Learn about abstraction and discover the answers to key questions such as:
- How to start an abstract painting
- How to build your work once you have made a start
- The different ways of making an abstract painting
You will be guided through a series of practical exercises using line, colour, shape, frottage, resist techniques and collage. You will learn how to edit and develop your work to achieve surprising and exciting results.
The focus will be on expressive abstraction, and there will be short talks showing various types of abstract painting, using historical and contemporary examples.
By the end of the course, you will have gained an insight into the diversity of expression that this type of painting offers. You will have some tools that will enable you to make and develop your work after the course, and you will start to look at abstraction in a more informed way.
There will be group and individual tuition throughout.
Included
Paper for the first evening and some acrylic paint are provided to get you started.
For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed them with your tutor.
What students need to bring
- Acrylic paints (minimum of 59ml tube) in the following colours: Cadmium Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Lemon Yellow, Black, Titanium White and a green of your choice; any other colours you would like to bring
- A selection of brushes - round and flat head - quality of your choosing
- One flat head brush, 2 inches wide
- Palette, A3 sketch pad
- Water pots jam jars/yogurt pots (some pots are available from the College)
- Suitable clothing for working with acrylic paint
Available to buy
Available from shop:
A good variety of art materials, including acrylic paint in a good range of colours, including Cadmium Red Hue, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue Hue, Cadmium Yellow Hue, Lemon Yellow, Black, Titanium White and green, pencils, a good selection of brushes - round and flat, 2 inch wide flat brushes, palettes, paper in various weights and sizes, A3 sketch pads, canvases, etc.
Additional information
Have fun and experiment.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.