For our 2025 Masterclass series three contemporary artists will each present a session interpreting the harbour foreshore landscape.

Join one or all three in this series of one-day workshops that will provide unique insights from the artists as they share their knowledge, skills and different approaches to seeing and perceiving the landscape. Each artist will introduce their artistic practice, demonstrate techniques and offer guided instruction.

Leading our first masterclass is master drawer Noel Thurgate with an en plein air drawing session in Manly Cove that will focus on analysing and interpreting the landscape via the artist’s sketch book. Using basic drawing methods and materials on a small and portable scale, you will explore the abundant subject matter immediately surrounding the gallery and along the foreshore.

With an emphasis on multiple quicker sketches (rather than longer detailed studies), participants will be introduced to various methods employed by artists over the years in order to ‘read’ the landscape. Concepts of compositional dynamics, layers within the landscape and ways to create the illusion of space and depth will be discussed, as well as the role of the elements and principles of composition.

You will spend the morning along the Manly Cove foreshore, then return to the gallery for a light lunch, and in the afternoon explore a different site outside the gallery. (Be prepared to walk up a flight of steps).

This session will be limited to 15 participants and is suitable for people with prior drawing experience (although keen beginners are welcome).

Please bring all your own materials, water bottle and dress for all weather. (In the event of inclement weather, the session will be held in the gallery space with adjusted structure and focus).

A light lunch and tea/coffee is included in ticket price. Please advise of any dietary requirements.

NB. We suggest you also bring your own small foldable stool / chair.

Suggested materials:
•    graphite pencils (incl. 4B & 6B)
•    Willow charcoal sticks
•    Charcoal pencils (med – soft)
•    Hard and kneadable rubbers
•    Ink & brushes
•    Good quality A3 or A4 watercolour pad (+ board with clip if have one)
•    Brown, sepia Conte crayons
•    Coloured aquarelle pencils
•    Small water container (if using inks/aquarelles)
•    Masking tape

Boards with clips can be provided.

Masterclass Series 2025:

About Noel Thurgate 

Noel Thurgate is an artist with over 30 years-experience in teaching drawing including nine years as Head of Drawing at the National Art School, Sydney. Noel has exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions including five times as an Archibald finalist, a finalist in the Dobell Drawing Prize and the Kedumba Drawing Prize. He was 2024 Winner of People’s Choice award at the Salon des Refusés at S.H Ervin Gallery and his work is held in state, regional, institutional and private collections. Noel currently teaches part-time at the NAS.