Abstraction
Course Description
“I just completed Lisa Call’s class on Abstraction. Although abstraction initially seems to be an easy theme, Lisa delves into the subject with a solid basis of knowledge and research. She provides an amazing amount of written materials from which to learn, as well as one-on-one contact via written evaluations and critiques, guidance and phone calls for each student.
I have created art for the past twenty years in different media, always in the abstract format. I have come to learn that there are different types of abstraction which have influenced and informed my work. How I design and how I interpret my work has been altered in the positive since completing this class.
Lisa provides a nurturing and supportive atmosphere for learning. She has given us a wonderful framework in which to work with spot on critiques and guidelines. It has been my honor to participate.
I have followed some of the work done by others in this class and it’s amazing to see the different interpretations of the same assignment.
She continues to inspire many of us to work harder and dig deeper. What can be better than that?”
~Aryana Londir
New River, Arizona
Are you ready to study, understand and practice abstraction?
In this 10 week online workshop you will obtain a deeper understanding of the question “What is abstraction?” by exploring the artwork of dozens of abstract artists.
You will develop a vocabulary of abstract elements and learn to create personal and meaningful abstract compositions through weekly studio composition exercises.
The assignments cover both non-objective abstraction and the process of abstracting reality. There are also assignments that help you investigate the role of planning and generation of ideas in your creative process.
You will learn how to write formal written critiques and will have ample opportunity to practice this skill as you evaluate each of your assignments. I will be provide with both written and verbal feedback throughout the class.
Mindsets are an important part of the workshop and we’ll dive into our thoughts and beliefs around our art making and studio practices to strengthen both. We’ll be looking at topics such as trust, vulnerability, limiting beliefs, personality types, habits, confidence and much more.
Note that this class does NOT include technique instruction. Students are expected to have the art/quilt making skills necessary to create the assignments. No specific techniques are required – painting, drawing, quilt making (piecing, applique, fusing, embellishment), surface design, etc – any medium is acceptable.
My Intention and Qualifications.
As with all of my workshops, my biggest intention is to provide my students the confidence and tools so they can move their art forward by leaps and bounds.
Experience Level: Advanced Beginner to Advanced
Prerequisites – Artwork
You must…
- …have all materials, supplies and tools you will need to create the artwork in your chosen style and medium.
- …have the knowledge and skill to create artwork in your chosen medium.
- …be willing to work hard and focus.
- …leave all self deprecating thoughts at the door and be ready to think big about your art
- …be ready to reflect upon their experience so you can grow
- …and, of course, have fun. Laughter is encouraged.
Some of those things might make you uncomfortable and they might scare you. But if you have an open mind and are willing to give it a try, you qualify.
It is recommended you document your work in this class in a journal or sketchbook.
Your spot on critiques are informative and yet kind. After taking Working in A Series and then Abstraction, I feel completely prepared to create new art. I am motivated by the validations you gave me.
I will recommend your courses to anyone who is serious about improving their art. You take your art and your teaching very seriously. I am totally delighted with what I learned.
Thank You so much!”
~Debbie Babin
Prerequisites – Computer Skills
- Ability to take clear, in focus photos of your artwork with a digital camera.
- Ability to re-size and prepare your images for the internet.
- Ability to upload images via a WordPress blog. A step by step tutorial will be provided but each student must master this skill. It’s really quite simple and involves clicking a few buttons and links.
What are Students Saying about Abstractions?
Visit my alumni directory for images of former students’ artwork and read more of their thoughts about the workshop.
The investment for 10 weeks of instruction is
Workshop starting July 7, 2013
Timing not right? I am also teaching this workshop in person at the Nancy Crow Barn in October, 2013 – details are here.
Online Course Logistics
The online material and discussions will take place on a private class website.
- Lectures will be held via group web conference.
- Lectures will be 1 hour long on Sunday mornings at 10am Mountain.
- Lectures will be recorded for those that can not attend live.
- A portion of the lecture will be reserved for questions and answers.
- Additional course material will be emailed Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
- There will be 8 assignments which are to be uploaded to the group website.
- I will be provide written responses to the assignments on the website.
- Additional class discussion and questions will be held each week on the website.
- Each participant will hold 2 private phone conversations with me during the 5th and 10th week of class to discuss progress and go over any questions you might have.
To date I’ve discovered my summertime workshops have been a wonderful experience for all as there is an incredible group energy resulting from the motivated, creative and hard working students that sign up during this season.
If you have any concerns about your schedule, please email me and we can work out something.
Still Not Sure?
Please Don’t Signup for This Workshop If…
- You have an unwillingness to explore what motivates your artwork on visual, emotional and spiritual levels.
- You don’t want to learn more about yourself and what informs your art. I’ll be encouraging introspection and reflection. This workshop isn’t for you if you aren’t willing explore your thoughts.
- You aren’t willing to invest time in learning. This is a workshop has extensive written and studio assignments as we learn by doing.
Maybe another class is a better fit. See all of my online workshops here.
“I received a lot more out of these classes than I can explain.
I received a concise and comprehensive education into 20th century art movements and can apply this when visiting art centers and museums. I saw art in her classes I just loved and pieces I did not enjoy so much, but I now have an idea of where I might be moving on this continuum of modern/abstract art. I see choices of abstract styles I can move my work towards, now that I have a bit of knowledge of the past.
Through objective and non objective abstraction exercises I have moved my art from my safe sailboat images to abstract horizontal and vertical line compositions but with content implied in my work. I had been searching for this and was kind of stuck on sailboat images of Florida.
I am learning about balance and to create a composition from simple shapes through Lisa’s exercises. I enjoyed the structure of Lisa’s exercises as they followed guidelines but resulted in my own compositions.
The online workshop format worked out well for me. The structure of the class website allowed me to see everyone class work and Lisa’s reviews when I wished to do so. I appreciated that Lisa was always available-just like in an in person workshop. I also appreciated I had all my supplies, not just a kit I packed, but everything around me while working on the assignments.
I really thank my husband for giving me this excellent class and Lisa for offering it to us. Her inbox must certainly be full.”
~Pam Morris
Florida
Current Schedule
Now enrolling!
Invest in yourself and your art by registering today.
Workshop starting July 7, 2013
Lectures: July 14, 21, August 4, 11, 25, September 1 at 10am Mountain*.
Assignments due: July 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8.
The investment for 10 weeks of instruction is $677 $627 – if you register by June 21, 2013.
** Timing not right? I am also teaching this workshop in person at the Nancy Crow Barn in October, 2013 – details are here. **
* If you miss a lecture a recording will be available on the class website. It is not required you be available at these times. (9am Pacific, 11am Central, noon Eastern)
Online workshop refund policy.