What Is The Inspired By Nature Course?
The Inspired by Nature course is an online experience designed to untangle your creative process. Tara Axford invites you into her studio and guides you through the process and techniques she has developed over 25years making her one of Australia's most popular Mixed Media Artists.
Exploring a variety of media Tara will show how to look at the familiar with fresh eyes. By the end of the course you will confidently interpret your collections of found objects and photographs from nature into artwork that truly reflects your unique style and sense of place.
All course materials, including beautifully produced videos, actionable tasks and downloadable resource guides are within an easy to use member portal.
You’ll also be able to ask questions, get feedback and connect with Tara and fellow Inspired By Nature students online within a private group for enrolled students.
What's Included?
With 9 modules, 50 videos and 25 downloadable PDF's covering photography, collage, gelli printing, watercolour and ink techniques, creating products and artbooks, Tara guides you step by step on a creative journey.
Each module contains several short video lessons that build upon each other plus actionable assignments and downloadable resource guides.
Students are fully supported by the Fibre Arts Take Two team and are invited to join a private Facebook community where you can share your progress directly with Tara.
Here Tara offers invaluable support to students through live Q&A's and ongoing tuition for a further 8 weeks.
Each module contains several short video lessons that build upon each other plus actionable assignments and downloadable resource guides.
Students are fully supported by the Fibre Arts Take Two team and are invited to join a private Facebook community where you can share your progress directly with Tara.
Here Tara offers invaluable support to students through live Q&A's and ongoing tuition for a further 8 weeks.
Use Pockets Of Time
Create Bespoke Artwork and Develop Your Unique Style!
Being an artist requires discipline to consistently show up to your space ready to do the work. Without a clear vision the creative process can be overwhelming.
From experienced artists to beginners the Inspired by Nature - Exploring Mixed Media course will show you ways to find the time to live a truly creative life!
From experienced artists to beginners the Inspired by Nature - Exploring Mixed Media course will show you ways to find the time to live a truly creative life!
Learn At Your Own Pace
Once enrolled you will have instant and lifetime access to the entire course so you can go through the modules at your own pace, refresh, rewind and revisit anytime you like.
Being beautifully filmed and produced you'll find yourself wanting to dip back in and linger in modules that speak to you.
By fully engaging with the course content, at the end of 9 weeks you will be able to confidently take your collections of found objects and photographs from nature to create artwork and a unique souvenir that truly reflects your sense of place.
Being beautifully filmed and produced you'll find yourself wanting to dip back in and linger in modules that speak to you.
By fully engaging with the course content, at the end of 9 weeks you will be able to confidently take your collections of found objects and photographs from nature to create artwork and a unique souvenir that truly reflects your sense of place.
Meet Tara
Hi there, I’m Tara Axford, a mixed media artist from Sydney, Australia.
With over 25 years of design experience working as a magazine art director, I’m excited to share what I have learnt including the principles of design and composition that holds many people back.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with an abundance of art materials and found inspiration, pinned or collected. You don’t know where to start, what to do with it.
This course will help you to find a way ‘in’ and show you easy techniques to unblock your own creative process and get going. Or, come along to see how to explore your subject matter further, allowing yourself time to play, with no expectations.
I hope that once you have taken this course you will feel like you have spent time with me on my walk and in my studio, that you flew into Sydney and experienced a small focussed workshop where you learnt skills and techniques to untangle your own art process. By showing you how I do what I do, you’ll see that it’s achievable.
I’m excited to guide you to find your creative thread and develop your own unique style.
With over 25 years of design experience working as a magazine art director, I’m excited to share what I have learnt including the principles of design and composition that holds many people back.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with an abundance of art materials and found inspiration, pinned or collected. You don’t know where to start, what to do with it.
This course will help you to find a way ‘in’ and show you easy techniques to unblock your own creative process and get going. Or, come along to see how to explore your subject matter further, allowing yourself time to play, with no expectations.
