Alla Prima: A Tonal Painting Workshop with Piers Greville
Join us for an immersive one-day masterclass with celebrated contemporary artist Piers Greville, exploring the evocative art of tonal painting through the Alla Prima technique. Translating to "at first attempt," this direct approach captures form and mood using a simplified palette and bold brushwork.
Whether approached as a foundational underpainting or a finished artwork, tonal painting reveals the essential structure of an image through the interplay of light and shadow.
Piers brings to the studio a rare combination of artistic depth and clarity. A John Glover Prize winner and exhibiting artist with Dominik Mersch Gallery (Sydney) and Magma Galleries (Melbourne), his work is grounded in keen observation and emotional connection to landscape—a richness he brings into the classroom.
Throughout the day, you’ll learn how to build a strong composition from the very first brushstroke. Beginning with a live demonstration, Piers will walk you through the steps he uses in his own practice: laying in form with bold tonal shapes, working quickly and deliberately, and refining detail as the painting evolves. You’ll then have the opportunity to create your own painting from a studio still life, supported by expert instruction and individual feedback.
Expect a session that is thoughtful, practical, and creatively charged — Piers is a joy to be around, leading with clarity and generosity, making this workshop perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.
What to Expect
- Alla Prima Method: Explore this fast, expressive painting style using just one or two colours.
- Tonal Focus: Learn how to see and structure your composition using tonal values, light, and shadow.
- Live Demonstration: Watch Piers create a complete tonal study in real-time, with insight into his decision-making process.
- Hands-On Practice: Complete your own oil painting from a still life, with one-on-one support throughout.
- Professional Materials: All artist-quality materials supplied by Chapman & Bailey.
- Creative Community: Share the experience with other creatives in a warm, focused studio environment.
Please email or call us with any questions:
+61 3 9415 8666
Masterclass information:
Address: cbOne Studios, level 1/1B Marine Parade, Abbotsford
Date: July 12th
Time: 10am - 4:00pm
You will learn
- Learn to build strong compositions using light, shadow, and a limited palette.
- Develop confidence in the alla prima method with bold, intuitive brushwork.
- Gain insight into Piers Greville’s professional painting process and techniques.
You will get
- Art Materials, beverages and snacks provided.
- Your very own painting to take home & display with pride.
- Personalised feedback to refine your skills at any experience level.
Appropriate for
Open to all levels.
What to bring
- All specialised materials provided
What to wear
Comfortable painting friendly attire + apron/smock
Piers Greville is a contemporary artist with a practice grounded in painting, performance, and research-based inquiry. Based in Melbourne, his work is deeply shaped by a physical connection to landscape — an approach informed by his former career as a mountain endurance athlete. Whether traversing terrain or working in the studio, Piers draws on personal, cultural, and environmental histories to explore the layered narratives of place.
Holding a Master of Fine Art (Research) from the University of Melbourne under Professor Jon Cattapan, Piers graduated with first-class honours and has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious John Glover Prize for landscape painting in 2019. His work has been exhibited with Dominik Mersch Gallery (Sydney) and Magma Galleries (Melbourne), and in 2022 he was invited to present a major performance-based project at Manifesta14, the European Nomadic Biennial in Kosovo.
Piers’ depth of practice — from academic rigour and field research to gallery success and large-scale international commissions — gives him a uniquely well-rounded perspective as a teacher. He brings a rare combination of technical skill, conceptual clarity, and generous communication to his workshops, making him an engaging and thoughtful guide for artists at all levels.
Organized by
Chapman & Bailey
21 reviewscbOne Studios - Chapman & Bailey, 1B Marine Parade.
At Chapman & Bailey, we believe in nurturing creativity at every level. For more than three decades, our team has supported artists, students, and cultural organisations with high-quality art materials, expert framing, and specialist art services.
The workshops at our Abbotsford studio are designed to connect experienced and acclaimed working artists with individuals looking to ignite or expand their practice - all experience levels welcome.
Each workshop is shaped by the artist and their medium, crafted to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and introduce participants to new techniques and beautifully made materials from our carefully curated art materials store next door.
We’re passionate about creating a welcoming, generous creative community where people can learn from and with the best, experiment freely, and grow creatively.
(03) 9417 7957
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A transfer can be requested 5 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$50.00 applies.
- A credit note can be requested 5 days before the class starts. An admin fee of AU$50.00 applies.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
CB Studios cannot offer any ‘make-up’ classes, courses or workshops missed.
Absences without notification will forfeit the full class/course fee and receive no credit. By proceeding with your booking you agree to our terms & conditions, and refund policy.
Should CB Studios be forced to cancel a class due to low enrolments, you will be notified as soon as possible prior to the scheduled class and will receive a refund, transfer or a credit voucher for a replacement class, course or workshop.
Collection of work and materials left at the studio: Please understand that our storage capacity is extremely limited. Work and painting kits will only be retained for one month after which they will be disposed of.
Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at Chapman & Bailey or organised by Chapman & Bailey must agree to these terms and conditions
1.) LIABILITY WAIVER
I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by Chapman & Bailey
2.) PHOTO & VIDEO
I agree to give Chapman & Bailey unrestricted publishing rights for any photographs or videos taken at Chapman & Bailey classes and events or on Chapman & Bailey premises. (For use of Chapman & Bailey marketing materials).
For any questions or queries please email [email protected]
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Tonal Painting with Piers Greville
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