Silk painting workshop – Ballina
Not everyone can be an artist, but Kim Michelle Toft knows everyone can produce art. There’s no doubting Kim’s artistic talent and she likes nothing more than bringing out the best in people who have only ever dreamed of creating something worth framing. The Ballina gallery owner is world renowned for the amazing colours and brightness of the underwater scenes she paints onto silk. At her classes, held most Saturdays, she passes on the techniques she first learnt in Byron Bay and has perfected over the past 30 years.
“It’s all about silk painting technique, no artistic ability is required,” Kim says of the classes.
“It’s not a drawing class, participants trace their design onto the silk and then they add the colours.”
With a maximum of four people, the classes attract locals, tourists and many day trippers from the Gold Coast.
“It’s a great way to get creative for four hours and it’s a rewarding experience,” Kim says.
“Everybody loves what they do.”
Kim believes silk is perfect for highlighting vibrant colours and the shimmering brightness is what makes her marine scenes come to life.
“When you paint on silk the dye saturates the fibres – it becomes one with the silk.
“The colour comes out beautifully and the light shines through the silk – it’s an amazing combination.”
When: Saturdays, 11am-3pm
Where: Sea Silk Gallery, 6/2 Martin Street, Ballina
Learn more and book your place at a class here.
Coffs Harbour
