The Art of Connection – Lessons from Grampians Brushes
From Canvas to Confidence: My Week at Grampians Brushes
This year I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the tutors at Grampians Brushes 2025, an incredible six-day art school event held in Halls Gap, right in the heart of the Grampians National Park. With 17 tutors and 360 students, the energy, creativity, and sense of community were extraordinary.
I ran two plein air painting workshops — one two-day and one four-day — and it turned out to be a life-changing experience for me in so many ways.
The Joy of Connection
One of the greatest gifts of the week was the connection — with other teachers, artists, organizers, and students.
After years of painting mostly in isolation (apart from painting with Peter), being surrounded by so many creative souls felt invigorating. Conversations flowed easily, and ideas were shared with warmth and generosity.
The Grampians team were wonderful — supportive, organised, and inspiring. Whether it was a spontaneous dip in an ice-cold mountain lake, or a relaxed dinner at the local brewery after class, every moment felt rich and rewarding.
Learning, Teaching, and Growing
I surprised myself as the week unfolded. My confidence grew each day as I shared what I’ve learned over my art career and met the challenge of guiding students through the complexities of plein air painting.
Teaching was both a joy and a challenge — the balance between sharing knowledge and meeting student expectations kept me on my toes. But what I didn’t expect was how much I would learn from them. Their questions, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives reminded me why I fell in love with painting outdoors in the first place.
The Landscape That Teaches You
And of course — the Grampians themselves.
It’s hard to imagine a more inspiring place to paint: rugged cliffs, towering mountains, twisting trees, and wildlife at every turn. Every shift in the light brought new colour harmonies and challenges. It was a plein air painter’s dream.
Reflections and Gratitude
By the end of the week, I felt changed at my core — more confident, more connected, and more certain about the path I’m on as both an artist and a teacher.
It reminded me that art is not just about technique; it’s about connection — to place, to people, and to oneself.
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been invited back for Grampians Brushes 2026, and I can’t wait to return.
Below are a few photos capturing the beauty and energy of the week.
