McGregor Art Workshops 2025

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Jane du Rand

Making Relief Tiles

Ceramics

14, 15, and 28 June | 10am – 4pm

Registrations Close 6 June

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

David Bongiorno

Draw Anything!

Drawing

28 & 29 June | 10am – 4pm

Registrations close 20 June

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Jane du Rand

Large Bird Sculpture Workshop

Ceramics

12, 13, and 26 July 2025 | 10am – 4pm

Registrations Close 4 July

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

En Plein Air with Deb Mostert, Annette Raff, and David Bongiorno

Sketching, Watercolour, Acrylic

20 September or 21 September | 10am – 4pm

(or make a weekend of it and register for a Saturday workshop AND a Sunday workshop!)

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Deb Mostert

Plein Air Sketchbooks

Pen & Watercolour

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Annette Raff

Painting En Plein Air

Watercolour

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

David Bongiorno

Painting Flowers from Life: Contemporary Techniques for Alla Prima Plein Air Flower Painting

Acrylic

More workshops coming very soon…

Watch this space!

Past Workshops

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Cindy MacDonald

Portraiture

Charcoal

March 29 | 10am – 4pm

Registrations Closed

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

David Bongiorno

Draw Anything!

Drawing

26 & 27 April | 10am – 4pm

Registrations Closed

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Peta Berghofer

Thinking Through Clay: Handbuilding Techniques

Ceramics

Tuesday Evenings | May – June | 6pm – 9m

Registrations Closesd

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

David Bongiorno

Draw Anything!

Drawing

10 & 11 May | 10am – 4pm

Registrations Closed

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

Alana Wilkie

Portrait Drawing Essentials: From Sketch to Masterpiece

Graphite & Charcoal

Tuesday Evenings | May – June | 6pm – 9pm

Registrations Closed

USQ Editing and Publishing - Graduate Certificate

David Bongiorno

Draw Anything!

Drawing

31 May & 1 June | 10am – 4pm

Registrations Closed

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Art Workshops 2025

Artist Call Out

EOI now open for art workshop tutors.

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Q

Jane du Rand | Making Relief Tiles | Ceramics

Workshop Outline

All Levels | 14+

This is a three-day intensive workshop

14, 15, and 28 June 2025 | 10am – 4pm | 12 people max

UniSQ Toowoomba, A229

Over three days, you will combine working with award-winning ceramicist and mosaic artist Jane duRand’s personal wood block stamp collection,
together with learning to carve surfaces and build up relief forms on the tile surface. You will look at: tile design; using stamps and making stamps; carving surfaces for decorative effect and sculpting; adding relief sculpture to clay surfaces; textures and surface decoration; and finally, colour and using underglazes, oxides and stains to decorate the tiles.

Cost (includes materials, use of tools, and firing): $1185

Bio

Jane du Rand

South-African born ceramic and mosaic artist Jane du Rand uses her art practice to document and better understand the world around her. Originally trained as an architect, du Rand’s practice also extends to large-scale ceramic and mosaic installations, with her intricate designs incorporated into the architecture of civic and private buildings around the world.

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David Bongiorno | Draw Anything! | Drawing

Workshop Outline

Beginners-Intermediate | 15+

This is a two-day workshop

There will be a clothed/nude life model

28 & 29 June | 10am – 4pm

UniSQ Toowoomba, Q166

Spend a weekend with award-winning artist David Bongiorno, learning the underlying fundamentals of drawing that will allow you the freedom to draw anything you want. Learn foundational techniques and apply your learning to drawing still life, plants, buildings, animals, the figure and more, in and around the classroom.

BYO materials list: Approx $35 (you may already have some of the required materials)
Cost: $635

Bio

Award-winning artist, curator, and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

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Jane du Rand | Large Bird Sculpture Workshop | Ceramics

Workshop Outline

Intermediate – Advanced | 14+

This is a three-day intensive workshop

12, 13, and 26 July 2025 | 10am – 4pm

UniSQ Toowoomba, A229

During this three-day intensive workshop you will be guided by award-winning ceramicist and mosaic artist Jane du Rand as you look at Australian birds, considering various reference sources, to then design and make a large sculpture based on your observations. Jane will bring some of her taxidermy bird collection to use as reference models. You will learn ways of observing, planning, and designing a large sculpture, constructing the work and dealing with textures and surface decoration. Finally, you will learn about glazing, underglazes, oxides and stains, and apply this to the decoration of the sculpture.