I hope that once you have taken this course you will feel like you have spent time with me on my walk and in my studio, that you flew into Sydney and experienced a small focussed workshop where you learnt skills and techniques to untangle your own art process. By showing you how I do what I do, you’ll see that it’s achievable.
I’m excited to guide you to find your creative thread and develop your own unique style.
9 Modules, 71 Lessons and 8 Weeks of Ongoing Tuition!
Tara will step you through the following modules untangling the creative process.
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Module 1
The Finding
Take a walk through the Australian bush in Tara’s hometown of Sydney Australia. Learn how to collect and change your viewpoint so you can discover your own place in literally a new light.
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Module 2
Be Curious
It’s often hard to know where to start. In this module Tara will step you through her systemised approach to curate your collections and start with a well organised and clear picture to drive your creative vision.
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Module 3
Documentation and Exploration
Learn to see things differently and use composition to your advantage to recreate your own vignettes. Zooming in on your discoveries you’ll learn one of Tara's signature ways to create mini artworks through photography.
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Module 4
Referencing Your Materials
Edit your images and create a mood board so you can easily identify and create your colour palette. Tara will show you simple tools to identify your colour pallet digitally. Your creative voice begins to emerge during this process.
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Module 5
Moving Towards Abstract
Finding time to create can be one of the biggest challenges for artists. Tara will show you how to use pockets of time to create backgrounds, let loose and have fun painting, mark making and stamping. You'll be surprised how it all comes together.
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Module 6
Gelli Printing Techniques
There's no need to invest in expensive printing presses. In this module you’ll learn a number of Tara’s signature Gelli Printing techniques so you can add variety to your work all from the comfort of your own home.
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Module 7
Finding Your Thread
Collage and design are no longer dirty words! Tie your backgrounds and prints together as Tara walks you through design principles to make your very own inspired by nature postcard.
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Module 8
Watercolour Landscapes
From small watercolor studies to panoramic landscapes you’ll learn many simple techniques to make your own watercolour and ink abstract landscape. Most importantly knowing how to start and when to stop.
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Module 9
Stitching It All Together
Never be left with a stack of unfinished projects again! Take your watercolours and prints to the next level and learn to create stunning artbooks and folded pocket books.
Create Your Own Workbook
25 Downloadable PDF's
These specially designed action tasks and resource guides follow the course curriculum. By layering your learning you'll be surprised how a pattern emerges in your work uncovering your unique style.
Exclusive BONUES
Take your creativity to the next level with these practical and inspirational BONUSES.
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BONUS 1
60 IMAGES
Developed specifically for those who can’t get out for a walk, or don't have a reliable camera or smartphone to take their own photos.
We've included 60 images from nature to inspire your Mixed Media journey and follow along with the course.
Valued at $20 -
BONUS 2
TUTORIAL: HOW TO LIGHT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHSHere you’ll see Tara's easy to replicate lighting set up using both natural and artificial lighting.
Products and lights that are recommended are detailed in the resources guide to make lighting your artwork effortless!
Valued at $60 -
BONUS 3
TUTORIAL: CREATE YOUR OWN RUBBER STAMPSTake a closer look at your collections and recreate natures patterns.
In this bonus video Tara will show you her process for creating unique rubber stamps and how to incorporate them into your art.
Valued at $100 -
BONUS 4
DESIGN PRINCIPALS CHECKLISTTara has developed an easy to use checklist to help remind you of the design principles that can make all the difference in your work.
Keep it handy when you're creating until one day you'll notice it will all come together naturally.
Valued at $100 -
BONUS 5
TUTORIAL: HOW TO CREATE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS FROM YOUR ARTWORK“I have all this art, what can I do with it?”
In this BONUS TUTORIAL Tara will share with you the sites she uses to create commercial products. From pencil cases to tote bags you’ll love seeing your work in a new form.
Value $100 -
BONUS 6
BONUS WATERCOLOUR LANDSCAPE FOOTAGEWatch Tara complete a Watercolour Landscape.
