Enjoy the amazing shapes, colours and patterns of Banksias through this mixed intermediate media class with Canberra based artist, Alison Oberg. Alison loves observing nature, and using mixed media to build an image that expresses her creatively and enthusiasm for natural beauty. She is an enthusiastic teacher who loves to share her knowledge with her students so they can create more art! 

• Dates: 14 June 2026
• Day/Time: Sunday, 9.30 – 4.30pm
• Location: NatureArt Lab, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT
  
  
• Dates: 8 August 2026
• Day/Time: Saturday, 9.30 – 4.30pm
• Location: NatureArt Lab, M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith, ACT

Course Description:

In this class we use a variety of mediums, with a focus on fabric collage and hand stitching, to create a piece of that represents your interpretation of Banksias (or another native plant). Alison will guide the class through a process to explore what you love and build that into your art piece.

This class is for you if you want to have fun and dive deeper into your creativity in a supportive environment. Alison will use Banksias to demonstrate her creative process to the class. Returning students are welcome adapt the instructions to make a piece of art inspired by their favourite native flower or plant if they prefer.

At the end of the class, you will have learned 2-3 different ways to build up your artwork using different art materials, learned how Alison uses the Banksia plant to inspire her art, and have made your own A5 artwork with fabric collage (and hand stitching if desired).

Note: Foundational skills such as mark making with pen and composition using paper collage are covered in the introduction to mixed media course.

Learning Outcomes 

• Knowledge of materials and equipment used with mixed media art, such as water colour, paint pens, Derwent inktense pencils, fabric collage and hand stitching.
• Knowledge of art principles such as contrast, design, colour.
• Observation skills of shapes and patterns in a variety of Banksia flowers and leaves, from photos and dried specimens.
• The ability to confidently create from a blank page, trust in your creative choices, and confidently resolve creative challenges. 

Level of experience

Suitable for all students, from beginners through to people with an established art practise, as long as you can use scissors and have a sense of wonder about what you can create.

Materials: Some materials will be provided. A materials list of what you will need to bring to the class to the class will be provided separately. 

About the tutor:

Alison Oberg is a Canberra artist with a love of nature who has a long-established interest in art and creativity. She has a passion for mixed media nature-inspired art and loves teaching art practices that are accessible to everyone. Working in a sketchbook has become an important part of her creative process as a mixed media artist. See Alison's amazing work at: @obergalison

NatureArt Lab Awards

2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award

2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT

2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. 

Image Credit: Alison Oberg