Courses - C2502B: The ABCs of Abstract Painting

How to find a subject for a non-objective painting!

This is a fun and creative course that will introduce the artist to a variety of techniques and approaches to abstract art. The goal is to enable participants to discover and explore their own style and to create multiple art pieces. 

A new modality will be introduced in each of the first 4 weeks of the course, and in the final week, each student will complete a larger project based on one or more of these exercises.

Explore the exciting medium of watercolour in a fun and creative environment, working from real objects, and learning colour theory and mixing.  Andrew Hamilton will help each artist to find their own personal style.  we will be working on finishing paintings in a range of genres, including landscape, florals and still life.

Suitable for beginner and intermediate painters-as well as advanced artists wanting professional advice.

Starts February 24, 2025
$215.50 Non-Members
PACE, 201 McDonnel St. – Room 17, Peterborough ON K9H 2W1

WEEK 1: 12 basic shapes
WEEK 2: Communal composition
WEEK 3: Abstracting from a realist reference
WEEK 4: Monoprints
WEEK 5: Your major project

 Supplies
Supplies will be discussed in the first class, but it is recommended that the registrants bring an array of paints, substrates, tools and materials that they may wish to use in experimentation with the various approaches.  The objective is for the artist to stretch by trying out new ideas while receiving instructor coaching and class feedback.

Some basics:

• 1 sketch book – 11” x 14” – hardbound or spiral bound (mixed media paper)
• Acrylic Paint (Golden or Liquitex heavy body or any “artist grade”)
  • Hansa yellow light
  • Quinacridone red
  • Phthalo Blue
  • Titanium white
  • Other colours of your choice
• Brushes:
  • 1 of each (Princeton or Curry’s brand) Filbert #1 and #2
  • Your favourite brushes
  • Old brushes (These can be used to make interesting marks)
• Substrates:
  • 1 pad of multimedia paper (14 lb or greater)
  • 1 canvas pad (at least 11” x 14”)
  • Canvas of your choice (sizes will be discussed)
    Or plywood sheets or hardboard, Masonite or card

• Palette: plexiglass sheet or thick palette paper or dollar store cutting board
• Other:
  • Paper towels or blue shop towels
  • Sponges (dollar store)
  • Old credit cards, or plaster scrapers
  • 1 of each pencil – HB, 3B and 6B
  • 1 drawing eraser
  • Conte sticks (black and white)