No talking or instruction, sit back and watch Tara in her own create space as she puts on the music and gets in her flow state. WARNING: Random dancing included!
Value: Priceless!
You’re Protected
With Our 100% Risk-Free Guarantee
This course has been created to the highest standards. Professionally filmed and crafted for your viewing pleasure.
Through Tara’s expert guidance you will have the opportunity to learn new processes and techniques, to create artwork that truly reflects your sense of place.
The tuition for lifetime access to Inspired By Nature - Exploring Mixed Media is priced in USD and $349 when you pay in full. Payment plans are also available, please see below for details.
We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! If you’ve watched less than 10% of the course within the first 7 days we’ll give you a full refund.
We’re confident that if you do the work, you’ll get enormous benefit from this experience. And we’re happy to back that up with our risk-free guarantee.
Through Tara’s expert guidance you will have the opportunity to learn new processes and techniques, to create artwork that truly reflects your sense of place.
The tuition for lifetime access to Inspired By Nature - Exploring Mixed Media is priced in USD and $349 when you pay in full. Payment plans are also available, please see below for details.
We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! If you’ve watched less than 10% of the course within the first 7 days we’ll give you a full refund.
We’re confident that if you do the work, you’ll get enormous benefit from this experience. And we’re happy to back that up with our risk-free guarantee.
This Course Is For You If...
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You want to discover new techniques, expand your skills
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You want to learn how to use your art materials in a new way
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You want to reconnect with nature and create art that reflects a place you visited
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You want to unblock your creative process and find your unique style
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You want to see behind the scenes into the studio of an accomplished artist
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You want to find the time to be creative and live a creative life
What Other's Are Saying
A Great Privilege
“Inspired By Nature Exploring Mixed Media online course is beautifully presented. Easy to follow practical demos with resources.
A good starting point for beginners and experienced artists who want to re-assess their design knowledge.
Tara attended a course I led and it was really a mutual learning experience and I felt extremely honoured to have her on my course. "
A good starting point for beginners and experienced artists who want to re-assess their design knowledge.
Tara attended a course I led and it was really a mutual learning experience and I felt extremely honoured to have her on my course. "
A Profound Impact On My Art Practice
"Oh Tara, your course has had a profound impact on my art practice.
I have always been drawn to habitats, but have found it difficult to interpret them ~ scattered by too much information and too many different media and techniques.
Your course helped me understand how I need to find my visual language, and has given me a process to do that.
As well, I realise that all the different techniques I use are simply part of a toolbox. I can look in and draw out the technique that best suit what I want to say about the habitat.
So, instead of being driven by the technique/medium, my starting point is which to choose to best to interpret my visual language. That is such a break through, and I can't thank you enough for helping me to get there.
I have always been drawn to habitats, but have found it difficult to interpret them ~ scattered by too much information and too many different media and techniques.
Your course helped me understand how I need to find my visual language, and has given me a process to do that.
As well, I realise that all the different techniques I use are simply part of a toolbox. I can look in and draw out the technique that best suit what I want to say about the habitat.
So, instead of being driven by the technique/medium, my starting point is which to choose to best to interpret my visual language. That is such a break through, and I can't thank you enough for helping me to get there.
Truly Solid Focus
"I have gained…so much really. I love the use of creating a mood board and I shall definitely be using that in the project I have in mind.
I’ve been working on doing a photo book of our farm environment for ages but haven’t felt satisfied with its progress. Using the skills I’ve learned here has given me a truly solid focus of creating a more artistic book.
Thank you so much for your wonderful perspective, teaching and generosity.
I’m on a high now !!!!!"
I’ve been working on doing a photo book of our farm environment for ages but haven’t felt satisfied with its progress. Using the skills I’ve learned here has given me a truly solid focus of creating a more artistic book.
Thank you so much for your wonderful perspective, teaching and generosity.
I’m on a high now !!!!!"