Cost (includes materials, use of tools, and firing): $1250

Bio

Jane du Rand

South-African born ceramic and mosaic artist Jane du Rand uses her art practice to document and better understand the world around her. Originally trained as an architect, du Rand’s practice also extends to large-scale ceramic and mosaic installations, with her intricate designs incorporated into the architecture of civic and private buildings around the world.

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Deb Mostert | Plein Air Sketchbooks | Pen & Watercolour

Workshop Outline

All levels | 15+

This is a one-day workshop, with two offerings from which to choose:

20 September | 10am – 4pm | Meeting point UniSQ Toowoomba Campus, Q166 (the workshop will take place in the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens, and the Japanese Gardens)

21 September | 10am – 4pm | Meeting point Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Cnr Lindsay St & Campbell St, Toowoomba

This workshop will explore the use of sketchbooks as our companion to being outside. With a simple kit of materials, you can carry with you everywhere, you will discover that you can be opportunistic about drawing outside, from the natural world, and this can help get us into daily creative habits of observation, discovery, and wonder. We will run through different drawing exercises and practise our skills. We will explore the versatility of pen, ink and watercolour as a fast and fun way to record what we observe in the natural world.

Cost: $250 for a one day workshop
BYO materials list: Approx $50 – $100 (you may already have some of the required materials)

Bio

deb

Deb Mostert’s art practice  includes drawing, painting, small sculpture, and public art. Interested in objects and collections of social and natural history, her artworks use gentle, offbeat narratives and a crisp aesthetic pointing to beauty, truth and grace.  Mostert  holds a Bachelor of Fine Art.  She has presented 22 solo shows and been involved in more than 80 group shows, in both regional and commercial galleries. Mostert has won several awards, and been a finalist in many National art prizes including the Bale Painting Prize, the Salon de Refuses, Jacaranda Drawing Prize, and Marie Ellis Prize for Drawing. Her art practice is over 30 years young and includes over 15 years teaching experience and artist in residencies.

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Annette Raff | Painting En Plein Air | Watercolour

Workshop Outline

All levels | 15+

This is a one-day workshop, with two offerings from which to choose:

20 September | 10am – 4pm | Meeting point UniSQ Toowoomba Campus, Q166 (the workshop will take place in the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens, and the Japanese Gardens)

21 September | 10am – 4pm | Meeting point Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Cnr Lindsay St & Campbell St, Toowoomba

Embrace the magic of painting in nature – no fear, just fun! Annette will guide you through a relaxed and playful approach to watercolour, teaching fundamental techniques while helping you gain confidence, let go of hesitation, and experience the joy of plein air painting.  Watercolour is the perfect medium for capturing the beauty of flowers in sunlight and shadow, allowing you to respond to nature’s fleeting moments with spontaneity and ease. This workshop is all about being in the moment, seeing like an artist, and playing with colour while soaking in the lush surroundings. So bring your brushes and get ready to paint, relax, and bloom!

Cost: $230 for a one day workshop
BYO materials list: Approx $50 – $100 (you may already have some of the required materials)

Bio

annette

Annette Raff has an extensive knowledge of art and design fundamentals, and is skilled in drawing and watercolour painting. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and Advanced Certificate in Art and Design.  Annette is a sought-after teacher, having taught at TAFE, Artist Network University, Royal Qld Art Society, Bienarté Art School, and regional art workshops. Annette enjoys exploring new ways with drawing, water mediums, printing, digital art and mixed media.  Over 27 years of teaching, Annette has refined her approach to prioritize fostering a relaxed, supportive environment that boosts student confidence.

