If you find yourself drawn to the works of Krasner, Mondrian, Rothko, and Mitchell when you visit a museum, this class is for you!
In this class, I will guide you in channeling and expressing your emotions through abstract painting. Whether you’re working from real-world references or creating from imagination, memory, or personal experience, you’ll learn how to break free from reality and express yourself on canvas. You’ll explore key elements of composition—balance, movement, contrast, and unity—as you create paintings that speak to you emotionally. While we will have the opportunity to use brushes, you’ll also experiment with alternative tools and techniques—allowing for a more intuitive, tactile, and expressive approach to mark-making. Students will work with oil and/or acrylic paints, using their unique properties to enhance expression and create a rich, layered effect in their work. The process can be a cathartic exploration, a playful burst of color, or something in between. With an emphasis on personal expression, this class will encourage you to experiment, reflect, and develop your unique artistic voice through abstract painting.
This class will introduce students to the elements of abstract painting through guided exercises designed to tap into emotional experience and explore personal themes. Students will learn to experiment with color, form, texture, and composition as they discover new ways to express their emotions and individual perspectives on canvas. Throughout the class, students will work with oil and/or acrylic paints, exploring their unique qualities to enhance their expressive techniques. By the end of the class, students will have developed a deeper understanding of abstract techniques and how to effectively compose their work, translating internal experiences into visually compelling art.
Throughout this five-week class, we’ll begin by exploring personal themes and inspirations, then move into understanding the foundations of abstract composition. As we progress, students will dive into experimenting with color, form, and emotional expression, followed by sessions on alternative tools, mark-making techniques, and creating layered textures for depth. In the final weeks, students will focus on refining their work and continuing to develop their unique abstract voice. Each session is designed to build organically on the last, but the specific pacing and depth of exploration will be guided by the needs and flow of the class.
*First day you will need: a sketchbook and pencil, a large pad of newsprint (18X24) drawing materials you enjoy: charcoal, Conte’ crayon, chalk pastel
Additional supplies:
pad of Bristol paper 11” x 14” or larger if you want to work bigger
cream/neutral color painting tape
a variety of metal (not plastic!) palette knives (craft/art stores sell kits of varying sizes and shapes that would be great for this class)
Paper towels
Paint will be provided- if you wind up wanting more/different colors you are free to bring what you like
Optional: no need to bring first day - we will discuss supplies then
Variety of paint brushes
1-3 canvases
