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Elena Valerie's Blog: Live Wedding Art, Pet Portraits,
Florals & Painting Classes
Welcome to my blog! As an Australian artist, I'm thrilled to share the stories behind my work: from the treasured pet portraits and their unique lives to the magic of live wedding painting as celebrations unfold. You'll also find insights into how my art classes and masterclasses are progressing, alongside new painting techniques and the journey of my latest commissions.
Colour Mastery on the Gold Coast — Foundations & Colour Charts (Aug 23 & 30)
Stop mixing mud and start painting with confidence. Join Elena Valerie on the Gold Coast for a focused colour‑mixing workshop series (Aug 23 & 30). Learn a simple, repeatable system—and, if you add Day 2, take home a professional Colour Chart Pack. Small class size; limited seats. Book now.
Elena Valerie
Aug 123 min read
Blossoming Connections: July 11–12, 2025 Peony Masterclass Recap
A warm gathering of flower lovers came together July 11–12 for our second Peony Masterclass on the Gold Coast. Over two days, we built pigment palettes, mastered seamless blending, and even painted lifelike water droplets—while new friendships bloomed alongside our vibrant peony studies.
Elena Valerie
Jul 132 min read
Breakthroughs & Brushstrokes: Inside the July 4-5 Peony Masterclass
Go behind the scenes of our sold-out Peony Painting Masterclass! Discover the techniques we covered, from colour mixing and seamless blending to the biggest breakthrough moment for the artists: learning to 'trust the process.' See how they created stunning, luminous peonies in just two days.
Elena Valerie
Jul 63 min read
🎨 Enroll Now: Gold Coast Oil Painting Classes for Every Level This Winter
Secure your spot! Oil painting Art Classes for all levels. Term 3 starts July, limited to 7 spots only!
Elena Valerie
Jul 44 min read
How to Use Glazing and Scumbling in a Floral Oil Painting
Discover how Old Masters created luminous fabrics using glazing and scumbling techniques. In this hands-on class exercise on Canson paper, we explored how layered pigments—especially reds and golds—can bring depth, richness, and texture to your painting. A great exercise to revisit again and again as part of your studio practice.
Elena Valerie
Jun 2810 min read
Glazing in Oil Painting: A Simple Ribbon Exercise for Rich, Luminous Colour
Discover how Old Masters created luminous fabrics using glazing and scumbling techniques. In this hands-on class exercise on Canson paper, we explored how layered pigments—especially reds and golds—can bring depth, richness, and texture to your painting. A great exercise to revisit again and again as part of your studio practice.
Elena Valerie
Jun 273 min read
From Frustrated to Fearless: The Secret to Painting Flowers You're Proud Of
Feeling stuck or ready to take your floral paintings to the next level? This exclusive 2-day oil painting masterclass on the Gold Coast is designed to help you master the blending and colour-mixing techniques that create breathtaking realism. Join award-winning artist Elena Valerie and transform your art.
Elena Valerie
Jun 124 min read
Want to Master Colour Mixing? Start with a Colour Chart
Discover the most effective way to master colour mixing through our one-day Colour Chart Workshop. Learn how to unlock the full potential of your oil paints, build your own personalised palette, and create a book of charts you’ll use for years to come.
Elena Valerie
Apr 164 min read
Mastering the Art of Mixing Greens
Struggling with greens? Learn how to mix natural, harmonious greens with our easy colour ladder exercise in this masterclass!
Elena Valerie
Apr 93 min read
Master Your Palette in One Day: Join Our Colour Chart Workshop
Discover the power of colour mixing with our new Colour Charts Workshop! In this hands-on session, participants explored the unique characte
Elena Valerie
Mar 284 min read
How to Explore Your Creativity Through Group Art Activities
In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to unleash your creativity can seem daunting. Group art activities offer an empowering...
Elena Valerie
Mar 224 min read
🎨 Art Classes Gold Coast: Oil Painting Lessons in Worongary
Transform your creative passion with oil painting art classes on the Gold Coast! Whether you're looking for beginner art classes or...
Elena Valerie
Jan 82 min read
2024 Art Class Recap: A Year of Creativity and Community
Join us as we recap an inspiring year of art classes on the Gold Coast! From mastering the Zorn palette and creating stunning florals to lau
Elena Valerie
Dec 28, 20243 min read
"Bold Brushwork": Mastering Thick Oil Paint Techniques One day Art Workshop on the Gold Coast in January, 2025
one-day oil painting workshop, “Bold Brushwork,” where you’ll master thick paint techniques and fearless brushstrokes.
Elena Valerie
Dec 17, 20242 min read
Colour Mixing Workshop on the Gold Coast in January, 2024 - Unlock Your Creative Palette
Dive into a spectrum of creativity! Join our Color Mixing in Oil Masterclass on Jan 9-10, 2024, Gold Coast. Unleash your inner artist.
Elena Valerie
Dec 20, 20232 min read
LEARN THE SECRETS TO PAINTING FLOWERS FROM LIFE in this 2-Day Masterclass on the Gold Coast
Unlock the secrets to painting lifelike flowers in this 2-day masterclass with Elena Valerie on the Gold Coast.
Elena Valerie
Apr 1, 20231 min read
ANIMAL PAINTING MASTERCLASS - A Journey Through the Art of Portraiture
Animal portrait masterclass on the Gold Coast. A Hare portrait in oil.
Elena Valerie
Feb 3, 20232 min read
ART CLASSES
Two years ago, I began my teaching journey, bringing together two of my loves; art and connecting with people ...
Elena Valerie
Jul 7, 20212 min read
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