Painting What Isn't There

Painting What Isn't There

Adult Classes | Available

585 Park Street Naples, FL 34102 United States
Studio 202
All levels
4/20/2026-5/11/2026
9:00 AM-12:00 PM on Mon
$225.00
$175.00

Painting What Isn't There

Adult Classes | Available

Explore the empty space of a canvas while what surrounds that empty space is clearly visible. It can be a bit of a mind trip as you explore what isn’t there in comparison to what is. We’ll incorporate Pollock’s techniques, as well as use paint strokes and other tools for our painting. You may want to look at this empty space as a window that goes out into an abyss; however, depending on how you construct your piece with colors and textures, you may find that abyss does lead the viewer into another space of reality. You may find this to be challenging, but I’m most certain you’ll enjoy this process of exploration.   

  • For the first class, bring only one large canvas 24” x 36” or 24” x 24” and two 11” x 14” canvases, and all other supplies listed below.

    *Please note: no canvases can be left in classrooms, so you will have to bring this to and from each class.

    You can purchase either one of these sizes of canvas: 24” x 36” or 24” x 24”, a pack of 11” x 14” canvases. Keep in mind, you may need more canvases depending on how you work, but I recommend purchasing at least one larger canvases, along with the pack of 11” x 14” canvases.

    I highly recommend using Golden acrylic paints (high flow, fluids or heavy body or a combination). This brand has a high pigment load, and a diverse array of colors to choose from; they also have iridescent and interference colors, which can really enhance a piece, especially one that is so highly interpretative.

    For the first class, purchase three colors of the paint you like and also white. After the first class, you can decide on other colors or brands you might want to use.  My favorite brand to use is Golden, but NOVA is also a good choice as are: Amsterdam, M. Graham, Holbein, Winsor & Newton, Grumbacher, and many more (this is not an extensive list, just suggestions).

    Palette knives

    Kitchen sponge(s)

    Cheesecloth (you can purchase this at Publix—ask as it is usually hanging from a shelf in the middle of an aisle or sometimes at the end cap of an aisle) and/or paper of any kind, like tissue paper or unbleached parchment paper

    Plastic cup or container for water

    Palmolive or Dawn dish soap to clean your brushes

    Paper towels or cloth for wiping and cleaning brushes

    You can purchase supplies at: Michaels, Jerry’s Artarama (online), Dick Blick (online), Jackson’s (online), Holbein Artist Materials (online), and many other retailers.


    Any questions? Please contact me directly: otis.christine@gmail.com

Otis, Christine
Christine Otis

Christine Otis is a freelance artist, writer and teacher. She is a graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. She is constantly tinkering with ideas, searching for ways to express and communicate an image or narrative. She encourages and inspires others to pursue their creative outlets. A true creative at heart, she is often heard saying, “I cannot not create.” Visit her site at www.christineotis.com