Unleash the expressive power of abstraction in this immersive mixed-media course led by professional artist Sarah Pondevie. Designed to bridge the spontaneity of plein air sketching with the depth of studio practice, this workshop is perfect for artists looking to loosen their approach and explore new creative possibilities.
The journey begins outdoors, where participants will capture the energy and atmosphere of a landscape through loose, expressive studies. Using watercolour, ink, and pastel, students will focus on movement, shape, and mood—moving beyond strict representation to embrace artistic intuition.
In the studio, these sketches will serve as the foundation for larger works, incorporating layering, mark-making, and thoughtful composition to create dynamic abstract interpretations of the landscape. Key discussions will explore colour, gesture, and the development of a personal artistic voice, encouraging students to push past observation and into deeper creativity.
Ideal for both beginners and experienced artists, this course provides a rich opportunity to experiment with materials, refine techniques, and forge a stronger connection to one's work.
Sarah Pondevie is a Western Australian artist who grew up in Walyalup (Fremantle). Working across pastels, oils, and mixed media, her practice is grounded in painting from observation, with studio works evolving from plein air studies and direct engagement with the landscape.
As a colourist, she is particularly drawn to the shifting relationships between shadow and reflected light. In pastel, she draws on the immediacy and purity of pigment to evoke the clarity and intensity of Australian light.
Alongside her observational work, she explores the abstraction of the landscape through mixed media, emphasising response over literal representation.
Sarah’s work has been recognised with awards across oils, pastels, and watercolour in both landscape and portraiture.