This two-day painting course consists of practical demonstrations and individual practice - encouraging you to let go of traditional visual references and subject matter.

Develop your own visual language and improve your understanding of the principles of abstract painting through experimentation. You will be looking at the work of contemporary and historical artists alongside your learning to understand different approaches to abstract art.

During the course, you will learn how to draw into abstraction using source references, such as photographs or still life objects. Emphasis will be given to various methods of beginning an abstract work such as drawing into abstraction from source material, using experimental methods, randomness, conceptual systems and translating different sensory information.

You will gain a greater understanding of colour theory to bring out contrast and visual depth in your artwork. You will learn how to use different painting mediums and fully understand your tools, to create texture, glazes, luminosity and a sense of space.

You will explore composition and the many ways to achieve convincing and impactful paintings. Different methods of mark-making and use of composition will also be demonstrated, with critical advice offered throughout the day.

By the end of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of how to achieve a successful abstract painting in acrylic paints and how to use the paint regarding technique and colour theory.

Included

Acrylic paint in primary colours - Crimson Red, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue and Titanium White will be provided for you, along with some A3 cartridge paper.

What students need to bring

• Brushes – a varied selection of different size brushes from large decorating to smaller brushes
• A jar for water and kitchen towel
• Pencil
• Rubber
• Masking tape
• Bulldog clips
• Palette knives and a large flat palette
• Plastic tubs or yoghurt pots for mixing paint
• Rags/ sponges/ other mark-making tools
• Suitable clothing for painting

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching: 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive: 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching: 11am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching: 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes: 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions