Loose & Expressive Watercolour: Understanding Tonal Values with Nina Volk
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October
ERAS Sunday School
Join Nina on this two-day workshop focuses on loose, expressive watercolour painting with a strong emphasis on understanding and using tonal values to shape mood. Artists will explore how different value ranges can completely change the feeling of a painting, helping them move beyond copying a subject and towards personal interpretation.
Participants will learn how to check tonal values while painting, integrating value awareness directly into the creative process rather than treating it as a separate exercise. This approach allows you to build confidence in making tonal decisions as the painting develops.
Each day will include two paintings. Day one will focus on landscapes, exploring both a soft, mellow mood and a stronger, higher-contrast interpretation of the same subject. Day two will extend this approach to either street scenes or landscape variations, such as aerial views, again working with both subtle and bold tonal structures.
Throughout the workshop, key elements of landscape and street painting will be covered, including structure, movement, light, atmosphere, and the inclusion of animals or figures where appropriate. The emphasis is on learning how tonal values support expressive, loose painting and how they can be used to interpret a subject in multiple ways.
The content is flexible and may be adjusted to suit the group, with the core focus remaining on tonal values, mood, and expressive interpretation.
What You Will Learn
How tonal values influence mood and emotional impact in a painting
How to assess and adjust tonal values while painting, not as a separate exercise
Strategies for painting the same subject in both mellow and strong value ranges
Techniques for loosening your painting style while maintaining structure
How to interpret landscapes and street scenes independently rather than copying reference material
How to simplify complex subjects, including buildings, people, animals, and movement
Greater confidence in making tonal decisions that support expressive outcomes
Suitable for: Intermeadiate - some experience with the basics of watercolour
Equipment and Materials Required: TBA
Book your ticket there are limited spaces (Maximum in the Class): Book HERE TBA
TBA per person - for ERAS Members
TBA per person - Non Members
or TBA become a ERAS member (includes workshop ticket)
Book online at https:TBA
Please note that spots are limited so bookings are essential.
About Nina:
Nina Volk is an award-winning Australian watercolour artist known for blending traditional techniques with contemporary expression. After 8 years of art school, she completed a BA in Economics and Management in Civil Engineering (2004) and a BA in Architecture from the University of Melbourne (2015), receiving the Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
With a background in architecture and fashion, Nina became a full-time artist in 2021, launching a successful YouTube channel (35K+ subscribers) and Patreon (1000+ supporters). Her work has since gained national and international recognition.
Highlights:
2022: Finalist – John Leslie & Basil Sellers Art Prizes; 5th place WA Plein Air Comp
2023: 8 major awards, including 2x Best in Show and 5x Best Watercolour
2024: 7 major awards, including 5x Best in Show (Tumut, Deniliquin, Yarram, Bellarine, Kilmore)
2025 Achievements:
Best in Show: Victor Harbor, Bright, Deniliquin, VAS Autumn Select, Kilmore
Best Watercolour: Leongatha, Warrandyte
Second Place: Warrnambool
Selected to represent Australia at Fabriano in Aquarello 2025 (Italy)
Invited curator for BIC 2026 (Caudete, Spain) – Australia featured as guest country
Judge for WSQ Art Show and Beyond the Divide Art Show
Renowned not only for her expressive paintings but also for her generosity as a teacher, Nina is frequently invited to demonstrate and teach internationally, including upcoming workshops in Spain (2025). Her work continues to resonate with collectors and students alike for its emotional depth, technical mastery, and storytelling power.
