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Understanding Visual Arts Materials 

Join Our NESA Accredited Course: 'Understanding Visual Arts Materials'

We are thrilled to announce that Derivan Pty Ltd's latest professional development course, 'Understanding Visual Arts Materials', has been officially accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA). This course offers an immersive 5-hour learning experience, specifically tailored for educators seeking to deepen their expertise in visual arts materials.


Course Details:

Name: 'Understanding Visual Arts Materials'

Priority Area: Delivery and Assessment of NSW Curriculum/Early Years Learning Framework

For: Proficient Teachers

Format: Face to Face, engaging, hands-on experience

Duration: 5 hours

Standard Descriptor: 2.1.2

Location: 4/23 Leeds Street, Rhodes NSW 2238

Cost: $55 (inc GST)


Learning Outcomes:

By completing this course, you will gain 5 hours of NESA Accredited PD in the priority area of curriculum delivery and assessment. This course will enhance your teaching skills and understanding of visual arts materials, aligning with Standard Descriptor 2.1.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers."


Registration Information:

Registrations are now open! Sign up to secure your spot in this exclusive professional development opportunity. Please note that participants must attend the course to receive accredited hours.


To request a 2024 workshop calendar and enrolment form, contact the [email protected]


APRIL 2024

JULY 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

Understanding Visual Arts Materials

Outlined below are the topics covered in each full-day workshop:

Impasto Techniques with Matisse Mediums

Learn how to build texture and dimension in your paintings. This workshop introduces Matisse's range of impasto-type mediums, each offering unique qualities to achieve desired textural effects, from brush strokes to palette knife marks.

Surface Preparation 

In this session, we will guide you through the essentials of surface preparation for painting. Learn how to create the perfect foundation for your artwork, ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your creations.

Matisse Mediums & Paint Ranges

Discover the unique qualities of Matisse's diverse paint range, including Structure, Flow, Fluid, and acrylic inks. In this interactive session, you'll learn the differences between each type, their specific applications, and how to best utilise them in your art projects. By the end of this session, you'll create a hand-painted resource to use as a teaching aid, showcasing the versatility of Matisse paints.

Varnishing Techniques

Understand the importance of varnishing in preserving and enhancing acrylic paintings. This hands-on workshop will cover various varnishing techniques, helping you choose the right finish for your artwork.

Fabric Painting and Screen Printing with Acrylics

Explore the exciting world of fabric art using Matisse Print Paste for screen printing and hand painting. This session delves into the do's and don'ts of working with fabrics, offering practical tips for creating stunning fabric artworks.

Mastering Drying Retarders

Control the drying time of your acrylics with ease. This session introduces various drying mediums, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect solution for your artistic needs.

Creating Unique Effects with Special Mediums

Experiment with Matisse's unique effect mediums, including self-levelling, Matt, and iridescent mediums. This session showcases how to use these products to achieve high gloss, low sheen, or metallic finishes in your paintings.

Glazing and Thinning Acrylics

Gain insights into the techniques of thinning acrylic paint for various effects. This workshop teaches the use of different mediums to control sheen levels and maintain water fastness, expanding your repertoire of painting techniques.