All good abstraction comes from reality. Using the lines of the land to access the language of abstraction, we will learn about dynamic composition, chaos within structure, and the power of brushstrokes. Oils and acrylics will be used in this class. All levels welcome.

Every artist has their mark, much like one’s handwriting. Learn how to generate an abstract painting from your Mark, working in a non-representational style. Practice working in the moment, much like a dance. There is always time to go back in to reconstruct later and edit. Access your natural intuitive unconscious through a series of exercises, culminating in an acrylic painting.

Every artist has their mark, much like one’s handwriting with a specific style and personality. It is the same with an artist’s mark. One of the ways this is transferred is through sensitivity of hand and line.

Painting is about problem solving and moving energy around the canvas or paper. We will initially focus on non-objective painting, beginning with line using paint, and then perhaps graphite or charcoal. Through focusing on the moment of creation of a painting in this way, anyone can access the feeling of restfulness and calm. The goal is to begin with one’s mark, read the lines, read the space, and build up from there using gestural marks, creating transparencies. Soon, one will be painting.

This workshop is about moving from landscape into abstraction. The idea of landscape to abstraction covers a very broad range. It is very difficult to move one’s thinking towards the abstract, but through using the lines of land, deciphering shapes, and simplifying, we will change our language from the literal to the non- objective using nature as our teacher.

Investigate the interconnection of drawing and painting through the study of abstraction. Artist Katherine Miller shows students how to develop their own artistic identity by using visual and intuitive language of mark-making. At the start of each class, students will be guided through a series of mark-making exercises using graphite, charcoal, and pastels, designed to inspire exploration between what is seen and felt beyond a representational image. Katherine will then demonstrate how these drawing techniques can be incorporated into an acrylic painting, and as she shares her process for finding transparencies through applying, wiping away, and layering paint. Additional focus will be placed on composing an active picture plane using line, form, and pattern to create spatial relationships with energetic movement. These methods of thinking, seeing, and moving will guide group discussion and critiques, as you learn fun and effective ways to approach the challenges of working abstractly. Whether you are an abstract or representational painter, these actionable techniques can raise your level of impactful expression. All levels welcome