Instructor: Sonya Iwasiuk

Title: From Grounds Up—Unique Grounds, Media & Techniques

Medium: Mixed Media

Level: Confident Beginner to Practising Artist

Dates: August 10-13 (4 days: Monday-Thursday)

Fees: Early Bird—$550; $600 after February 28, 2026

About the workshop

Ever wonder what all those acrylic mediums on art store shelves are for? Discover some of those materials in this unique workshop, filled with information, creation, and exploration. 

This workshop is perfect for adventurous souls eager to explore and learn about a wide range of techniques and materials! You’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and create four distinctive, art pieces on cradled wood panels featuring: 

GOLDEN acrylic grounds: Absorbent Ground, Sandable Hard Gesso, Fiber Paste, Micaceous Iron Oxide 

GOLDEN Mediums: pouring medium gloss, matte medium, mica flake, gel medium and satin glazing liquid 

GOLDEN Acrylic Colours: High Flow Acrylic, Fluid Acrylic, OPEN Acrylic 

Additional media such as acrylic markers, oil pastels, thread, and Japanese papers. 

You will learn:

• how to apply and create on four different grounds beyond Gesso 

• how to use a variety of GOLDEN acrylic mediums 

• unique mixed-media techniques and methods 

• colour mixing and glazing 

• composition principles 

• how to make homemade collage papers and incorporate surprising colours 

• printmaking with fresh foliage and OPEN Acrylics 

•and many more tips, tricks, and techniques along the way! 

 Supplies list

Download the supplies list for the workshop.

 About the instructor

Sonya has been teaching mixed-media painting for over 16 years continuously. She was selected and trained by GOLDEN Artist Colours in a comprehensive week-long program, gaining extensive knowledge of their mediums, and is recognized as a Mixed Media Master!

Always experimenting with new methods and materials, Sonya has created distinctive pieces such as 8-foot-high embossed acrylic skin hangings, mixed-media works on hand-rusted steel sheets, and engraved plaster. She continually explores new combinations of materials and techniques to express her creative vision in a unique and contemporary style. This spirit of adventure also enriches her art lessons, ensuring her teaching remains fresh and original. She loves sharing her discoveries, tips, and tricks with her students. 

  On the web

Visit the artist’s website at: sonyaiwasiuk.com

Visit the artist on Facebook at:

Sonya Iwasiuk

Sonya Iwasiuk Art Studio

Visit the artist on Instagram at:

Sonya Iwusiak Art Studio

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