PAINT MARY
A one day painting workshop centred for women and those who feel at home in feminine creative space - Sunshine Coast - May 2026
This workshop is designed for adults. Some familiarity with painting materials will be helpful, though you do not need to consider yourself experienced to participate.
There is something timeless about sitting together and painting the feminine face.
We begin with shared reference and guided demonstration. You are welcome to follow closely.
You are welcome to let your own version unfold. Both are valid ways to learn.
There is something timeless about sitting together and painting the feminine face.
We begin with shared reference and guided demonstration. You are welcome to follow closely.
You are welcome to let your own version unfold. Both are valid ways to learn.
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Not striving for perfection. But listening. Mother Mary. Mary Magdalene. Quan Yin. Or simply a woman who holds compassion in her gaze. |
Over the years I have come to understand that when women gather to paint in this way, something quiet and powerful happens. We are not painting religion.
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We are painting presence.
Strength held softly. Grief and grace. Devotion expressed through colour. Painting, for me, has always been an all encompassing, sometimes challenging and confronting, mysteriously beautiful, self healing practice. To paint Mary is not about doctrine. It is about tenderness. It is about reverence. It is about allowing the feminine face to emerge through your own hands. |
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I find painting is an all encompassing, sometimes challenging and confronting, . . . mysteriously beautiful, self healing practice.
The Invitation
I am planning a one day in person workshop on the Sunshine Coast in May
Proposed dates: Saturday 16 May or Sunday 17 May 2026
This will be a guided day of painting.
I will share demonstration pieces and gentle structure so you feel supported in beginning and moving through the layers.
There will be space for your own interpretation to unfold.
You may feel drawn to Mary, Magdalene, Quan Yin, or an unnamed feminine presence that feels true to you.
No prior portrait experience is required.
Only willingness.
We will work with acrylic and mixed media, building layers slowly, allowing the face to reveal itself rather than forcing it into being.
Fee: $300
Morning tea & Materials provided
Limited to 8 spaces
Proposed dates: Saturday 16 May or Sunday 17 May 2026
This will be a guided day of painting.
I will share demonstration pieces and gentle structure so you feel supported in beginning and moving through the layers.
There will be space for your own interpretation to unfold.
You may feel drawn to Mary, Magdalene, Quan Yin, or an unnamed feminine presence that feels true to you.
No prior portrait experience is required.
Only willingness.
We will work with acrylic and mixed media, building layers slowly, allowing the face to reveal itself rather than forcing it into being.
Fee: $300
Morning tea & Materials provided
Limited to 8 spaces
The Way I Hold Creative SpacePainting has been a devotional practice for me for over two decades. It is how I listen. It is sometimes how I pray. It is how I return to myself.
In seasons of grief and love, I have allowed creativity to hold what words could not. Through the loss of my sister, my mother and father, and our beloved dog Aura, painting became a place where gratitude and sorrow could sit side by side. That tenderness continues to inform the way I hold creative space. This is a day for quiet strength. For painting from the heart and through the hands. |
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Expressions of Interest
I am currently gathering expressions of interest to confirm the date and venue.
If you feel called to spend a day in colour, contemplation, and creative sisterhood on the Sunshine Coast, I would love to hear from you.
With warmth,
Denise
Professional Artist & Creative Guide
If you feel called to spend a day in colour, contemplation, and creative sisterhood on the Sunshine Coast, I would love to hear from you.
With warmth,
Denise
Professional Artist & Creative Guide
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my thoughts on painting Mary…
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Whether it is Mother Mary, or Mary Magdalene, these women hold so many rich stories and wisdom for many of us. In my early years I recall seeing Her statue in church and feeling very drawn to this divine feminine presence. I no longer belong to any particular religion, but the essence of her compassionate energy remains strong with me.
I recall hearing author Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes say the words “You know, Mary wasn’t a Catholic” ... she doesn’t exclusively belong to those of the Catholic faith.. and this small statement opened up a window for me and my soul to fly out from. What I love about her and the images of her I have grown up seeing all of my life has now come to remind me instantly of my Mother. Early in 2016 I had the honour of being with my Mother for her last days on earth and seeing the grace and peace that held her and being immersed in the incredible energy of that time with her was a life changing experience.. So much love and respect to the Mothers of us all. I know she is in a spirit place now and continues to be a beautiful support and encourager of this creative life. |
"Creativitea Time" was born of my love of tea... given to me by my Mother... she loved tea so much - it was her daily celebration.
Bring into being, a divinely feminine presence |
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