Abstract painting – an introduction with Robert Sosner

Ref: S2D37437

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About this course

Learn ways to start an abstract painting using line, colour, shape and frottage, then develop and complete abstract paintings. Gain insights into abstraction with brief talks on historical and contemporary themes.

Course Description

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.

Course Materials

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.

Timetable

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.

General Information

Tutors

Robert Sosner

Robert studied painting at Chelsea School of Art and has been a recipient of a bursary from the Pollock Krasner Foundation, New York. He has taught artists throughout the film and broadcast media industries and is a mentor to local professional artists.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.