I've Learnt To Be More Free
"I’m really enjoying the course for many reasons - it’s encouraged me to be more observant and to look at nature in more detail.
I’m now going back to places I visited a month ago and it’s interesting to see how areas have changed as the vegetation has grown. I’ve also learnt to be more free in experimenting which doesn’t come naturally. Have loved experimenting with the vignettes.
Don’t think I’ve ever been so observant!"
I’m now going back to places I visited a month ago and it’s interesting to see how areas have changed as the vegetation has grown. I’ve also learnt to be more free in experimenting which doesn’t come naturally. Have loved experimenting with the vignettes.
Don’t think I’ve ever been so observant!"
So Encouraging
"It has been a treat doing this course. At first, I was a little intimidated about even signing up due to my lack of art related experience.
Having you clearly outline your process has given me something to follow and provided some focus. I’ve certainly enjoyed being able to dip back into parts of the course when I haven’t quite got things.
I have enjoyed both moving between the different mediums trying out the same ideas in collage and then by creating stamps and stencils to use on my gelli plate, as well as going through the process of selecting which will best suit my needs.
The pockets of time concept has been particularly helpful, as has having a few things in various stages on the go.
Thank you for being so encouraging – and thanks also to the other participants for sharing their work so generously."
Having you clearly outline your process has given me something to follow and provided some focus. I’ve certainly enjoyed being able to dip back into parts of the course when I haven’t quite got things.
I have enjoyed both moving between the different mediums trying out the same ideas in collage and then by creating stamps and stencils to use on my gelli plate, as well as going through the process of selecting which will best suit my needs.
The pockets of time concept has been particularly helpful, as has having a few things in various stages on the go.
Thank you for being so encouraging – and thanks also to the other participants for sharing their work so generously."
Added Layers To My Love Of Nature
"This course has taught me a lot. I love to think I can dip into the course material anytime and have another go at the lessons.
I really value the feedback from Tara and the other participants as this adds to learning different techniques.
br>I'm looking forward to finding many pockets of time to practice these techniques.
The course has given me a purpose for 'going bush' and added layers to my love of Nature. Thank you so much!"
I really value the feedback from Tara and the other participants as this adds to learning different techniques.
br>I'm looking forward to finding many pockets of time to practice these techniques.
The course has given me a purpose for 'going bush' and added layers to my love of Nature. Thank you so much!"
Beautifully Constructed Course
"Beautifully constructed course.
Walking and observing the natural world has always been really important to me. My main connection to making art has been doing some online eco and botanical printing courses, so your course has helped expand my range.
It is excellent to have lifetime access. I have enjoyed seeing some gorgeous work by other participants."
Walking and observing the natural world has always been really important to me. My main connection to making art has been doing some online eco and botanical printing courses, so your course has helped expand my range.
It is excellent to have lifetime access. I have enjoyed seeing some gorgeous work by other participants."
Loving The Stimulation
"I have been loving the stimulation of set projects which get me out looking at nature and working in the studio.
I have learned a lot in the course and will continue refining the techniques."
I have learned a lot in the course and will continue refining the techniques."
A Special Opportunity
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the course. I found the structure was so encouraging of development.
I have never before had such a consistent length of time to just work at art. This was a special opportunity."
I have never before had such a consistent length of time to just work at art. This was a special opportunity."
All Four Seasons
"I have enjoyed taking much more notice of my surroundings and taking so many photos. It has also renewed my interest in drawing and watercolours.
I am looking forward to going through the course again in all 4 of the seasons and noticing the difference in all the plants and trees."
I am looking forward to going through the course again in all 4 of the seasons and noticing the difference in all the plants and trees."
Learn From Tara Axford
Mixed Media Artist | Pattern Designer | Art Director
Tara has been creating artwork her entire life, from her professional career in graphic design to being an art director for one of Australia's leading publications.
As a mixed media artist and tutor focusing on printmaking, collage and ephemeral objects, Tara draws inspiration from her home town in Sydney Australia and lives a truly creative life!
