Expressive Abstract Painting

Expressive Abstract Painting

Class | This program is completed

37 Buena Vista Road West Hartford, CT 06107 United States
Clubhouse
Beginner - Intermediate
9/16/2024-11/4/2024
6:00 PM-8:30 PM EST on Mon
$210.00
$190.00

Expressive Abstract Painting

Class | This program is completed

Explore expressive abstract painting and build your acrylic painting skills and confidence. You will be guided through exercises on the principles of value, color, shape, composition and more. You will also learn how to use GOLDEN acrylic paint and assorted mark making tools. There will be plenty of time to explore on your own, with guidance from Heather.

Beyond structured exercises, you’ll learn to trust your intuition, cultivate mindfulness, and embrace your artistic voice. Learn to tame the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting and bring your full human experience to your art.


  • Supply Fee payable to instructor at first class: $10


    Required Student Supplies

    • Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad, 18"x24", White, 15
    Sheets Order early! Acceptable alternatives are Acrylic paper,
    canvas paper or watercolor paper that is at least 140lbs. I do NOT
    recommend the Canson brand that is 98lbs.

    • Every other class, starting with the first class, we will work on the
    paper above. On alternating weeks, you can choose to work on any
    substrate you wish such as the same paper as above, canvas, wood
    or anything else suitable for acrylic paint. Heather will review the
    options during the first class if you wish to wait to purchase additional
    substrates. You might find that you love to work on the 18x24 paper
    and no additional substrates are necessary.

    • Acrylic paints - Recommend GOLDEN fluids. However, you can work
    with any brand and type of acrylic paints. This is a good 6 color
    starter GOLDEN set or this larger 10 color starter set. Colors should
    include 1 ounce or larger size of Titanium White, Carbon Black, and
    any variation of Yellow, Red, Blue and at least one other color that
    you love. Heather will bring some supplemental GOLDEN colors to
    try but they should not be your main source of paint.

    • An assortment of brushes. I recommend having various sizes and try
    to have one that is a larger size =at least 1 inch width if not wider. You
    can use any brushes you wish as long as they are suitable for acrylic.
    Silver Brush brand , especially the SilverSilk 88 line, is an exceptional
    acrylic brush. I will have some Silver Brush brushes to for you to try.

    • Fluid Matte Medium - GOLDEN brand recommended, 8 ounces or
    next smallest bottle. OR regular Matte Medium. Any brand as an
    alternative is fine.

    • White Gesso GOLDEN recommended but any brand will do.

    • Yellow frog tape (can usually be found at Home Depot or most
    hardware stores in the paint section). 1” (.94”) Alternatively, Artist
    Tape in 1” (or close) width.

    • Something flat and sturdy to tape your paper to that is larger than
    18x24 such as 20x30. A piece of foam core or thick cardboard works
    great.Alternatively, you can purchase a piece of foam core from me
    for an additional $5.

    Please also bring:
    • A roll of paper towels for clean up (recommend Blue shop papers
    towels from hardware store)
    • Palette for paint. Options include palette paper, freezer paper (found
    at grocery store), large metal or plastic tray.
    • Palette knife (preferably metal)
    • Plastic container for water. A large yogurt container works well.
    • A ruler
    • A pencil and/or pen
    • Notebook/Journal for class notes

    Optional:
    • Latex Gloves
    • Apron
    • Mark making tools such as a brayer, old card for scraping, silicone
    bowl scraper, color shapers. Or any other mark making tool you like
    to use
    • Any other favorite art making tool
    • Other (any or all of the following. Teacher will bring many to use):
    ? Charcoal
    ? Oil pastels
    ? Pastel
    ? Graphite
Heather Neilson

Heather Neilson is an artist and art educator primarily in abstract painting, collage and art journaling. She has pursued the study of art history and direct art making for the last 25 years, studied at the New York Art Students League and with several master artists. She received her B.A. in Communications from Rutgers University. She is a certified GOLDEN Arts Educator and teaches art workshops to adults and teens in her studio at Whiting Mills in Winsted, CT and throughout the region.