Anthroposophical Society in Australia

The Essence of Anthroposophic Art: Veiling the Colours
2026-02-28 15:00 - 2026-04-25 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Zoom online events, Australia
A Painted Space Studio workshop

If I delve deeper into the characters of the different colours, they show me their dynamic qualities. Out my experience, I can then let the colours guide me.

Beppe Assenza

This course introduces the iconic veil painting technique so closely identified with Rudolf Steiner’s artistic approach.
We delve into the language of colour using transparent surfaces of liquid colour in free compositions inspired by Beppe Assenza’s playful but meditative approach to painting.
This is the preferred technique of any anthroposophic painting training. It is not an easy skill to develop but very satisfying to master.
Rudolf Steiner developed this technique as a way of of interfacing with the spirit through painting.
You can read more about the anthroposophic approach and why we prefer watercolour over acrylics and oils in this short article.
Who is it for?

For anyone interested in learning the veiling (wet-on-dry) watercolour technique.
For artists, art therapists and Steiner (Waldorf) teachers who want to deepen their understanding of colour (PD certificates available).

When is it?
3.00 pm-5.00 pm AEDT, Saturdays, 28 February-25 April 2026
Five fortnightly sessions plus video recording
Cost
$240 AUD
$250 for PD certificate (75% attendance and participation required)
Video recordings included in the fee, available for private study.
The payment options, Zoom link, and a list of materials will be sent to you after booking.

BOOK HERE

For more information
This course is a core component of Art as a Path of Schooling for the Soul. It is preceded by the introductory workshop, Working with Colour, Out of Colour. Together, they provide a sound foundation in the anthroposophic (Steiner) approach to colour and painting.

Contact

Feature image: New Life Emerges © Fiona Campbell 2010

Surfaces as Interfaces to the Spirit
2026-03-07 15:00 - 2026-05-02 17:00
“…when we apply the lifeless paint to a surface,
we must get the light behind the surface. We must spiritualise
the surface and create a secret inner radiance.”
Rudolf Steiner

This course explores the nature of painting as a coming-into-being experience that has the capacity to open our souls to the life of the cosmos.
One key difference between most modern art schools and the approach offered by Rudolf Steiner is that we make a clear distinction between drawing and painting, between the qualities of the line and those of the surface.
Why is this so? What difference can it make to paint with surfaces rather than with lines? And what does this even mean?
Painting is a two-dimensional art of coloured surfaces. If we work consciously with this thought, work actively with this understanding, our whole relationship to how we paint (as opposed to what we paint) is changed and transformed.
Working with transparent surfaces creates an interface to our inner world, which in turn leads us to the threshold of our inner being – and beyond. In fact, Steiner states that artists, especially painters, are already working at the threshold of consciousness.
But care must be taken! If we open ourselves too much to the spiritual world, then we may be in danger of losing ourselves to it. Meditative verses can help us here, so we will also work with appropriate meditations during the course.
Who is it for?

For artists, art therapists and art students seeking a path of soul/spiritual development through the arts.
For advanced participants of Art as a Path of Schooling for the Soul.

Required: watercolour wet-on-dry or veiling skills. This is not a demonstrated course so you must feel comfortable with your painting technique.
Desirable: Working with Colour Moods or equivalent experience of working with watercolour painting.
When is it?
Saturdays 3pm-5pm AEDT
7 March – 2 May 2026
Fortnightly classes plus recording
Cost
$260 AUD
$270 for PD certificate
Video recordings and other resources included in the fee. The payment options, Zoom link, and list of materials will be sent after booking.

Book here!

For more information
This course also a core component of Art as a Path of Schooling for the Soul. It follows on from Working with Colour Moods.

Contact

Background reading
A Contemplation on Surfaces as Interfaces to the Spirit, a lecture by Fiona Campbell
‘The Phenomenon of Colour in Material Nature’, In Colour GA 291 by Rudolf Steiner

Feature image: Musical Improvisation © Fiona Campbell 2010
