Macquarie Towns Arts Society
Monthly Demonstration Meeting
with Phil Went, Painting on Copper
7.30pm, 14th October 2025
The Macquarie Towns Arts Society is delighted to welcome Phil Went, who’ll be demonstrating the art of painting on copper, a classical technique especially popular during the Dutch Golden Age.
The meeting is on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, at 7:30 pm in the Stan Stevens Room, Deerubbin Centre, Windsor.
Phil will take everyone through preparing copper as a painting support, followed by a short demo on brush selection and applying handmade oil paint to a still life on a pre-prepared copper plate.
He’ll also bring along several of his works, paintings on copper as well as on canvas, so you can see and compare the unique properties of each.
Both members and non-members are welcome to join their meetings to view an inspirational artist at work each month, as well as the opportunity to enjoy networking with like-minded art enthusiasts.
Cost is $5 at the door. Supper is provided and please remember to park outside due to early car park closure.
About Phil Went:
Phil Went is a contemporary realist artist specialising in figurative works, portraits, and still-life. His preferred method is working primarily from life under natural light. Before pursuing classical drawing and painting, Phil worked in Information Technology.
He studied at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney, graduating with a Diploma of Fine Arts in 2019, and has also studied classical techniques in Italy at the Florence Academy of Art.
His passion for copper grew out of his studies in Florence and the Netherlands. Copper was a favourite support for many masters, including Rembrandt, Gerrit Dou, Jan Steen and other Dutch painters from the 15th–18th centuries. Unlike canvas or wood, copper doesn’t suffer from mould, insect damage or cracking, and its smooth surface produces luminous, jewel-like effects that remain stunning even centuries later.
Phil has been a finalist in major realist drawing and painting prizes including the Alice Bale and Kenneth Jack Memorial Award, as well as the Percival Portrait Prize, Blue Mountains Portraits, Mudgee Portrait Prize, and the NGA Darling Portrait Prize.
You can see more of his works here:
Website: www.philwent.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/phil.went.fineart/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/phil_went/
For enquiries about this demonstration, please phone Functions Officer: Josephine 0411 339 017.
Look forward to seeing you there!
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