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David Bongiorno | Painting Flowers from Life: Contemporary Techniques for Alla Prima Plein Air Flower Painting | Acrylic

Workshop Outline

This is a one-day workshop, with two offerings from which to choose:

20 September | 10am – 4pm | Meeting point UniSQ Toowoomba Campus, Q166 (the workshop will take place in the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens, and the Japanese Gardens)

21 September | 10am – 4pm | Meeting point Botanic Gardens, Queens Park, Cnr Lindsay St & Campbell St, Toowoomba

Unlock the beauty of nature with Plein Air Flower Painting. Join me for an inspiring, hands-on experience where you’ll learn to capture the vibrant colors and delicate details of flowers in their natural environment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will guide you through the techniques of painting outdoors, focusing on composition, colour mixing, and the nuances of capturing flora on canvas. Embrace the joy of painting in nature’s studio with confidence and leave with beautiful one-of-a-kind floral artworks. Sign up today and bloom into your artistic potential!

Cost: $265 for a one day workshop
BYO materials list: Approx $120 (you may already have some of the required materials)

Bio

Jane du Rand

Award-winning artist, curator, and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

Q

Cindy MacDonald | Portraiture | Charcoal

Workshop Outline

Beginners | 15+

This is a one day workshop

March 29| 10am – 4pm | 12 people max

UniSQ Toowoomba, Q166

Join award winning artist Cindy MacDonald for this one-day workshop. Under Cindy’s expert guidance, you will navigate the nuances of portraiture in charcoal.  Learn traditional drawing methods as you are introduced to the materials, methods and techniques that Cindy uses to draw a simple, realistic portrait in charcoal from scratch.  Discover the ‘Andrew Loomis’ method of drawing; the concepts of values and edges, line, and shading; proportion; facial features; and what constitutes a good/poor reference.  Some drawing experience preferred, but not essential.

BYO materials list: Approx $150 (you may already have some of the required materials)

Cost: $260

Bio

Rob Rek

Award-winning artist Cindy MacDonald paints in a variety of styles and mediums. She considers animals, particularly birds, and humans to be her preferred subjects. Her art practice allows Cindy to express her phenomenological response to her lived experiences, her faith, and the world around her, ‘To find that essence, that divine spark that is within us all…’

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David Bongiorno | Draw Anything! | Drawing

Workshop Outline

Beginners-Intermediate | 15+

This is a two-day workshop

There will be a clothed/nude life model

26 & 27 April | 10am – 4pm

UniSQ Toowoomba, Q166

Spend a weekend with award-winning artist David Bongiorno, learning the underlying fundamentals of drawing that will allow you the freedom to draw anything you want. Learn foundational techniques and apply your learning to drawing still life, plants, buildings, animals, the figure and more, in and around the classroom.

BYO materials list: Approx $35 (you may already have some of the required materials)
Cost: $635

Bio

Award-winning artist, curator, and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

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Peta Berghofer | Thinking Through Clay: Handbuilding Techniques | Ceramics

Photography by Grace Yu/Studio Bitsy

Workshop Outline

Beginners to Intermediate | 15+

Tuesday Evenings: May 13, 20, 27 May, and June 3, 10 & 24, 2025, 6pm – 9pm (please note a 1-week break between lesson 5 & 6)

UniSQ Toowoomba, A229

Join Australian ceramicist Peta Berghofer for an in-depth exploration into hand-built ceramics. Learn to build ceramic objects unique to your own artistic interests, ideas and storytelling using a variety of ceramic handbuilding techniques and surface finishes.

Within the first two classes, Peta will guide you through fundamental ceramic hand-building methods including pinch, coil, and slab building techniques. With these new skills, under Peta’s guidance you will then be free to create objects of your own artistic vision. To follow, objects can be decorated with a selection of ceramic colours. At the completion of the course, you will have confidence in clay joining and finishing skills, leaving with several ceramic objects.

Cost: $660 – Registration includes tuition, materials, tools, use of studio space, and firing.

