Abstracting the Garden

Instructor: Rebecca Madura

Garden Abstractions: Introduction to Abstract Painting from Observation

Description: "There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward, you can remove all traces of reality." ~ Pablo Picasso

Discover the beauty of abstract painting by exploring some of the concepts behind abstract art. In this class, a variety of mark-making, use of color, and painting techniques will be introduced to encourage the development of new ways of applying paint and composing the visual space.

We will look to the garden for inspiration, working from sketchbooks, studies, and reference photographs to produce images based on the garden to develop your own visual language. We will explore the importance of drawing from the source and realistic source material to develop abstract compositions. This class will culminate in a final painting, bringing together all that has been learned to create an abstract nature-inspired painting.

During this workshop, working alla prima, participants will create a small series of abstract paintings exploring different methods of creating abstract works. We will look to examples from the most notable abstract painters of art history, as well as the conceptual ideas behind many contemporary abstract art movements for inspiration.

Participants may work in either oils or acrylics according to their preference and comfort with the media. The focus of this class is to improve visual perception and enhance an understanding of abstract language. The class will help prepare students for continued study of abstract painting through more advanced courses, or to explore within one’s individual art practice.

Prerequisites: It is recommended that participants have some painting experience with oils or acrylics. The focus will be primarily on mark-making, composition, and creative processes.

Supplies: If you already have paints/supplies, bring what you have. There will be a variety of oils and acrylics available for experimentation.

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Fall 2024

9/17/2024

10/22/2024

6:00 PM

9:00 PM

TUE

3rd Floor

330

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