THE PAINTING SCHOOL
After teaching one-on-one lessons since 2017, Rachelle launched her first group art class post-pandemic — from this, a growing community of emerging painters was formed, now known as The Painting School.
The Painting School runs as a fortnightly Saturday class that is project-based and focused on realistic oil painting. Each 2-hour class supports painters from beginner to advanced level and is designed to build foundational skills in value, perspective, temperature, and skin tones. With a pay-as-you-go* format, students bring a canvas and photo reference of their choice to develop their work at their own pace. Class times are 9AM, 11am and 2pm, and paints are provided.
Alongside these classes, life studies sessions are held fortnightly on Tuesday evenings. These untutored, free-form sessions offer artists the opportunity to work from a live model in a relaxed studio environment. Designed for independent practice, the sessions are open to artists who wish to strengthen their observational drawing skills and connect with others in the studio community.
In addition to regular classes, The Painting School also hosts exclusive one-off oil painting workshops, held twice a year — in January and July. These immersive full-day sessions offer a unique opportunity for both new and returning painters to dive deeper into their practice in a focused and supportive environment.
Participants of Rachelle’s oil painting programs are welcome to join at any time via the waitlist.
*New students are asked to commit to the first 8 lessons to establish foundational skills before joining ongoing painting groups.
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“MIND BLOWING Workshop!”
I just wanted to say that the workshop was mind blowing. I was pushed so far out of my comfort zone, and really grew. I can’t wait to apply all I have learnt. I can’t stop talking about it to my friends and family. You are generous beyond words and create an atmosphere that allows us, as students to really embrace being a beginner but at the same time, believing that anything is possible if you just keep going. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
— Cassie Rowe, Lester Prize Finalist 2024
★★★★★
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“Generous, knowledgable— an amazing teacher!”
I have known Rachelle for a few years now and would say she is an amazing teacher and mentor. Rachelle’s knowledge and compassion for her students is apparent in the way she encourages you and instills confidence. She is generous in sharing her extensive knowledge not only in art practices but in the practical sense too. Not only a wonderful teacher but a lovely person who I always look forward to seeing and learning from.
— Suzanne Lawson, Perth Artist
★★★★★
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“A wealth of knowledge— really inspiring artist!”
I’ve been getting 1 on 1 oil paintings with Rachelle for the past 10 months, which has been amazing for my development in portraiture. Starting from the basics all the way through to realistic portraiture, she’s been a wealth of knowledge and a really inspiring artist! Couldn’t Recommend her enough to any individual wanting to learn to paint or improve their painting.
— Cameron Richards, Shirley Hannan Art Prize Winner 2020
★★★★★
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“Clear and Passionate!”
The portrait painting intensive workshop was amazing, intense but I have learnt a lot. I loved your way of teaching — clear and passionate.
— Karen, Workshop Participant
★★★★★
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“I learnt SO much!”
A recent 3 day intensive with amazing artist Rachelle Dusting was exactly what I needed! Is it [the painting] perfect…nope…is it realistic…nope….but did I learn…absolutely!
— Em, Artist
★★★★★
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“A beautiful way to begin the new year!”
I feel like I have gained so much from your teaching already. Absolutely filled with gratitude for your generosity, kind hearted nature and softly spoken encouragement. What a blessing to spend three days immersed in the pure joy of painting. What a beautiful way to begin this new year. Thank you!
— Luca, Workshop Participant
★★★★★
