Master the arts at McGregor masterclasses

Time is running out to register to learn from some of Australia's finest artists at the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) inaugural McGregor Masterclasses at Springfield in September.

Part of the renowned McGregor Schools, the intensive four day workshops in water-based mediums, botanical art, pastels, drawing and digital photography are open to visual artists of intermediate to advanced standard.

McGregor Schools Program Administrator, Christine Matthews said spaces are still available in all five of the classes, but encourages anyone who is interested to call soon as enrolments close on 22 August.

'If our recent workshops in Hervey Bay are anything to go by, Springfield is in for a real treat.'

'We spent four fabulous days of creativity in acrylics, charcoal, pastels and watercolours. The feedback from both our tutors and students has been wonderful and now we are looking forward to offering Springfield a similar experience.'

Highly skilled and professional tutors have been secured from around Australia for the masterclasses.

'Acclaimed Melbourne artist Herman Pekel's class is ideal for the artist who wants to explore water-based medium with a broader vision,' Ms Matthews said.

Students in Herman's class will not only produce several of their own works of art, but will gain a wealth of knowledge from the multi-award-winning artist.

'Botanical artist Barbara Duckworth will explore the nuances of nature in a class titled What Colour is Green.'

Barbara is renowned for her skill and technique, having worked at the Australian Museum, Macquarie University, the Royal Botanic Gardens and tutored at the Charles Sturt University Summer and Winter Schools.

'Master pastellist Lyn Diefenbach will enhance and extend students' knowledge of the medium, while pen and ink artist Keith Norris will finely hone participants' drawing skills, enabling them to ‘Draw with Confidence'.

'Photographer Don Hildred will explore the endless possibilities of digital imaging and Adobe Photoshop in his Intermediate to Advanced Digital Photography workshop.'

Ms Matthews said the McGregor experience offers participants the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in a world of art.

'The workshops are a chance to increase your artistic skills and improve your knowledge while working alongside some of the country's finest artists and educators.

'It is a time when art enthusiasts can meet like-minded people and escape their normal daily lives.'

The USQ McGregor Masterclasses will run from 18-22 September 2008 at the University's Springfield campus on Sinnathamby Boulevard in Springfield Central.

For further information about the classes and/or to enrol, call Christine Matthews on (07) 4631 2755 or visit the website www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor .

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979