Where It Begins: Building an Abstract Painting from the Inside Out
Workshops | Available
Step into a fresh and intuitive approach to abstract painting—one that begins not with a blank canvas, but with exploration, play, and the creation of your own visual language. In this engaging, you’ll create a rich collection of collage materials using acrylic paint, expressive mark-making, and simple Gelli plate printing techniques. These one-of-a-kind papers become the starting point for your painting—torn, layered, and arranged to build a dynamic composition full of movement and possibility. From there, the process shifts into shaping and refining. You’ll learn how to work with value, color, and editing to bring clarity and intention to your piece—discovering how to simplify complexity, create balance, and know when a painting is complete. Along the way, we’ll focus on strong design, the power of negative space, and trusting your creative instincts. This workshop offers a supportive and inspiring environment to loosen up, take risks, and develop a more confident, personal approach to painting.
- We'll break mid-day for lunch, so bring a bagged lunch or there are close cafe's to pick up food.
Heavy Body Paint
Titanium White
Mars Black
Yellow Ochre
Cadmium Yellow Medium
Pyrrole Red (Cadmium Red Light acceptable)
Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Sienna
Buff Titanium or Naples Yellow (optional but recommended)
Soft pink (optional)
Matte Medium
S4 canvases or boards (12x12, 16x20, or 20x20 recommended)
Lightweight paper for making collage papers (mixed media or drawing—not heavy paper)
Tissue paper or decorative papers (optional)
Book pages, sheet music, or old drawings/paintings for collage (anything and everything) (optional)
Art Journal for notes and paint mixing - any size (optional)
8x10 Gelli plate
Brayer (roller for printmaking)
Assorted brushes (medium to large)
Old credit card or scraper
Scissors
Pencil
Water container
Paper towels or rags
Charcoal or graphite (optional)
Acrylic paint markers (Posca or similar) (optional)
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Any questions? Please contact me directly: hello@elizabethwilliams.art
Elizabeth Williams
For as long as I can remember I’ve been creating art. Drawing anything and everything; finding inspiration from the world around me. I love to observe the color and shape of a landscape, the complexities of a face, or even the simplest pattern found in nature. These are the elements that spark my interest and express themselves in my art, synthesizing my thoughts and emotions. This process is always changing and an endless source of inspiration as I observe, meditate and express.
I studied Graphic Design and spent many years working in a corporate setting, creating all day for someone else. I loved my job – but pushing paint on a canvas and creating for myself was much more rewarding. Making that transition to a full-time artist has been amazing! And, having been recognized with many “Best in Show” awards, I am truly grateful for this artist’s life! I hope you enjoy my art as much as I enjoy creating the works, and if you would, follow my journey on Instagram to keep up with the latest from my studio!