Shana James is well-known as an excellent teacher with a gift for developing the talents of her students. She is experienced at teaching classes that cater to all levels of ability from absolute beginners to professional artists and everything in between. Shana has been teaching adults for over 30 years, including at Curtin University, North Metropolitan Tafe, UWA, Fremantle Arts Centre and many other places. She is regularly asked to share her expertise at schools and art groups.
Creative Breaks – Ubud
Linocut Retreat.
Each January, join printmaker Shana James in Ubud, Bali, for a seven-night linocut retreat set within the lush gardens of the ARMA Resort. Airport transfers are included, with the retreat beginning at a Welcome Dinner on arrival.
Enjoy five guided workshop days focused on linocut printmaking, with a free day mid-retreat to explore Ubud or relax. Surrounded by five hectares of tranquil tropical gardens, you’ll share the experience with like-minded creatives while enjoying exceptional Asian cuisine and the time and space to fully immerse yourself in making.
North Metropolitan Tafe (Northbridge) Printmaking Skill Set
North Metropolitan Tafe (Northbridge Campas) has a great printmaking Studio. Shana teaches two 15 week printmaking classes. Intaglio Printmaking is offered in Semester 1 and Relief Printmaking in Semester 2. These classes are open to everyone and offer excellent value.
Above: The fabulous printmaking studio at North Metropolitan TAFE
Pencil Drawing for Beginners: Foundations in Observational Drawing
Booked Out
If you think you can’t draw, this is the class for you.
This beginner drawing course is designed to help you slow down, look closely, and learn how to draw what you see — step by step, without pressure or judgement. Using simple pencil drawing exercises, you’ll be introduced to the foundations of observational drawing, including line, proportion, tone, shading and texture.
Perfect for absolute beginners, this course is ideal if you’ve never drawn before, haven’t picked up a pencil since school, or feel unsure about your drawing ability. You’ll learn practical techniques that make drawing feel achievable, logical and surprisingly enjoyable.
Through guided, hands-on exercises, you’ll build confidence and accuracy while developing a more mindful, focused drawing practice. The emphasis is on learning to see, not on being “talented”.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong foundation in pencil drawing and a toolkit of essential skills you can apply to sketching, fine art, printmaking, painting or any future creative work.
No prior experience required — just curiosity and a willingness to try.
Please note: This course will be professionally filmed for the creation of an online learning resource. Participants may appear incidentally in video footage or photographs, including background shots and occasional group images. Filming will primarily focus on close-ups of the drawing process, hands, and artworks rather than individual faces.