Expressive Abstract Painting

Expressive Abstract Painting

Class | This program is completed

37 Buena Vista Road West Hartford, CT 06107 United States

Clubhouse

Beginner - Intermediate

9/12/2022-11/14/2022

6:00 PM-8:30 PM EDT on Mon

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$215.00

$195.00

In this class you will develop abstract painting skills and confidence using acrylic paints, mark-making and a variety of other tools. Through a series of fun exercises using high quality mixed media paper, you will learn to loosen up and paint more expressively. Play with color, line, texture and composition. These exercises will build your understanding of how to start, build and finish an abstract painting on canvas or panel. Experience the freedom and joy that comes from trusting your instincts and taming the inner critic in a warm and non-judgmental setting. Tap your unique style and bring your full human experience to the canvas.

  • Required Supplies
    • Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad 18"x24", White, 15 Sheets
    • Canvas - have at least one canvas to bring to the 2nd class. In the first class I will explain the options and you can then decide how many you would like to work with over the 8 weeks. I recommend somewhere between 10x10 to 24x24 (rectangular is fine). Blick offers many options here Canvas.
    • Acrylic paints - Recommend GOLDEN fluids. However, you can work with any brand of acrylic paints . Colors should include 1 ounce or larger size of White, Black, one of each primary Yellow, Red, Blue (any hue you prefer) and at least one other color that you love (my favorite is Quin Azo Gold). Teacher will provide many additional GOLDEN colors for use during class. This is a good starter GOLDEN set
    • An assortment of brushes, one should be at least a 1” flat. Having various sizes allow you to experiment.
    • Fluid Matte Medium - GOLDEN brand recommended, 8 ounces or next smallest bottle. OR regular Matte Medium. Any brand as an alternative is fine.
    • Gesso GOLDEN recommended but any brand will do.
    • yellow frog tape (also can be found at Home Depot or most hardware stores in the paint section). Alternatives include Artist’s tape or Scotch purple tape for delicate surfaces.

    Please also bring:
    • A roll of paper towels for clean up (recommend Blue shop papers towels from hardware store)
    • Palette for paint. A plastic plate will work or palette paper
    • Palette knife
    • Plastic container for water. A large yogurt container works well.
    • A ruler
    • A pencil and/or pen

    Optional:
    • Notebook or sketchbook for notes
    • Latex Gloves
    • Apron
    • Other (any or all of the following. Teacher will bring some to use):  Charcoal, Oil pastels, Pastel, Graphite

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.