a go.

https://natureartlab.com.au/products/introduction-to-pastels-new-with-caroline-reid

Image credits: Caroline Reid

See more of Caroline's work here::
https://www.instagram.com/carolinereidartist/
https://www.carolinereidartist.com/workszoom/6397219/tide-returns-maroubra #/

Nature journalling on a crisp winter morning with a beautiful group of souls. Appreciating the unusual stripped cork oaks and fungi at the National Arboretum, Canberra.

Join our next session in July with the lovely Ami Amlani, our volunteer co-ordinator for Journal in the Field.



https://natureartlab.com.au/collections/membership/products/journal-in-the-field

We are so lucky to have the ‘Spiders of Paradise’ exhibition by Maria Fernando Cardosa at the Canberra Museum and Gallery. This exhibition features exceptional photography of tiny peacock spiders, as well as amazing video footage of courtship behaviour.

A special thing about this exhibition is the message:

“The role of (art) and science is to make the invisible visible.”

So true! Hope you can see this special exhibition before it closes on 23 August!

🌿 Friday Feature Artist | World Environment Day

Today, on World Environment Day, we’re celebrating something close to the heart of NatureArt Lab – the power of art to help us connect more deeply with the natural world.

Every week, we see our tutors, members and students discover the extraordinary beauty that exists all around us. Through drawing, painting, printmaking, nature journalling, photography and field observation, our community develops not only artistic skills, but also a greater appreciation for the plants, animals and ecosystems that sustain us.

Our talented tutors generously share their knowledge, helping students learn to observe the intricate details of a feather, the structure of a flower, the textures of fungi, the colours of a bird, or the patterns hidden within a landscape. In doing so, they inspire curiosity, understanding and care for the natural world.

Today we'd also like to celebrate our wonderful members and students. Whether you're attending a workshop, joining a field sketching session, travelling with us on a nature tour, or creating artwork at home inspired by nature, you are part of a community that values observation, creativity and environmental stewardship.
Art has a unique ability to foster connection. The more closely we observe nature, the more we understand it. The more we understand it, the more likely we are to protect it.

Thank you to every tutor, member and student who helps make NatureArt Lab such a vibrant community of artists, nature lovers and lifelong learners. 💚
Happy World Environment Day.

✨ We'd love to see your nature-inspired artwork in the comments. Share a piece you've created and tell us what inspired it.

🌿 Explore the Beauty of Banksias Through Mixed Media

Have you ever stopped to really look at a Banksia?

Their sculptural forms, intricate textures, bold seed pods and beautiful colours make them a fascinating subject for artists.

Join Canberra artist Alison Oberg for an inspiring Intermediate Mixed Media course where you'll explore the remarkable shapes, patterns and character of these iconic Australian plants. Alison's own work is deeply inspired by nature, and she loves combining different media to create expressive artworks that celebrate the natural world.

Known for her warm and enthusiastic teaching style, Alison delights in helping students build confidence, experiment with new techniques, and discover fresh ways of seeing and creating.

✨ Develop your mixed media skills
✨ Explore texture, colour and composition
✨ Learn from a supportive and experienced tutor
✨ Create artwork inspired by one of Australia's most distinctive native plants

🌿 https://natureartlab.com.au/products/intermediate_mixed_media_with-alison-oberg

Image credit: Alison Oberg,

🌿 Explore the Beauty of Banksias Through Mixed Media

Have you ever stopped to really look at a Banksia?
Their sculptural forms, intricate textures, bold seed pods and beautiful colours make them a fascinating subject for artists.

Join Canberra artist Alison Oberg for an inspiring Intermediate Mixed Media course where you'll explore the remarkable shapes, patterns and character of these iconic Australian plants. Alison's own work is deeply inspired by nature, and she loves combining different media to create expressive artworks that celebrate the natural world.

🌿https://natureartlab.com.au/products/intermediate_mixed_media_with-alison-oberg

🌿 Drawing Two: The Joy of Discovery is coming up soon

Ready to take the next step in your drawing practice?

Join Renee Prescott for Drawing Two: The Joy of Discovery, a thoughtful and encouraging course designed to help you build confidence, deepen your observation skills, and discover new possibilities in your drawing.

Renee’s relaxed and supportive teaching style helps students look closely, and enjoy the process of learning through nature-inspired drawing.

Drawing Two with Renee Prescott
✨ 11 June – 2 July
✨ Thursday mornings, 9.30am – 12.30pm
✨ NatureArt Lab, M16 Artspace, Griffith
https://natureartlab.com.au/products/drawing-two-with-rennee-prescott

If you prefer evenings? We also have Drawing Two with Dr Taylor Singh:
15 June – 6 July 2026
Monday evenings, 6.00 – 9.00pm
NatureArt Lab, M16 Artspace, Griffith
https://natureartlab.com.au/products/drawing-two-evenings-with-taylor-singh



We’d love to see you there. 🌿