What to Expect
Live life in colour this Seniors Festival with a creative workshop designed especially for adults aged 50 and over. This session invites you to bring a photo of a meaningful landscape—whether it’s a favourite beach, childhood garden, local park, or holiday view—and learn how to capture its essence using watercolour techniques. No prior experience is needed, making it perfect for beginners eager to explore their artistic side.
You will discover foundational watercolour skills such as washes, gradients, lifting paint, and playful mark-making. These techniques will help you create textures and effects that bring skies, water, trees, and other natural elements to life on paper. The workshop is a gentle, inspiring way to reconnect with places that hold special memories.
Expect a relaxed and supportive environment where you can express yourself creatively while learning from a qualified art therapist and counsellor. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet others, enjoy the calming effects of painting, and create a unique artwork inspired by your personal landscape.
Activity Details
This beginner-friendly workshop is facilitated by Mary-Helen Daly, a local artist and qualified Transpersonal Art Therapist & Counsellor. She will guide you through the process of translating your chosen photo into a watercolour painting, focusing on the fluid and spontaneous nature of the medium.
The session covers:
- Basic watercolour techniques including washes, gradients, lifting, and organic mark-making
- Approaching landscape painting from a photo reference
- Creating textures and effects to depict natural scenes
Participants should bring an inspirational photo, either printed or on a device. The event is tailored for adults aged 50 years and older, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for seniors.
Location and Access
The workshop takes place at Oatley Library, located at 26 Letitia Street, Oatley. The venue is accessible and welcoming, with facilities to support inclusive participation. Georges River Libraries are committed to providing accessible services and programs.
If you have specific accessibility requirements or support needs, you are encouraged to contact the library ahead of time via email or note these in your event registration. The library team is ready to assist to ensure everyone can enjoy the workshop comfortably.
Important Information
Bookings are essential due to limited spaces. Please arrive on time as arriving more than 10 minutes late may result in your ticket being given to someone on the standby list. If you cannot attend, cancel your registration at least 3 hours before the event to allow others to participate.
Repeated failure to notify cancellations may affect future booking privileges. The library does not endorse or promote any products used during the workshop. This event is part of the NSW Seniors Festival and is designed to celebrate creativity and connection among seniors.
Booking and Prices
The workshop is priced at $8.50 per participant. To secure your spot, bookings must be made in advance through the provided booking link. Early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
This affordable fee supports the continuation of engaging community programs and provides access to expert facilitation by a qualified art therapist. Enjoy a creative morning that enriches your skills and nurtures your love of meaningful landscapes.