Gail Shaw's art practice revolves around the wonderful medium of watercolour.

Tucked into the side of a steep hill, which fades away into valleys framed by tall blue mountains, is her custom-built, new studio at Whyanbeel, half an hour's drive north of Port Douglas.

Students of her “Colour and light - the pleasures of transparent watercolour” workshop will enjoy the peace and tranquility of her rainforest hideaway as well as the excitement of experimenting with techniques, paper and pigments.

They will learn fundamental principles of composition, colour and tonal values as applied to this beautiful and traditional medium.




Whether inside or out, green's the scene in this lush tropical rainforest setting, the dark jungle spreading for miles around.




Gail invites you to explore the beautiful and exciting medium of transparent watercolour in a relaxed, friendly and fun workshop located in an exquisite tropical setting. The workshop is suitable for all - including beginners.
General aims of this watercolour workshop

1. To introduce students to the pleasures of painting using the unique properties of transparent watercolour.
2. To dispel the myth of watercolour as a difficult and “wishy washy” medium

3. To inspire students to continue experimenting in order to master the process.

More specifically, Gail plans

1. To familiarise students with the various materials, methods and techniques employed in painting with transparent watercolour.
2. To show through demonstration and by using examples from the world’s finest watercolour painters the extraordinary range of expression watercolour offers.

3. To create exciting and vibrant artworks which express participants' interests and individuality.

Through steps in the process students will initially produce a series of small scale watercolour experiments. They will then go on to create a work that encapsulates the subject matter that inspires them.