Abstraction

Abstraction

An 8 week online workshop to study, understand and practice abstraction in your personal artwork.

Through weekly studio composition exercises and written assignments each student will develop a vocabulary of abstract elements and learn to create personal and meaningful abstract compositions.

We will explore the artwork of dozens of abstract artists to obtain a deeper understanding of the question “What is abstraction?”

Students will visit the basic elements and principles of design to help guide them in creating compelling and visually exciting abstract artwork.

This will be a concept course and is open to visual artists working in all medium. No techniques will be taught. You are expected to have mastered your techniques well enough so we can focus on the content of your artwork, not the execution.

 
Experience Level: Advanced Beginner to Advanced

Workshop Format / Logistics

The online material and discussions will take place on a private class website.

• Lectures will be held via group web conference for 1 hour Sunday morning at the beginning of weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8. The assignments will be introduced at this time. Lectures will be recorded for those that can not attend live.
• A portion of the lecture will be reserved for questions and answers.
• Emails with additional material for the weekly topic will be sent each week.
• Compositions and written assignments are to be uploaded to the group website.
• I will be provide formal written responses and critiques to the assignments on the website.
• Additional class discussion will be held each week on the website. This is where questions that come up during the week will be asked and answered.
• Each participant will have 2 private phone conversations with me around the 4th and 8th week of class to discuss progress and go over any questions you might have.

Prerequisites – Artwork

You must:

• have all materials, supplies and tools you will need to create 5 new compositions plus preliminary sketches in your chosen technique.
• have the knowledge and skill to create artwork in your chosen technique.
• 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. 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.

Prerequisites – Computer Skills

• Ability to taken 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.

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.