For her, joy is found in seeking out unique pieces that someone has created by hand.
“I love tactile, textural pieces that distil the essence of the Australian landscape into something that reflects the colours, patterns and textures of our natural surroundings.”
Currently exploring found objects, patterns and textures, Tara’s passion is to abstract the essence of a place to create something new, giving the viewer an opportunity to experience something they may have previously overlooked, with fresh eyes.
As a mixed media artist and tutor focusing on printmaking, collage and ephemeral objects, Tara draws inspiration from her home town in Sydney Australia and lives a truly creative life!
For her, joy is found in seeking out unique pieces that someone has created by hand.
“I love tactile, textural pieces that distil the essence of the Australian landscape into something that reflects the colours, patterns and textures of our natural surroundings.”
Currently exploring found objects, patterns and textures, Tara’s passion is to abstract the essence of a place to create something new, giving the viewer an opportunity to experience something they may have previously overlooked, with fresh eyes.
FAQ
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What tools and supplies will I need for the Inspired by Nature - Exploring Mixed Media course?
The recommended minimum requirements for this course are:
Gelli plate
Milini hard rubber roller
Smartphone or digital camera
Transparent or semi transparent acrylic paint at least 6 colours
Watercolour paint, at least 3 colours that reflect your sense of place
Waterproof drawing ink in black
Pencils, Crayons
Photocopy paper
Watercolour paper and or Mixed Media paper.
Paintbrushes (cheap ones are fine)
Access to a colour printer
Recommended household items:
Baking paper, card, erasers, paper towels, baby wipes and or hand sanitiser, thread, scissors, glue stick, cardboard
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How long does the course take and *ongoing tuition last for??
The Inspired by Nature - Exploring Mixed Media course is designed for you to follow at your own pace. We recommend chunking the course into 9 weeks. 1 module per week allows you time to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
When you enrol you have access to the entire course immediately. Some people choose to immerse themselves and complete it over two weeks, others choose to take their time working their way through over the entire 9 weeks.
Remember, it’s yours to revisit time and time again!
*Ongoing Tuition
Tara will be available in the private Facebook Community for 8 weeks after enrolments close. -
I’ve never done an online course before?
Online courses are building in popularity. They are a great way to supplement live workshops affordably and from the comfort of your own home. Learn new skills and see behind the scenes into the studios and lives of your favorite artists.
Our platform is very simple to use and we offer a great support team should you ever run into problems. -
I don’t like social media, is this a necessity?
Nope, you will have full access to the course via your online portal.
We offer a closed Facebook group for enrolled students only to connect and share their journey.
The group also offers you the opportunity to gain further insights and tuition from Tara and other students. This group it is not compulsory but is highly recommended. -
How much does the course cost?
The Inspired By Nature - Exploring Mixed Media online course is: $349 and sold in USD
A Payment Plan is available:
2 x Monthly Instalments of $190 USD
Please check your local exchange rate before purchase. -
Can I purchase the modules individually?
To ensure a solid learning experience and to build community, the Inspired by Nature - Exploring Mixed Media online course is only offered as a full course.
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How does the guarantee work?
The Inspired by Nature - Exploring Mixed Media online course has a 100% money back guarantee should you watch less than 10% of the course within 7 days we will offer you a full refund.
If you feel that this course doesn’t meet your expectations please email us at [email protected] within 7 days of enrolling. If you have watched less than 10% of the content we will immediately purchase the course back at the current exchange rate, less any associated transaction fees. -
Can I take this course on my phone or tablet?
Absolutely! All of the course content is fully responsive so it will work regardless of whether you’re on a computer or mobile device.
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What do I do if I have a question about the course?
Good question! You’ll be able to post your questions about the course in our private Facebbok group, either someone from the community, Fibre Arts Take Two or Tara herself will be able to help you.
If you have more technical questions please don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected]
Enrolments now full for 2021
Join the waiting for 2022 below and be the first to know when the doors open.