Bio

Rob Rek

Based in Toowoomba, Australian ceramicist Peta Berghofer practices on Giabal and Jarowair lands. Her ceramic work sits at the intersection of still life and sculptural abstraction, employing hand-building techniques to reimagine everyday objects and structures. Through the distortion of domestic forms into ceramic assemblages, Berghofer explores the peculiarities of human-made realities, creating artifacts that suggest an altered perception of the familiar. Since graduating with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Creative Arts from the University of Southern Queensland in 2016, Berghofer has exhibited across Australia and internationally in France and Denmark. She has participated in numerous artist residencies abroad, and her work is held in both private and public collections.

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David Bongiorno | Draw Anything! | Drawing

Workshop Outline

Beginners-Intermediate | 15+

This is a two-day workshop

There will be a clothed/nude life model

10 & 11 May | 10am – 4pm

UniSQ Toowoomba, Q166

Spend a weekend with award-winning artist David Bongiorno, learning the underlying fundamentals of drawing that will allow you the freedom to draw anything you want. Learn foundational techniques and apply your learning to drawing still life, plants, buildings, animals, the figure and more, in and around the classroom.

BYO materials list: Approx $35 (you may already have some of the required materials)
Cost: $635

Bio

Award-winning artist, curator, and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

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Alana Wilkie | Portrait Drawing Essentials: From Sketch to Masterpiece | Graphite & Charcoal

Workshop Outline

All Levels | 15+

Tuesday Evenings: May 13, 20, 27 May, and June 3, 10 & 17, 2025 | 6pm – 9pm

UniSQ Toowoomba, Q166

Join highly-skilled and internationally renowned artist Alana Wilkie for this engaging portrait drawing workshop, and explore the art of creating lifelike portraits. You’ll learn key techniques, including facial anatomy, proportions, and capturing different perspectives (profile, three-quarter, and full face). Through hands-on practice, visual aids, and expert guidance, you’ll gain a solid foundation in portraiture. Transform the way you see and draw portraits! This course is open to all levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to enhance your technique.
Using both charcoal and graphite, you’ll discover which medium suits your style while refining your skills. This course is open to all levels—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist looking to enhance your technique. By the end, you’ll complete a portfolio featuring technical studies, structured portraits, and a final personal portrait project.
This workshop blends technical mastery with creative expression, helping you build confidence and deepen your artistic voice.

Cost: $895

Plus

BYO Materials & Tools list: Approx $150 (you may already have some of the required materials)

Bio

Australian artist Alana Wilkie is known for her intricate and thought-provoking paintings and drawings. Drawing from found images, she disrupts their original narratives by introducing unexpected elements, creating a sense of mystery and reinterpretation. With a Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) from RMIT University, she has exhibited internationally, earning recognition such as the Rome Art Program Purchase Award.  Her work is collected worldwide, reflecting her meticulous technique and unique storytelling. Passionate about portraiture and automotive art, Alana also teaches art classes, sharing her expertise with aspiring artists.

Q

David Bongiorno | Draw Anything! | Drawing

Workshop Outline

Beginners-Intermediate | 15+

This is a two-day workshop

There will be a clothed/nude life model

31 May & 1 June | 10am – 4pm

UniSQ Toowoomba, Q166

Spend a weekend with award-winning artist David Bongiorno, learning the underlying fundamentals of drawing that will allow you the freedom to draw anything you want. Learn foundational techniques and apply your learning to drawing still life, plants, buildings, animals, the figure and more, in and around the classroom.

BYO materials list: Approx $35 (you may already have some of the required materials)
Cost: $635

Bio

Award-winning artist, curator, and arts mentor David Bongiorno teaches life drawing, anatomy, and composition workshops to develop the confidence of contemporary artists. Bongiorno’s national art prize achievements include Emerging Wearable Artist – Winner at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, Highly Commended at the Waterbrook Drawing Prize 2023, Highly Commended at the Lethbridge 20,000 Small Scale Art Award 2024, Finalist in the Kennedy Art Prize 2024, and ACB Selects, 2024, Michael Reid Northern Beaches. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery Carlton, The Cooroy Arts Centre, Manning Gallery, Maryborough Gallery, Caloundra Gallery, and Cardinia Cultural Centre, while also undertaking commissions, with works in private and public collections.

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