Abstract Painting Short Course

About this course

This course examines how painting can move beyond realistic representation through colour, gesture, scale, form and line. Studio work combines guided experimentation with live demonstrations, while tutor-led discussion introduces principles of abstraction and examples from historical and contemporary artists. Participants investigate ways to start an abstract painting, including drawing from source material into abstraction, and work with colour theory, glazing, overpainting, mark making and composition. Critical advice is offered throughout the process.

What you'll learn

• Apply colour, gesture, scale, form and line within abstract painting.
• Explore methods of developing abstraction from source material.
• Use colour theory when planning and making abstract paintings.
• Experiment with glazing, overpainting and varied mark-making techniques.
• Analyse the role of composition in abstract work.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners with an understanding of painting who want to investigate abstraction. It combines individual studio experimentation with demonstrations, tutor guidance and critical advice.